Lifeguards

Nationally, Surf Life Saving is one of the largest providers of paid lifeguards in the world, employing over 700 lifeguards at more than 250 locations across Australia.

In WA, SLSWA is the largest provider of paid lifeguard services, managed under contract for local or state government agencies, from the Kimberley to the Great Southern.

SLSWA Lifeguards wear black, red and yellow uniforms with LIFEGUARD written clearly on the back and front of the shirt.

In Australia, many local councils also run their own professional ocean lifeguard service. These lifeguards wear a range of different coloured uniforms, including variations of blue, white, red and yellow.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BEING A LIFEGUARD HERE!

Every summer season, between our iconic red and yellow flags, you can find our surf lifesavers and lifeguards.

Lifeguard services 2022/23

Patrol Hours

29,237

Preventative Actions

42,491

Rescues

104

First Aids

482

Lifesavers

In Western Australia, Surf Life Saving has its origins at Cottesloe beach, where the first WA Surf Life Saving Club was formed in 1909. Since these humble beginnings, volunteer lifesavers have saved more than 600,000 lives.

Lifesaving has changed dramatically over the past 100 years, with over 310 Surf Life Saving Clubs around Australia now in operation, including 31 in Western Australia.

Today, in WA alone, more than 5000 trained volunteer surf lifesavers commit their weekends and public holidays to patrol our coastline and keep beachgoers safe. This accounts for more than 100,000 hours a year. It’s easy to see how our people know the beach best!

Lifesavers wear easily identified red and yellow uniforms with SURF RESCUE clearly written on the front and back of the shirt.

Next time you are at the beach, find the red and yellow flags and always swim between them. Remember, if our lifesavers can’t see you, they can’t save you.

Every summer season, between our iconic red and yellow flags, you can find our surf lifesavers and lifeguards.

Volunteer beach patrols 2022/23

Patrol Hours

104,588

Preventative Actions

18,132

Rescues

212

First Aids

1,689