Member Pathways Development & Leadership

development &
leadership

With structured pathways for youth members through to seasoned clubbies, there are opportunities for members of all ages and experiences to develop skills, challenge themselves, contribute knowledge, or take on additional leadership roles.

Young club members in Surf Life Saving WA polo shirts

youth pathways

Our Youth Program for members aged U14 – U17 continues to engage across all pillars of surf life saving.

With our annual youth development camps, the opt-in Youth Recognition Program (YRP) which sees participants progress through achievement levels over a period of years, and our Youth Pathway Courses, which introduce members to the pathways available to them as they progress in their journey through surf life saving, there are countless opportunities to engage, grow, and make the most of surf life saving!

Learn more

Surf life saving club committee members gathered outdoors

Committees & boards

Members looking to share their skills, experience, and expertise, are encouraged to consider nominating for positions on a range of General Committees.

Each year in June, SLSWA calls for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from members with specific skillsets to serve on a range of Committees, including:

Lifesaving
Sports
Development
Education
Australian Honours & Awards; and
Youth Committee

The Surf Life Saving WA Board is also drawn from member nominations, with EOI for available positions sought each year via SLSWA Circular (opens in a new tab).

On a national level, there is also a range of SLSA committees and boards that members may be eligible to serve on.

Youth camp participants swimming at a rocky bay

Learn 2 Lead Program

Launched in August 2026, the new Learn 2 Lead Program for members age 18 – 30 years is a primarily club-based mentorship program which runs over two seasons.

Launching with a camp, the first season involves club-based mentoring. In the second season participants will be expected to take on an official leadership position within their club. Representing their club at the relevant September SLSWA Forum and attending all relevant club and state meetings will be an ongoing participation requirement. Participants will also be trained and encouraged to present relevant Youth Pathway Courses within their Club.

The Learn 2 Lead Program is highly recommended to any member interested in attending the SLSA National Leadership College (NLC) or Masterclass as priority will be given to members who have participated or are participating in the Learn 2 Lead Program.

Nominations are called for in May via SLSWA Circular (opens in a new tab).

Lifeguard Academy

The Lifeguard Academy was created by SLSWA to provide opportunities and a structured pathway for members interested in learning and developing skills in surf life saving operations. Through the Academy, we deliver a range of programs for members of various ages.

Our Nipper Lifeguard Program, an action packed, one-day program for U13 nippers, and our two-day Youth Lifeguard Program for U14-15’s, provide the opportunity to learn more about being a surf lifesaver or lifeguard. Participants get up close to power craft, including jet skis and IRBs, brush up on their surf rescue skills, and learn more about first aid and responding in an emergency.

Our Rookie Lifeguard Program is a 5-day camp for members aged 16-17, providing insight into the transition from being a volunteer patrol member to a paid lifeguard. Held at our South West Development Centre in Margaret River, the camp provides a fun and engaging insight into SLSWA’s Lifesaving Services, with attendees participating in a range of activities while developing skills and knowledge applicable to working in the industry.

All of these opportunities are promoted on our social media channels, and our My beach eNewsletter, with registrations filling quickly.

View our Lifeguard Academy programs

Surf Life Saving WA members at the national leadership program in Sydney

National Programs

Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) delivers a range of programs designed to grow and support members in developing skills that can enhance their contributions to both surf life saving and their personal and professional lives.

These programs include the annual National Leadership College, the Women’s Mentoring Program, and the National Leaders Masterclass. There are also opportunities to serve on exchange programs at various times.

Many of these programs are heavily subsidised by both SLSA and SLSWA to aid successful nominees participation.

EOIs to participate in these programs are invited via SLSA Circular, and promoted through both SLSA and SLSWA channels including social media and eNewsletters.