A service profile
In the ocean or along the coast, conditions can change in the blink of an eye. A rapid and effiicent response by a well-trained team of lifeugards, can make the difference between a successful rescue and tragedy.
The following information can be found on this page:
A leader in professional lifeguard services
A professional lifeguard service
Goals of the ALS
Our commitment to quality
Why do people choose the ALS?
How do I become a lifeguard?
Further information
A LEADER IN PROFESSIONAL LIFEGUARD SERVICES
The Australian Lifeguard Service (ALS) has always been dedicated to saving lives and is committed to the provision of a proactive service on the beaches and within the community.As a division of Surf Life Saving Australia, (SLSA), we provide professional lifeguard services to local governments, land managers and resorts. Our territory encompasses more than 250 beaches and we employ over 700 lifeguards.
We are supported by a national infrastructure that includes the provision of:
nationally accredited training
specialist rescue services
communication networks
international expertise in rescue, medical research, coastal management and equipment development
recognised standards and compliance systems.
A PROFESSIONAL LIFEGUARD SERVICE
Heritage – with more than 30 years professional experience, and the backing of the world’s oldest and most respected surf lifesaving organisation – SLSA – you can count on us to be there with you when the going gets tough.Innovative – Australia has always been at the cutting edge of lifesaving technology and we have access to the development of the latest rescue tools and techniques, both in Australia and internationally.
National – Through SLSA, we regularly liaise with peak bodies at state and federal levels, including the Australian Water Safety Council. This allows us to develop public policy and assist with its implementation within your local area.
International – our linkages with the International Life Saving Federation (ILS) are unrivalled, giving us full access to all the world’s great professional lifeguard services. We also provide exchange opportunity for lifeguards across many partner organisations.
GOALS OF THE ALS
VISION: Zero preventable deaths and injuries along the Australian Coastline
AIMS:
- To provide the best quality coastal public safety service
- To work effectively with the community and local governments to improve coastal public safety
- To engage stakeholders and the community to understand and act upon coastal public safety issues.
OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY
We are committed to the provision of quality services. We believe that continuous monitoring of service delivery and inputs is vital in order to achieve improvements wherever possible.
As a leader in the aquatic safety and lifeguard services industry, we set international standards through quality nationally accredited training, highly skilled staff and stringent standard operating practices.
We maintain strong ties with national and international bodies which include:
Australian Water Safety Council
International Life Saving Federation
Government Skills Council
Australian Resuscitation Council
Emergency Management Australia
Local Government Association
Australian Tourism Commission.
WHY DO PEOPLE CHOOSE THE ALS?
Australia is a continent with a coastline that stretches more than 36,000km and which consists of more than 11,500 beaches. Lifeguard services is a diverse operation with specific industry standards, across the public safety, training and development and medical research sectors.We have a strong link to Surf Life Saving Australia and a long and proud history in Lifeguard Service provision and public safety.
Safety – people drown on unpatrolled and unguarded beaches. ALS will assist you in delivering safe and enjoyable aquatic locations while protecting your reputation in public safety.
Experience – drawing on the expertise acquired by SLSA over 100 years, we have access to comprehensive data on all Australian beaches, allowing us to better analyse demand and recommend appropriate service levels.
Expertise – we implement strict operational procedures and controls including detailed management plans which meet agreed performance standards.
Risk reduction – ALS effects comprehensive public liability, errors & omissions policies covering lifeguard operations thus significantly reducing your own risk.
Partnership – we work to become a full partner in beach safety with you – from integration with your own quality assurance (QA) program, to regular meetings to review performance and plan improvements.
Value adding – from a national resource pool we can add value to your existing or potential operations while still allowing the community to recognise the local government or land manager’s commitment to public safety.
Value for money/cost – through the combined sharing of resources with the volunteer services and existing ALS collateral we can reduce costs while maximising benefits to the community. Improved economic outcomes are achieved for you through flexible implementation of optimum manning levels and elimination of cost overruns.
Administration – we can reduce your administration burden by taking on the administration of agreed items relating to procurement, leasing, maintenance and
staff management, including all industrial relations issues.
Integration – we deliver seamless and effective cross service cooperation with all emergency services including surf lifesaving support operations groups and the nationwide volunteer club movement which may include rescue helicopters, jet/offshore rescue boats and other craft as available.
Service – The Australian Lifeguard Service has been providing professional lifeguard services for more than 30 years and with the support and knowledge acquired by SLSA over more than 100 years, our lifeguards are all experienced in effectively dealing with the beach going public.
WE MAKE IT EASIER FOR YOU TO DELIVER SAFER BEACHES
HOW DO I BECOME A LIFEGUARD?
As part of a world-leading organisation, our lifeguards must demonstrate high levels of fitness, excellent rescue and people skills, and great professionalism. All lifeguards will be over 16 years of age and have as a minimum the following qualifications:
Bronze Medallion / Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue)
Senior First Aid Certificate
Advanced Resuscitation Certificate
Defibrillation Certificate
Spinal Management Certificate
Silver Medallion – Aquatic Rescue
Lifeguards must also be prepared to uphold the values of the ALS and present a professional, helpful and courteous front to the public.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
For more information on how we can make it easier for you to deliver safer beaches or to learn more about becoming an ALS Lifeguard contact the following:Australian Lifeguard Service (National)
(02) 9300 4083
www.lifeguards.com.au
Australian Lifeguard Service (NSW)
(02) 9984 7188
www.australianlifeguards.com.au
Australian Lifeguard Service (NT)
(08) 8985 6588
www.lifesavingnt.com.au
Australian Lifeguard Service (QLD)
(07) 3846 8000
www.lifesaving.com.au
Australian Lifeguard Service (SA)
(08) 8354 6900
www.surfrescue.com.au
Australian Lifeguard Service (TAS)
(03) 6223 5555
www.slst.asn.au
Australian Lifeguard Service (VIC)
(03) 9676 6900
www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au
Australian Lifeguard Service (WA)
(08) 9243 9444
www.mybeach.com.au
Page updated: September 2008