It started, like many stories do, with a proud parent on the beach.
When Scott Burgess signed up to support his child’s Nippers session, he didn’t expect to end up guiding operations across the entire state. But that’s the magic of surf lifesaving—it doesn’t just welcome you in. It shows you how far you can go.
Volunteering That Grows With You
Scott began by earning his Bronze Medallion. Within three years, he was recruited into Operations Support—experiencing midnight patrols, emergency callouts, and team leadership roles that shaped the way he saw lifesaving forever.
“To experience a dusk patrol on New Year’s Eve into midnight is something I’ll never forget,” Scott recalls.
Whether it was on a jet ski, in a command role, or mentoring others, every new challenge gave Scott deeper purpose. Today, he helps guide SLSQ’s state operational support team—and he’s still looking forward.
Three Ways Volunteering with Operations Support Transforms Lives
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Skill Building – From surf skills to state-of-the-art tech like RPAS (drones) and AI.
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Career-Boosting Leadership – Project management, team oversight, and critical thinking under pressure.
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Connection & Community – Lifelong friendships, trust, and a shared mission to save lives.
Why Operations Support Needs You
Behind every successful patrol are volunteers working around the clock. They train others. Coordinate responses. Pilot rescue craft. And they do it for one reason: to help someone make it home safely.
Scott puts it simply:
“Our goal is zero preventable deaths.”
To achieve that, we need more people—from all walks of life—willing to step up, train hard, and be ready when it counts.
What’s Next for Surf Life Saving?
Scott sees a future where surf lifesaving embraces cutting-edge innovation, new generations of leaders, and more inclusive, flexible ways to serve.
“It’s about passing the torch to the next wave of lifesavers—equipped with the tools and support to lead into the future.”
Ready to Start Your Own Journey?
Whether you’re a parent watching from the sidelines or someone looking for a new challenge, your story can start today. Surf Life Saving Queensland offers you the training, community, and purpose to thrive—on and off the sand.
This season, don’t just support from the shore.
Step into the surf. Lead. Learn. Save lives.
Join your local surf life saving club today—because the future needs you.