There’s a role for everyone in Surf Life Saving, and the experiences and opportunities that you’ll face each day are never the same.
The skills you learn along the way will not only save lives and help the community, but potentially put you on the pathway to places you never thought possible.
You will also meet people from all walks of life, form lifelong friendships and have fun along the way.
We save lives, and we change lives.
Find your pathway.
Have you ever thought about becoming a surf lifesaver? Or perhaps you’re already a member and would like to know what other opportunities are available to you within the movement?
Each and every year, thousands of men, women and young adults across the state line up to patrol Queensland’s coastline, providing a vital community service and saving thousands of lives in the process.
However, off the beach and behind the scenes, there are literally hundreds of other jobs and opportunities available to those who aren’t confident in the water or don’t want to get their feet wet. Whether it’s a surf sports coach, a club treasurer, a BBQ coordinator or a junior activities age manager, there’s a role for everyone in surf life saving.
Importantly, becoming a surf lifesaver also offers many opportunities both within and outside of the movement.
There is an almost endless scope of lifesaving-related careers available to members, the likes of taking up a medical profession or joining the Defence Force or other emergency services, and many of these doors are opened and supported by the skills learnt during your time as a surf lifesaver.
The Pathways project is all about showcasing the opportunities that lifesaving opens up to all, regardless of age, gender, shape or size. We’ve used real volunteers to share real stories about their involvement within the movement – how it’s shaped them personally, and benefited them professionally.
Whether you’re a new member, current member or a lifesaver returning after a few years’ break, we encourage you to look through the countless opportunities that are available for you to pursue, both on and off the beach. It might just put you on the pathway to a place you never imagined.
If you are already involved in surf lifesaving, find new pathways based on your current role. If you are new to surf lifesaving, you can explore all the roles and opportunities available by choosing an area of interest.
Find your current role to discover where surf lifesaving can lead you OR enter an area of interest to explore other possibilities within surf lifesaving.
Select an area of interest, such as patrol member, to find out more information.
The inflatable rescue boat (IRB) is a vital piece of Surf Life Saving equipment, requiring two people to operate. As the driver you are responsible for safely and efficiently negotiating the surf while driving the IRB and communicating effectively with the crew member to ensure the safe operation of the craft, the safety of your crew and patient/s.
As the IRB driver you may also be called upon to assist in conducting search and rescue operations and as such, liaising with other emergency response services as required.
RALPH
IRB Drivers must be:
Applicants must be also proficient in the following awards:
Similar to the IRB Crew course, the IRB Driver course is conducted over 3-4 separate days to expose the candidate to varying conditions whilst driving to provide them with the skills and knowledge to effectively drive and maintain an IRB in surf rescue operations.
Upon completion of the course, the following Nationally Recognised units will be awarded:
If you wish to push your skills to the next level, a natural progression is to the roles of Water Safety, Patrol Captain or RWC Operator.
Lifeguard
Helicopter Crewperson
Event Watersafety
