Surf Life Saving WA is committed to being an inclusive organisation and to providing a safe environment for all who choose to participate in surf life saving activities.
lifesaving & nippers
All Abilities Inclusion
SLSWA endeavours to accommodate every member of the community, irrespective of any limiting or permanent disability. We encourage members with a disability to get involved in surf lifesaving activities and will support individuals to obtain qualifications.
Depending on their abilities, this can allow them to complete surf lifesaving patrols and to compete in surf sport activities if they choose to do so. Each case is individually considered based on the person’s abilities and circumstances.
Many of our WA clubs also offer our All Abilities Woodside Nippers program, for children aged 5 and above with diverse needs and abilities. Our All Abilities Nippers participate in the same activities as regular age group Nippers, adapted to the unique learning needs of its participants.
Sadly, over 30% of drownings on the WA coast are people of overseas nationality. This is largely due to growing up with little to no interaction with the beach environment and migrating to Australia, where our long stretch of coastline becomes their backyard. In WA, going to the beach is very much a part of our lifestyle, with the coast offering a range of fun recreation opportunities.
Our multicultural and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) Inclusion programs endeavour to improve this trend by helping people of all nationalities enjoy our coastline safely and be BeachSAFE.
Surf sports play an important role in surf life saving, with thousands of our members testing their skills in competitive sporting events throughout the year.
Respect is the best defence against abuse, and aggressive attitudes and behaviours. Get this right and people thrive, feel safe, and enjoy the opportunities that surf life saving provides.
Small changes in your behaviour can make big differences to those around you.
children
child safeguarding
Surf Life Saving (SLS) is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children & young people who are involved in SLS. Our policies and procedures seek to address risks to child safety and to establish child safe culture and practices in line with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
