SURF LIFE SAVING & THE ENVIRONMENT


Without healthy coastlines and waterways, Surf Life Saving does not exist.

Healthy environments are vital for Surf Life Saving SA to deliver its core mission of saving lives and building connected, inclusive communities.

We are dedicated to safeguarding our coastal and aquatic environments through sustainable practices, proactive stewardship, and informed decision making. Our Environment Advisory Committee works with clubs and leadership to advocate for the protection, repair, and restoration of natural resources and biodiversity while fostering collaboration and awareness within SLSSA and the community.

Consider the impact of water quality, shifting sands and changing behaviours of aquatic creatures can have along our coastline.

Clean Up Australia Day @ Seacliff Surf Life Saving Club (2024)


Environmental Projects and Outcomes

  • SLSSA is a member of the Sports Environment Alliance

  • SLSSA have surveyed all club executives and are working on a strategy to address short and moderate term environmental concerns

  • SLSSA are partnering with the SACWA to explore opportunities to recycle old patrol uniform

  • SLSSA have an office composting system, eliminating food waste at Surf Central

  • SLSSA partner with Scouts SA to recycle all 10c containers used at Surf Central

  • SLSSA no longer provide plastic bottles at any SLSSA carnivals, camps, programs and courses.

  • SLSSA offset their energy consumption through solar at Surf Central.

  • SLSSA are continuing to minimise the amount of printing and paperwork required as an RTO compliant organisation. All necessary printing is on 100% recycled paper.


Resources for Clubs

Sports Environment Alliance

A not-for-profit organisation with a purpose to lead, educate and empower the sport ecosystem to take action for and influence a sustainable and regenerative future.

Take 3 for the Sea

Take 3 for the Sea is a global movement inspiring people to reduce plastic pollution by simply taking three pieces of rubbish when they leave the beach or outdoors.

 

Clean Up Australia

Clean Up Australia inspires and empowers communities to take action for a cleaner environment, with its annual Clean Up Australia Day uniting people nationwide to make a lasting difference.

Earth Hour

Earth Hour is a global movement that unites millions of individuals, communities, and businesses by switching off lights for one hour to raise awareness and action for the planet.

 

Green Star – New Club builds and renovations

The Australian Government now requires Green Star and electrification standards for its buildings, and SLSSA encourages clubs to consider and adopt these where practical.

Flinders University

Flinders University conducts leading environmental research focused on climate resilience, water sustainability, and biodiversity, driving innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.


Environment Advisory Committee (EnvAC)

The Environmental Advisory Committee of Surf Life Saving South Australia (EnvAC SLSSA) is dedicated to safeguarding our coastal and marine environments through sustainable practices, proactive stewardship, and informed decision-making. We advocate for the preservation, repair, and restoration of natural resources and biodiversity while fostering collaboration and awareness within our organisation and the community. Our mission is to inspire environmental responsibility among our members, ensuring vibrant ecosystems for current and future generations.

Terms of reference for the EnvAC are available here.

Without healthy coastlines and waterways, surf lifesaving does not exist.

The Environmental Advisory Committee (EnvAC) supports SLSSA and its members in navigating a changing climate and sustainability issues that impact on the core mission of saving lives and building connected, inclusive communities.

EnvAC OBJECTIVES

  1. Advocate for the preservation and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems supporting SLSSA’s ambition of saving lives, building sustainable clubs and enabling connected communities.

  2. Foster sustainable practices within SLSSA operations and community programs, aligning with SLSSA’s enabler to “reduce our impact by making environmentally conscious decisions.”

  3. Raise environmental awareness and promote proactive stewardship among SLSSA members and the broader community in line with SLSSA’s value of inclusivity and commitment to education.

So what do you want your environment committee to achieve? Email with your ideas.

As a subcommittee of the SLSSA Board, EnvAC committee members are surf lifesavers who have passion and professional experience in environmental sciences and sustainability practices.


Contact

Surf Life Saving SA
Club & Member Development Team
E: development@surflifesavingsa.com.au
P: 08 8354 6900