The Surf Life Saving community is today mourning the sudden passing of Surf Life Saving Australia President John Baker AM ESM.

John, ‘JB’ was the seventh President since SLSA was established in 1907, serving in the role since 2021 after spending 14 years on the national board.

An active patrolling member of his beloved Brighton Surf Life Saving Club for over 40 years, John, also served as the President of Surf Life Saving South Australia for 10 years. He was the second longest serving volunteer crew member of the South Australian Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service.

Surf Life Saving Australia CEO, Adam Weir, said John’s passion for Surf Life Saving was felt at all levels of the organisation and his loss will be felt by many.

“Today is terrible for our Surf Life Saving community, losing one of our most dedicated volunteers and leaders.

“JB’s passion for Surf Life Saving was felt at all levels of our organisation.  He remained an active volunteer with his Brighton Surf Life Saving Club and the South Australian Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service, performing thousands of hours patrolling our coastlines.

“As President of SLSA, he recently launched the new 2030 Strategic Plan for the organisation, always pushing the organisation to strengthen the Federation and focus on how we can make it easier to be a lifesaver.

“His advocacy for water safety went beyond Australia’s coastline, serving as Vice-President of Asia-Pacific on the International Life Saving Federation.

“Beyond the accolades and awards, John was a beloved member of our Surf Life Saving community and will be missed.  Our thoughts are with his wife Jo and his family and friends at this time,” he said.

Surf Life Saving SA President and National Director, Sarah Cutbush, said that the South Australian Surf Life Saving community had been devastated by the news.

“This is such a loss for our movement – of a leader, and of a friend.

“JB was incredibly dedicated to Surf Life Saving. It’s hard to believe that we won’t be hearing his voice over the radio as he’s patrolling in the chopper, or be able to laugh at his jokes – usually at his own expense.

“Our condolences go out to Jo and his family and friends, as well as Brighton SLSC – we will join you in keeping JB’s memory and legacy alive.”

About John Baker AM ESM

• First joined Surf Life Saving in 1977
• Active member & Life member of Brighton Surf Life Saving Club
• Joined the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service in 1994 and is one of the longest serving crew members in Australia.
• Served on Surf Life Saving South Australia Board for 15 years, including serving as 10 years as
• Served on Surf Life Saving Australia Board for 14 years, including 5 years as President
• In 2024 awarded the Order Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
• In 2017 awarded Emergency Services Medal (ESM) for distinguished service by a member of an Australian emergency service
• In 2018 awarded International Lifesaving Citation of Merit for distinguished service
• In 2021 he was inducted into SLSSA Hall of Fame.