resilience
information for members
adapting through challenges
Resilience is the ability to adapt, recover and continue moving forward during difficult situations.
In surf lifesaving, resilience helps volunteers manage pressure, respond to challenging incidents, navigate conflict and stay motivated across busy seasons.
Resilience does not mean avoiding stress or never struggling. It means developing the skills, support and habits that help people recover and keep functioning even when things are demanding.
what resilience really means
Resilience is not about ignoring stress or simply “pushing through”.
Instead, it involves:
-
recognising pressure early
-
using support systems when needed
-
maintaining perspective during challenges
-
allowing time for recovery after difficult experiences
Resilient people still experience frustration, fatigue or setbacks. What often differs is how quickly they can reset, learn and move forward.
what builds resilience?
Research shows resilience grows through several key factors:
- supportive relationships and team connection
- confidence in skills and training
- purpose and meaning in roles
- healthy habits such as sleep, movement and recovery
- realistic expectations about pressure and setbacks
Resilience tends to strengthen over time through experience, learning and support.
how to know if your resilience is under strain
Signs may include:
- feeling constantly overwhelmed
- losing confidence after mistakes or criticism
- struggling to bounce back from difficult experiences
- feeling disconnected from the purpose of the role
- becoming withdrawn from teammates or activities
Recognising these signs early can help prevent longer-term burnout.
practical habits that strengthen resilience
MAINTAIN STRONG CONNECTIONS
Support from teammates and peers plays a major role in resilience.
Strong connections help people:
- share experiences and perspective
- feel supported during difficult situations
- recover more quickly after stressful events
- stay engaged with the team and community
Simple habits that strengthen connection include checking in with teammates, debriefing after challenging situations, and maintaining positive communication within the team.
KEEP PERSPECTIVE DURING CHALLENGES
Resilience is supported by the ability to step back and view situations with balance.
Helpful habits include:
- focusing on what can be controlled
- recognising that mistakes and setbacks happen to everyone
- avoiding overly harsh self-criticism
- remembering that difficult moments are usually temporary
Learning from challenges rather than dwelling on them can help maintain confidence and motivation.
PRIORITISE RECOVERY AND WELLBEING
Habits that support resilience include:
- getting adequate sleep and rest
- maintaining regular exercise and movement
- taking breaks after demanding periods
- stepping back when pressure becomes too high
- speaking with someone trusted after difficult incidents
Recovery helps restore emotional balance and prevents stress from accumulating over time.
Need more help or support?
- If it’s urgent or someone is at risk: call emergency services immediately 000.
- If you need more support: contact your GP or a mental health professional, and contact us at [email protected].
- In-club: reach out to a trusted leader (Patrol Captain, Club Captain/Director, President).