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SLSQ has been formally approached by people in Toowoomba about forming a “Surf Life Saving Club” linked to SLSQ. It is acknowledged that any non-coastal based “Surf Life Saving Club” would need to operate under different conditions and parameters to our traditional Clubs. In the Toowoomba case, SLSQ has had a heightened presence in the region for the last couple of years, via:
Current and past surf lifesavers residing in Toowoomba have initiated talks with us to formalise a “Surf Life Saving Club” to expand the water and surf safety programs for youngsters in the Toowoomba region, to expand community resuscitation and first aid training, and to continue fundraising efforts for the specific Toowoomba programs and Surf Life Saving generally. A public meeting has been held, a steering committee established and a constitution endorsed in principle. SLSQ is awaiting a submission/request from the Toowoomba Club before formalising anything. SLSQ’S CURRENT POSITIONThese approaches from Toowoomba and Longreach have caught SLSQ somewhat “off guard” and the organisation has had to give some careful thought to whether we should and/or are able to support the establishment of “Surf Life Saving Clubs” in non-coastal areas. The SLSQ Executive at its meeting held 18th July 2001 resolved the following: “That a proposed set of conditions for affiliation of country (noncoastal) based “Clubs” as auxiliary organisations be developed for further consideration”; and “Subject to receiving a formal proposal, and criteria for affiliation being established, SLSQ supports, in principle, the establishment of a ‘Toowoomba SLSC’ as an auxiliary organisation to promote surf/water safety programs.” WHY SUPPORT NON-COASTAL CLUBS? SLSQ has obligations to promote beach/surf safety to rural communities. Our rescue statistics clearly indicate that people who travel more than 50km to the beach are more likely (compared to coast residents) to require assistance from surf lifesavers. This underpins the reasoning (and expenditure) behind our various safety education programs targeted at rural, intrastate, interstate and international tourists and particularly the “Beach-to-Bush” surf safety education “Surfaries” conducted annually. SLSQ also has obligations to support programs which enhance CPR and first aid skills within the community - in line with the State Government’s CPR2000 program. SLSQ also has a role in providing wholesome and worthwhile recreational programs for youth, thus minimising youth crime and enhancing membership levels - for both youth and parents! From marketing and fundraising perspectives, such Clubs also provide significant opportunities to promote Surf Life Saving, and to raise funds directly and indirectly. From a political perspective, the growth of membership and support for Surf Life Saving cannot do any harm. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS We need to be aware of the extra time and resources which will be required to assist and manage any additional Clubs, and particularly any “non-traditional” types as proposed. There may be a potential conflict with the Royal Life Saving Society which might consider this their “territory”. We would need to ensure that any non-coastal Club’s activities include a surf/beach (coastal) safety education, ideally with visits to the beach included as part of annual programs. SLSQ would need to determine the most appropriate Club names for non-coastal Clubs. It is recommended that the names of non-coastal based Clubs affiliated to SLSQ be determined as follows: “XYZ Life Saving Club” - This shall be applicable for Clubs providing lifesaving services to river, lake, dam or pool locations. “XYZ Junior Surf Life Saving Club” - This shall be applicable to Clubs providing “nipper” programs and activities (at rivers, lakes, dams or pools) and at least one annal visit to an ocean/coastal Club for surf orientated awareness programs and activities. SLSQ would also need to ensure that the establishment and promotion of non-coastal Clubs is positively perceived and understood by members and the general community. Consideration also needs to be given to insurance implications,particularly the impact on associated risks and insurance premiums. Appropriate “controls” would need to be put into place to ensure “Surf Life Saving’s” brand and reputation are not tarnished or compromised in any way, and that all relevant policies and “accountability” (both statutory and SLSQ) requirements are fully complied with. SLSQ would also need to determine the rights, privileges and obligations of members of affiliated non-coastal based Clubs. It is proposed that access to all the rights and privileges of members of “traditional” Clubs. SO, WHAT IS OUR POSITION? The advantages from both SLSQ’s and the general community’s perspectives far outweigh any negatives. The key issue is to ensure that any non-coastal “Club” fulfils Surf Life Saving’s obligations and charters. The following is recommended: “That SLSQ supports the establishment and affiliation (as auxiliary organisations) of non-coastal “Surf Life Saving Clubs” which agree to comply with and satisfy SLSQ’s obligations to enhance surf/water safety and participation”. | |||||
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Swanbourne Nedlands SLSC |
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