Youth and Management Development
Youth and Membership Development is a major focus for Surf Life Saving. The safety and development of our members remains our first and foremost priority in our activities.
Youth Development is about providing our young people with positive experiences and opportunities which enhance their strengths and capacity as well as affirming them as contributors to our community and shapers of their own future.
The six main goals for youth and membership development are:
• Enhance recruitment and retention of membership
• Promote lifesaving skills
• Develop leadership, teamwork and people management skills (lifeskills)
• Recognise members and their contributions in the organisation
• Set up a system to allow youth to have an impact and involvement into the organisation (youth voice) and
• Support Clubs and Branches in developing Youth and Memberhsip programs.
Surf Life Saving conducts development programs at all levels to provide the opportunity for youth members to be exposed to the many elements of Surf Life Saving. Additionally the programs encompass team building, personal development and leadership based activities.
Development camps are held once a year and are held for a period of 2-3 days depending on the camp. The objectives of the camps are as follows:
• To provide an opportunity for members to gain knowledge, experience and develop skills in a wide range of Surf Life Saving Activities in an enjoyable and stimulating environment;
• To provide a program structured to develop maximum participation, confidence and leadership;
• To enrich the participants involvement in Surf Life Saving - retain members by offering satisfying experiences which are mutually beneficial.
• To provide an opportunity for lifesavers to develop leadership skills to impart their knowledge and skills in surf lifesaving onto others.
Surf Life Saving conducts many Youth Development and Leadership Programs for its members.
These include:
• Club Youth Development Programs
• Branch/Regional Youth Development Programs
• State (Cadet/Junior) Development Program (14 - 17 years)
• State Leadership Development Program (18 -25 years)
• National Leadership Development Program (18 - 25 years)