Member Protection

member protection

peer support

Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) operates in an environment which has the potential for critical incidents to occur. The roles within SLSQ can be highly challenging and incidents can happen at any time including in patrolling conditions. These incidents can include direct, cumulative and vicarious trauma. SLSQ is committed to offering support to members should they experience a critical incident while performing lifesaving measures or other events relating to their involvement within SLSQ.

SLSQ takes the welfare of its members seriously, however we contend that we do not have infinite resources. As such any incidents that occur to our members external to the SLSQ environment, will require the members to seek out their personal GP to arrange necessary support. Should these incidents effect a member’s ability to carry out lifesaving duties – they can apply directly to their clubs for a leave of absence.

A Peer Support Officer (PSO) are rostered-on over the weekend for members who have been involved in a traumatic incident. As a PSO you will only be contact via the State Operation Communications Centre (SOCC) or the Member Welfare Coordinator to provide Peer Support. You should not be tasked from within your own club. If this occurs, please contact the SLSQ Member Welfare Coordinator at memberwelfare@lifesaving.com.au

Expression of Interest - Peer Support Officer

peer support framework

The Peer Support Framework is designed for members to understand when and who is determined to receive Peer Support.

The Peer Support Framework follows Work Cover claims. This means Peer Support is given to members who are involved in critical incident at an approved Surf Life Saving Queensland Activity (For North Queensland this includes Ironman). For more information on Work Cover Claims please refer to GOV10 - Member Injury Reporting

mental health first aid

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Course - SLSQ are offering MHFA Training to all members over the age of 18. This course will provide the knowledge, skills and confidence to recognise, understand and respond to another adult experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis. Understanding how to talk about mental health and having the knowledge and confidence is key to helping others. The course is completed face to face and is two days. If you interested in attending please fill the expression of interest below

Expression of Interest - Mental Health First Aid

Bullying awareness

Bullying happens when a person or a group of people Repeatedly and Intentionally use words or actions to cause distress and harm to another person's safety and wellbeing.

Bullying can happen anywhere. It can be in schools, at home, at work, in online social spaces, via text messaging or via email. It can be physical, verbal, emotional, and it also includes messages, public statements and behaviour online intended to cause distress or harm (also known as cyberbullying). But no matter what form bullying takes, the results can be the same - severe distress and pain for the person being bullied.

Here are some helpful links:

Member protection information officers

A Member Protection Information Officer (MPIO) provides information and guidance on rights, responsibilities, and options available within the complaint resolution procedures. An MPIO is the first point of contact in a club for any enquiries, concerns or complaints around harassment, child abuse and other inappropriate behaviour. The MPIO provides information to the person with the concern. An MPIO is impartial and will not investigate or mediate complaints. Their role is to provide information to members who need it.

Expression of Interest - Member Protection Information Officer