COMMITTEES
Committees and boards bring together members with diverse skills, perspectives and experience to provide leadership, guide decisions and support effective governance across Surf Life Saving. With opportunities at club, state and national level, you can contribute to areas such as lifesaving operations, surf sports, finance, strategy, member welfare and development. By sharing your knowledge and ideas, you’ll help strengthen the organisation and shape its future.
Club Board & Committee
What is it?
Club Boards and Committees bring together passionate volunteers who provide governance and leadership across lifesaving operations, surf sports, finance, strategy, member welfare and club development. You’ll contribute your skills and experience to guide decisions, support fellow volunteers and help shape the future of your club.
Where can it lead?
This experience can support progression into state advisory, Futures Board and broader governance roles.
What are the requirements?
Contact your club for more information
Will I need to get wet?
No
This could suit you if you are:
Collaborative, respectful and open to different perspectives
A clear communicator and active listener
Reliable, accountable and willing to follow through on commitments
Forward-thinking and interested in your club’s long-term success
Comfortable making informed decisions in the best interests of members
Organised, with strong prioritisation and time-management skills
Passionate about supporting volunteers and strengthening your club
State Committees
What is it?
State Advisory Committees provide specialist advice and local insight to help shape policies, programs and operational priorities across Surf Life Saving. You'll work with state and national stakeholders to represent regional needs, improve program delivery, enhance community engagement and support the overall mission of promoting water safety and lifesaving services. These collaborative efforts help ensure that Surf Life Saving remains responsive, efficient, and aligned with the unique challenges faced by different coastal communities.
Where can it lead?
This experience can support future state and national committee or governance roles.
What are the requirements?
Minimum 18 years old
Two-year term
Subject matter expertise in the area of the committees’ work
A willingness to contribute to policy and strategy in the area of the committees’ work
Ability to commit to regular meetings, either face to face or online
Will I need to get wet?
No
This could suit you if you are:
Knowledgeable about your area and interested in representing regional needs
Collaborative and confident working with diverse stakeholders
A clear communicator and active listener
Able to consider different perspectives and provide constructive advice
Forward-thinking and solutions-focused
Reliable and organised, with strong prioritisation and time-management skills
Committed to improving programs, services and community outcomes
Futures Board
What is it?
The Futures Board gives young members a voice and platform to help shape the future direction of Surf Life Saving. You’ll bring fresh perspectives to projects, strategic planning and advice for senior leaders, helping drive initiatives that support innovation and sustainability across the movement. Through this role, you’ll gain practical experience in governance, project management and stakeholder engagement while helping ensure Surf Life Saving remains relevant, inclusive and adaptable for future generations.
Where can it lead?
This provides aspiring Surf Life Saving leaders with a unique opportunity to gain practical committee and board experience, supporting progression into senior leadership and governance roles at club, state and national levels.
What are the requirements?
Age 20 - 30 years old
Will I need to get wet?
No
This could suit you if you are:
Passionate about representing young members and shaping the future of Surf Life Saving
Confident sharing ideas and fresh perspectives
Innovative, forward-thinking and solutions-focused
Collaborative and open to different viewpoints
Interested in governance, strategy and project development
A clear communicator who can build relationships with diverse stakeholders
Reliable and organised, with strong prioritisation and time-management skills
Surf Life Saving SA Board
The Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA) Board is the governing body responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, governance, and overall performance of the organisation. Board members are entrusted with upholding the values and mission of SLSSA, ensuring that the organisation operates ethically, transparently, and in line with its legal and regulatory obligations.
As a board member, you’ll work closely with senior management to guide decision-making, manage risk, and support the long-term sustainability of surf lifesaving in South Australia. Each member contributes their expertise to areas such as finance, governance, community engagement, and surf sports. By setting clear policies and monitoring outcomes, the SLSSA Board plays a vital leadership role in ensuring the organisation remains strong, community-focused, and responsive to the evolving needs of its members and the wider public.
Where can it lead?
Experience on the SLSSA Board can lead to opportunities at national level, including national committees, advisory groups and broader governance roles.
What are the requirements?
Be suitably qualified and experienced, with skills that can contribute to the effective governance and operation of SLSSA
Ability to commit to regular meetings, either face to face or online
Will I need to get wet?
No
This could suit you if you are:
Experienced in committee, board or governance roles
Strategic, forward-thinking and comfortable making informed decisions
Reliable, accountable and committed to acting with integrity
A strong communicator who can build relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders
Collaborative and open to different perspectives
Organised, with strong prioritisation and time-management skills
Passionate about strengthening Surf Life Saving and serving the community
Surf Life Saving Australia Board
What is it?
The Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) Board plays a critical role in overseeing national governance, accountability and strategic direction across the movement. Guided by the Board Governance Charter, Board members uphold high standards of ethical conduct, act independently and with integrity, and meet all statutory and legislative obligations. You’ll also oversee risk management and compliance processes, helping guide informed, responsible decisions that align with SLSA’s mission and responsibilities to the community.
Where can it lead?
Experience on the SLSA Board can support progression into international committees, advisory groups and governance roles across the global lifesaving movement.
What are the requirements?
Commitment to SLSA’s purpose, policies, rules and values
Previous experience in a relevant leadership or governance role
An understanding of community, charitable or not-for-profit organisations
Knowledge of governance, risk management, strategic planning and responsibilities
Strong communication, presentation and advocacy skills
A record of achievement or meaningful contribution in previous roles
The ability to collaborate effectively with fellow directors and external stakeholders
The ability to think strategically and support the implementation of organisational plans
Sufficient time and commitment to fulfil the role, including undertaking professional development when required
Will I need to get wet?
No
This could suit you if you are:
Experienced in senior committee, board or governance roles
Strategic, forward-thinking and able to consider issues from a national perspective
Able to act independently, objectively and with integrity
Comfortable overseeing risk, compliance and complex organisational matters
A strong communicator who can build relationships with diverse stakeholders
Collaborative while remaining confident in making informed decisions
Reliable and organised, with strong prioritisation and time-management skills
Committed to strengthening Surf Life Saving and its impact on communities
Ready to start your journey?
Find a club
Click here to find a club near you!
Contact us
If you have any further inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us via slssa.reception@surflifesavingsa.com.au or by calling 8354 6900 during office hours.