Introduction
Surf Life Saving has been embedded in the Australian way of life for more than 100 years and has a continuous record of service in the Northern Territory since 1983. We have a very positive contribution to make, on and off the beach and, as move further into the 21st Century, we continue to experience strong growth in all our activities.
Surf Life Saving Northern Territory (Inc) is one of seven affiliates of Surf Life Saving Australia. The other are Surf Life Saving Queensland, Surf Life Saving New South Wales, Lifesaving Victoria, Surf Life Saving Tasmania, Surf Life Saving South Australia and Surf Life Saving Western Australia. We are a truly national water safety and sporting organisation!
Last year in the Northern Territory there were over 22 rescues, more than 8,500 preventative actions and over 30 serious first aid cases. That’s a lot of people who were grateful for the helping hand of a Surf Lifesaver!
Our Strategic Business Plan ‘Saving Lives in the Water’ outlines our strategic priorities:
- Delivering Our Peak Body Responsibilities
- Preventing Deaths and Injuries in the Water
- Being a Strong, Viable Organisation
- Building Frontline Capacity and capability
- Contributing to a Healthy Community
- Providing Enjoyable and Entertaining Surf Sports
In the Northern Territory, Surf Life Saving main organizational components are:
- An Administrative Centre in Nightcliff, Darwin
- Australian Lifesaving Academy Nothern Territory
- Three affiliated clubs…
- Darwin Surf Life Saving Club
- Gove Peninsula Surf Life Saving Club
- Mindil Beach Surf Life Saving Club
- 24/7 Search & Rescue Team
- Mindil Beach Lifeguard Service for the Darwin City Council
Professional services administered from SLSNT include lifesaving and first aid training, lifeguard services, aquatic risk assessment and advice and outdoor recreational programs. All services are customized and programmed to meet client needs.
We hope you enjoy visiting our website. Use the links to get heaps of information. Contact our friendly staff by telephoning (08) 8985 6588 or by Emailing surf@lifesavingnt.com.au
Do yourself a favour - become a Surf Life Saver today!
A BRIEF HISTORY OF SURF LIFE SAVING
The origins of surf lifesaving can be traced back to the actions of Mr William Gocher who, in September 1902 at Manly Beach, defied the law by bathing during the prohibited daylight hours. His action and similar actions by other people forced authorities to confront the issue of daylight bathing and, when these laws were repealed, swimming at the beach began to grow rapidly into a national pastime.As surf bathing became popular, its dangers just as rapidly became apparent. Small groups of experienced, regular swimmers and surfers began to form themselves into lifesaving bodies to voluntarily help people who needed rescuing from an unfamiliar environment.As these clubs grew in size and number, an Association was needed to coordinate and regulate activities and share lifesaving knowledge and the first was the New South Wales Surf Bathing Association, formed on 18 October 1907. Its rapid growth and development, and the emergence of Surf Life Saving in all other states, lead to the modern, progressive organisation we have today - Surf Life Saving Australia.
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WHAT DO SURF LIFESAVERS DO?
Lifesaving Services for our Community
Surf Lifesavers are highly trained volunteers and their prime responsibility is to prevent drowning and injury at the beach and the surrounding open waters where millions of people love to swim and enjoy various forms of aquatic recreation such as surfing, boating, fishing, wind surfing, kite surfing and water skiing. They fulfill this responsibility by supplying volunteer lifesaving services (Surf Rescue Patrols) at local beaches near their clubs as well as interclub operations such as 24/7 Search & Rescue Teams.
Sport
We love our sport and we participate in lots of activities and competitions at club, Territory and national levels. Sport is very important to a Surf Lifesaver because it promotes fitness and a healthy lifestyle - vitally important characteristics for anyone placing themselves in a rescue situation. Our sports include beach events, board and ski paddling, swimming, surfboat rowing, the famous Ironman Race and much more. There are special lifesaving competitions for patrol teams and first aiders and of course there’s always a place for more coaches and officials. A highlight of the end of each season is the NT Championships. After that our most talented athletes form into a High Performance Squad from which we pick the NT Interstate Team. In May 2009 we will host the International Lifesaving event of the 2009 Arafura Games in Darwin.
Education
All active Surf Lifesavers, aged 15 years or more, must gain the Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue) before joining a Surf Rescue Patrol. For new members, including those with an existing lifesaving qualification (First Aid Certificate, Royal Life Saving Bronze Medallion) you’ll find this qualification interesting, challenging and rewarding. There are many more qualifications you can do including the Certificate III in Beach Management and the Certificate IV in Training & Assessment. Our Trainers and Assessors dedicate a great deal of their time to help other members gain their qualifications and you can find detailed information on this website.
Junior Activities (Nippers)
Every year around 60,000 boys and girls learn essential lifesaving and self-survival skills at their local Surf Club and its no different in the NT. Membership is booming as hundreds of young members, aged 5-13, enjoy a wide range of lifesaving, sporting, environmental and social activities. Our Junior Activities (often called Nippers) are run by experienced Surf Lifesavers and qualified parents. Its not uncommon for the whole family to be involved!
Community Education and Events
Surf Lifesavers conduct training course in lifesaving, first aid and emergency care as well as conducting outdoor recreational activities for schools and community groups. Some of these activities are provided by our Lifesaving Academy while others ate provided directly by clubs.
Leadership & Development
Surf Life Saving has a strong program of leadership and development programs that provide opportunities for members at club, Territory and national levels. It starts with our juniors and continues through to an annual national Leadership Development Program and Leader’s Conference.
Being a Surf Lifesaver
Surf Life Saving in Australia is “much more than simply patrolling the beach on the weekend, and those who see only this dimension miss seeing the qualities that make Surf Life Saving truly unique in the world.”
Alan Whelpton
President, International Lifesaving Federation
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