Women in Lifesaving 2025: A Powerful Day of Connection, Inspiration, and Action
Surf Life Saving Queensland’s 2025 Women in Lifesaving Workshop brought together a diverse group of female leaders, athletes, and active members from across the state for a day focused on connection, learning, and driving change — from the sand to the boardroom.
Held as part of SLSQ’s Gender Equity Action Plan 2024–2027, the workshop created space for women to grow their skills in lifesaving and surf sports, share stories, and strengthen networks. It reflected SLSQ’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive leadership and meaningful opportunities for women and girls across the movement.
The day featured inspiring keynote speakers and breakout sessions tailored to both operational and sport pathways. Highlights included:
- Sarah Baldwin, Rainbow Bay SLSC’s first female Director of Lifesaving, who shared her journey from nippers to leadership while raising four daughters and working as a clinical nurse and midwife.
- Karla Gilbert OAM, surf lifesaving legend and 16-time national gold medallist, who reflected on her elite career and the evolution of opportunities for women in sport.
- Melinda Jackson, surf sport coach and development expert, who explored performance pathways and athlete wellbeing.
- Jill Hamilton, Marcoola SLSC, who brought decades of hands-on experience across training, IRB, RWC, and mental health support.
Breakout sessions covered practical skills in aquatic bleeding control, performance development in surf sport, and addressing the needs of female athletes, while the panel session on “Pathways in SLS” gave attendees insight into how women can shape the future of lifesaving at every level.
SLSQ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager, Sunaina Jaswal, said the workshop was about more than just skill-building — it was about visibility, community, and leadership.
“We’re showcasing the incredible depth of talent among our female members, and making sure every woman in lifesaving can see a pathway forward — whether it’s on the beach, in competition, or in leadership.”
The event was proudly supported by the Queensland Government’s Active Women and Girls program, helping to ensure all women and girls in lifesaving have access to quality opportunities to participate, grow, and lead.
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Join the SLSQ Women’s Network — an open community for women and allies across all clubs to share ideas, support one another, and build a stronger, more inclusive movement together.