As the world’s largest island nation, Australia’s history, culture and leisure are intricately linked to our beaches and coastline. Keeping our beaches safe has been the primary responsibility of Australia’s surf lifesavers since 1907. During this time they have rescued more than 500,000 people, and assisted thousands of others through first aid and emergency management services. In a major step towards the further reduction of death and injury on Australia’s coastline, Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), the country’s leading aquatic safety organisation, has produced the first-ever Australian Coastal Public Safety Guidelines.

Through these guidelines SLSA is providing leadership and guidance on all areas of best practice in relation to coastal safety management. One of the lasting legacies from 2007 Year of the Surf Lifesaver will be the recognition that a uniform set of coastal risk management guidelines is one of the most effective means of further reducing the coastal drowning and injury rate.

This consultation edition will be continually expanded through liaison with community groups, government agencies and peak bodies representing the interests of all Australians.

Feedback and comments are welcomed so that the guidelines may continue to evolve as the definitive source of information and guidance on coastal public safety.

If you would like to be involved in the Australian Coastal Public Safety Guidelines you need to register your interest through this website. If you are already a SLSA newsletter subscriber just update your existing details after logging in below. If you are not a SLSA newsletter subscriber REGISTER HERE