Programs

PROGRAMS

SLSQ DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

SLSQ’s development programs help members grow as leaders, team players, and active community contributors. Designed for all ages and backgrounds, our programs build skills that support personal growth and lifelong involvement in surf lifesaving.

From youth leadership to career pathways, we offer a range of opportunities to learn, connect, and make a real impact — both on and off the beach.

YOUTH EXCELLENCE PROGRAM (YEP)

Inspiring and Empowering the Next Generation of Surf Lifesavers

The Youth Excellence Program (YEP) is designed for 15–17-year-old members looking to expand their lifesaving skills, leadership abilities, and community impact. This program brings together like-minded young lifesavers from across Queensland to develop teamwork, communication, and confidence while having fun and creating lifelong connections.

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REQUIREMENTS

Be 18 years or over (Preference is above 21 years)
Hold a valid ‘Working with Children’ Blue Card or Exemption Notice
Completed both SLSQ CYRMS & SLSA Child Safe Awareness (CSA) Course on the SLS Members Area, to be
redirected to the SLSQ Hub.
Hold a proficient Bronze Medallion and an ART, First Aid & CPR Certificate (qualifications in other areas
would also be an advantage);
Be a current financial member of a Queensland affiliated Club;
Show leadership qualities and most importantly have a good rapport with youth.
Have previously attended the Youth Excellence Program as a leader or mentor (preferred but not
compulsory)

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE PROGRAM (LEP)

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The Leadership Excellence Program (LEP) is designed to develop, inspire, and equip emerging leaders within Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ). This program is a vital part of SLSQ’s retention and succession strategy, ensuring a strong and vibrant future for the organisation by nurturing confident and capable leaders.

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Who Should Get Involved?

Members aged 18 and over looking to expand their leadership skills.
Emerging leaders interested in taking on greater roles within their club, branch, or SLSQ.
Members who want to drive positive change and build resilience in a dynamic environment.

Program Objectives:

Develop inspired and resilient leaders who can confidently take on new challenges.
Create agents of change who can positively influence their clubs, branches, and communities.
Enhance leadership capability to manage uncertainty, emerging issues, and future challenges.

Program Overview:

LEP provides participants with practical leadership training, networking opportunities, and engaging activities to develop essential skills such as:

Strategic thinking & decision-making – Learn to lead effectively in high-pressure situations.
Effective communication & teamwork – Strengthen collaboration and influence others.
Problem-solving & resilience-building – Manage challenges with confidence.
Adaptability & innovation – Develop skills to navigate change and lead the future of lifesaving.

Why Join LEP?

This program is a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded surf lifesavers, gain valuable leadership experience, and develop skills that are transferable beyond Surf Life Saving. Whether you aspire to take on a leadership role within your club, branch, or at the state level, LEP will help you build the confidence and capability to succeed.

LEP FACILITATOR REQUIREMENTS

Be a minimum of 18 years of age (over 21 years desirable).
Be a current financial member of an SLSQ affiliated Surf Life Saving Club/Entity
Hold a ‘Working with Children’ Blue Card and have completed the required child safety courses.
Proficient Bronze Medallion and/or Advanced Resuscitation Techniques or First Aid Certificate
(desirable).
Have demonstrated leadership experience, including the ability to build rapport.
Have participated as a participant and/or leader in a State or National leadership program (desirable).

LEP PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS

Be a minimum of 18 years of age at the time of the program.
Be a current financial member of an SLSQ affiliated Surf Life Saving Club/Entity
Hold a ‘Working with Children’ Blue Card and have completed the required child safety courses.
Proficient Bronze Medallion, Surf Rescue Certificate or Observers Award (desirable).
Show leadership qualities and/or a willingness to take on leadership roles within Surf Life Saving
Preferably have had previous exposure to leadership/development training (e.g., at a Club/Branch development program)

LIFESAVING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (LDP)

The Lifesaving Development Program (LDP) is a hands-on education and training program designed for young lifesavers aged 16–20. This program provides a fast-tracked pathway for participants to gain multiple lifesaving qualifications, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and prepare for lifesaving operations and future leadership roles.

