MEMBERSHIP

Club Memberships

Anyone can participate in surf life saving and club membership offers many different opportunities. Our primary function is to provide a safe beach environment for the public but whether you want to get a qualification and participate in patrols, compete at carnivals, coach, get your kids involved in nippers or simply join to support the club and get involved in social activities and utilise club facilities, we can offer something to suit you.

Annual membership commences June 1st and ends May 31st each year.

Membership fees cover access to club facilities, usage of equipment (if you hold the relevant qualification) and insurance whilst you are participating in Life Saving activities. There are six different kinds of members, all of which are explained below.

Membership Types

1. Junior Activities Member (Nipper)

This category is for younger people aged 5-13 years who want to have fun and learn basic surf safety skills. Commonly known as “Nippers”, the program is focused on participation and fun. Activities include surf safety, surf swimming, board paddling, board rescue, beach activities, basic resuscitation and first aid. Each age group progresses through a structured surf education program which also develops skills in leadership and teamwork. The program is designed to provide an educational experience in a wide range of subjects and skills within the aquatic environment and prepares junior lifesavers for their eventual transition to patrol duties. In order to join as a Junior Activity member we require that at least 1 parent/guardian must also join the club and take out a Family membership (refer below).

2. Active Cadet Member

Cadets are aged 13-15 years. Cadet members begin by training for the Surf Rescue Certificate, which is the minimum requirement to become a patrolling surf lifesaver. Active Cadets are the first line of being an active patrol member and are provided with on-the-job training with beach patrol duties. Upon gaining this award, Cadets will be placed on a beach patrol roster to perform beach patrols under supervision.

3. Active Junior Member

Active Juniors are members aged between 15 and 18 years who hold a Bronze Medallion Award. Active Juniors are involved in all areas of lifesaving and are also required to perform beach patrol duties in accordance with their membership and qualifications. Members in this category are also able to gain further lifesaving awards to increase their knowledge and skills including:

  • Advanced Resuscitation Techniques
  • Inflatable Rescue Boat Crew Certificate
  • Silver Medallion Inflatable Rescue Boat Driver
  • Senior First Aid and a Training Officers Certificate

4. Active Senior Member

Active Seniors are members above the age of 18 who hold the minimum requirement of the Bronze Medallion. Active members are also strongly encouraged to gain additional lifesaving awards to improve their lifesaving skills and knowledge, including Silver Medallion Inflatable Rescue Boat Driver, Basic Beach Management Award, and other specialist awards.

5. Associate Member

An Associate Member may be any person who does not fulfil the duties of an active Member. This may include parents, siblings or spouse of an active member or supporters of the club.

6. Family Membership

Family membership includes two adults over the age of 18 and any number of children from the same family under 18 in any of the above categories. We require that all Nipper participants join as Family members.