Lifesaving CPR – Raising the Standard of Resuscitation 

Lifesaving CPR is about doing the simple things really well, as a team, every time. 

By adopting LCPR across Surf Life Saving SA, we’re ensuring every patrol, every lifesaver, and every beach has the best chance to save lives. 

Why has Lifesaving CPR been introduced? 

Every second counts in a cardiac arrest. Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) has introduced Lifesaving CPR (LCPR) to provide a consistent, evidence-based, and simplified approach to resuscitation, helping improve survival rates both on and off the beach. 

SLSA is a leading volunteer organisation committed to turning the tide on coastal drownings, through patrols, education, training, risk assessment and public safety campaigns.  

LCPR was developed over the past two years, overseen by SLSA’s Medical Advisory Group, with leaders and clinicians working together to ensure the approach is practical, tested, and adapted for the surf lifesaving environment.  

Built on the principles of High-Performance CPR, and supported by ANZCOR [link] guidelines, LCPR focuses on: 

  • Doing the basics exceptionally well. 

  • Reducing variation in how CPR is delivered across our organisation. 

  • Improving patient outcomes through teamwork, standardisation, and urgency. 

“Surf Life Saving exists to save lives. By developing Lifesaving CPR, we can be leaders in the resuscitation world and help make sure that the care we provide our patients is the best it can possibly be,” — Dr Ned Douglas, Chair of the Medical Advisory Group.  

Every year in Australia there are around 26,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA), with only about 13% of patients surviving to return home. On average, SLSA members respond to around 65 cardiac arrests per year while on patrol, and many more as first responders in the broader community.  

Every second counts and with the introduction of Lifesaving CPR (LCPR) to provide a consistent, evidence-based, and simplified approach to resuscitation, helping improve survival rates both on and off the beach. 

For members, this means training and performing CPR in a way that’s streamlined, coordinated, and proven to save more lives. 

The 6 Aims of Lifesaving CPR 

  • Reduce time to CPR

    Start compressions quickly, within seconds.

  • Improve quality of compressions

    Depth, rate, and full recoil matter most.

  • Target 80% Chest Compression Fraction

    Spend as much time as possible on the chest, minimising pauses. 

  • A coordinated approach to CPR

    Standardised positions, clear communication, smooth role transitions.

  • Efficient and effective AED use

    Place pads early, resume compressions immediately after analysis/shock.

  • Better integration of the ART Operator

    Clear leadership, airway management, and team coordination.

What’s the difference between Lifesaving CPR and standard CPR? 

While the steps of CPR haven’t changed, LCPR changes the emphasis and delivery: 

  • Standard CPR teaches the sequence and skills. 

  • Lifesaving CPR refines how we do it - focusing on speed, teamwork, compression fraction, and consistency. 

Put simply: 

  • Same CPR, done better  

  • Faster assessments, earlier compressions. 

  • Reduced delays for breaths and AED analysis. 

  • Clear team roles and smoother handovers. 

The aim is to lift our performance as lifesavers, aligning with the best resuscitation practices in the world. 

 

How will members gain this training? 

LCPR is being rolled out nationally and will be a core part of training for all members: 

  • Skills Maintenance 2025/26 – All active patrolling members will complete Lifesaving CPR as part of their annual proficiency checks. 

  • New Members – Those gaining their Resuscitation, SRC, Bronze Medallion, or ART awards will automatically learn Lifesaving CPR during their courses. 

  • Ongoing Development – Clubs are encouraged to practice LCPR within patrol teams, building speed, confidence, and coordination before and during the season. 

This ensures that every lifesaver, from their first day on patrol through to experienced patrol captains, will be trained in the same consistent, high-quality approach to resuscitation.  

Get Ready for LCPR 

This is your chance to learn the new approach, keep your skills sharp, and ensure your patrol is ready to save lives when it matters most. 

All members must complete Skills Maintenance eLearning this season to prepare for Lifesaving CPR. Log into the SLS Hub Portal and complete your eLearning before attending your practical proficiency session

 

Additional Resources 

  • Online National Webinars 

  • The 6 Aims of Lifesaving CPR 

Contact us.

MeMBER EDUCATION inquiries

For all member education inquiries, please contact the Media Education team via member.ed@surflifesavingsa.com.au or by calling 8354 6900 during office hours.

MAIN RECEPTION

Please feel free to reach out to us via slssa.reception@surflifesavingsa.com.au or by calling 8354 6900 during office hours.

Your safety and understanding are our top priorities.