About

Surf Life Saving Queensland is the state's peak beach safety and rescue authority and is one of the largest volunteer-based community organisations in Australia.

From humble beginnings, when the first recorded rescue on a Queensland beach was made in 1909, SLSQ is now an efficient and vibrant organisation that boasts almost 36,000 members and growing.

Established in 1930, it is the governing body for surf lifesaving in Queensland, comprising of 59 affiliated surf life saving clubs in six regional branches. The organisation also includes supporters' clubs, with more than 200,000 members.

SLSQ is directly affiliated with, and a part of, Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) and the International Life Saving Federation (ILS).

Why We Exist

Surf Life Saving Queensland is built on a fundamental principle: to save lives.

Our organisation encompasses several diverse arms – lifesaving services, community education, surf sports, commercial training, fundraising, but they all feed contribute to that one overarching purpose.

Queensland’s mainland coastline stretches 6089 kilometers and there are more than 712 accessible beaches. Each year, there are more than 30 million visits to Queensland beaches.

Despite significant advancements in technology, techniques and knowledge, people still drown or die on our beaches.

Our Vision

Surf Life Saving Queensland exists to save lives, develop practices in education, prevention, emergency care and rescue, and ultimately to meet our vision of ‘Zero preventable deaths in Queensland waters’.

Our motto, Vigilance and Service, is derived from ‘Vigilance’ meaning watchful in case of danger, and ‘Service’ meaning serving or providing assistance to benefit the public.

Our Mission

SLSQ operates as a proactive and effective peak body, leading the way in lifesaving service provision, education, sport, beach safety advocacy and community leadership.

Strategic Priorities

Safer Beaches – to support and grow quality lifesaving services

Peak Body Advocacy – to become the first-choice consultant on beach safety and beach management issues and to continually enhance the reputation of SLSQ as the peak body

Organisational Sustainability and Growth – to deliver continuous growth as a strong, sustainable and viable organisation

Healthy Membership – to support and build the capacities and capabilities of our clubs, members and staff

Stakeholder Engagement – to enjoy and benefit from the positive, proactive relationships with stakeholders

Enjoyable Surf Sports – to grow participation, interest, skills and image through entertaining surf sports competitions