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Who Should Get Involved?

Youth Members (16–20 years old) looking to expand their lifesaving skills.
Active patrolling members wanting to advance their qualifications.
Future leaders and operations support personnel interested in career or volunteer pathways in lifesaving.

Program Objectives:

Deliver high-quality and engaging training to youth members.
Equip clubs with highly skilled and qualified lifesavers to strengthen patrol teams.
Ensure excellence in service delivery between the red and yellow flags.
Provide networking opportunities for youth members across the state.
Identify future leaders and operations support personnel to support SLSQ’s long-term sustainability.
Retain youth members through age-specific, engaging training opportunities.

Program Overview:

LDP is an intensive, scenario-based program where participants gain practical lifesaving experience while completing multiple lifesaving awards in a short timeframe.

Core training includes:

First Aid
Advanced Resuscitation Techniques
IRB Crewperson OR Silver Medallion IRB Driver

Participants will also develop skills in:

Teamwork & leadership – Working effectively in lifesaving operations.
Lifesaving operations – Understanding patrol responsibilities and emergency response.
Pathways & career development – Exploring future opportunities in Surf Life Saving.

Why Join LDP?

LDP is more than just gaining qualifications—it’s about building confidence, strengthening skills, and becoming a key part of lifesaving operations. This program provides an exciting opportunity to meet like-minded lifesavers, grow your leadership potential, and develop real-world skills that can benefit you both in and out of Surf Life Saving.

ADVANCED LIFESAVING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (ALDP)

The Advanced Lifesaving Development Program (ALDP) is an intensive program designed to equip SLSQ members aged 18 and over with the skills, leadership, and operational knowledge needed to respond effectively to critical incidents, search and rescue (SAR) operations, and emergency situations.

This program is not just about gaining an award—it’s about building tactical leaders who can take charge in lifesaving operations, manage incidents, and support frontline services with confidence and expertise.

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Who Should Get Involved?

Patrol Captains looking to develop advanced operational and leadership skills.
Members interested in operations support such as Duty Officers, Emergency Response Teams (ERTs), and SAR coordination.
Lifesavers seeking to improve their tactical decision-making and response capability.

Program Objectives:

Strengthen SLSQ’s frontline services by enhancing incident management skills.
Develop confident Patrol Captains and operational leaders through expert-led training.
Enhance technical proficiency and non-technical skills such as communication, leadership, operational debriefing, and documentation.
Build a strong network of skilled volunteers ready to provide surge capacity in disasters or emergencies.
Grow white-water experience and knowledge to improve response capabilities in challenging conditions.

Program Overview

ALDP is structured around real-world lifesaving scenarios where participants will learn and apply skills in:

Incident management & emergency response – Acting as incident controllers and response team members.
Search and rescue operations – Understanding SAR coordination and best practices.
Leadership & teamwork – Learning to make quick, informed decisions under pressure.
Operational debriefing & documentation – Ensuring effective reporting and continuous improvement.
Expert-led training – Sessions delivered by experienced operational leaders to facilitate knowledge sharing and best practice lifesaving techniques.

Why Join ALDP?

This program is designed to prepare members for leadership roles in lifesaving operations and create a pipeline of skilled volunteers ready to support SLSQ during critical incidents. Whether you aspire to be a Duty Officer, Emergency Response Team leader, or a more capable Patrol Captain, ALDP provides the skills, experience, and confidence to take your lifesaving to the next level.

ALL PROGRAMS

PROGRAMS

SLSQ DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

YOUTH EXCELLENCE PROGRAM (YEP)

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE PROGRAM (LEP)

LIFESAVING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (LDP)

ADVANCED LIFESAVING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (ALDP)

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