Surf Life Saving Queensland was established on a fundamental principle – to save lives! Affiliated with Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) and International Life Saving Federation (ILS), SLQS was formed in 1930. Surf Life Saving Queensland is the official beach safety and rescue authority in the country and one of Australia’s biggest volunteer based community service organizations. During the past eighty four years SLQS has expanded its services with six branches and fifty nine Surf Life Saving Clubs throughout the state of Queensland.
Today, SLQS comprise of close to 36,000 dedicated volunteers who are involved in the diverse activities of the organization as part of community work. SLQS also have several large scale partners such as Oaks hotels and resorts to support them in various projects.
With the focus of saving lives SLQS is involved in lifesaving services, community education, surf sports, commercial training and fundraising. In order to safeguard the millions of beach-goers in Queensland’s coastlines SLQS offer their services through a network of volunteer lifesavers, professional lifeguards, beach management systems, operations support as well as various community awareness programmes.
All persons involved in lifesaving need to be trained in various rescue techniques and obtain a Bronze Medallion or Surf Rescue Certificate before starting patrol services. Through the six main branches of SLQS there is a list of services provided; these include Westpac Lifesaver rescue helicopter service, rescue craft, SurfCom, communication and surveillance, and mobile services.
SLQS’s main focus is providing aquatic safety to the public for which the organization implements surf safety and awareness programmes, educates school children, provide dangerous marine creature information to the public, community award training, offer water safety services and coastal management services. SLQS also runs the Surf Life Saving Academy Queensland which is a training school that delivers emergency care training through first aid and CPR courses.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+
