Friday 28 August 2020

Thank you to everyone who responded to our COVID-19 member survey a couple of weeks ago. We received over 600 individual responses which gave us some great clarity around what our members want and need to know in the leadup to the new patrol season.

The overwhelming theme in the feedback from the survey was a lack of clarity around what the season ahead will look like and some real concerns about member engagement if activities are affected or interrupted.

To be absolutely clear, Surf Life Saving NSW is committed to the patrol season commencing as planned. Taking into account that we continue to operate in a constantly-changing operational environment, we have sought to provide you with as much clarity as possible and to answer as many questions as we can that were raised through the survey.

The Pre-season Planning Matrix for clubs provides a high level snapshot of the current state of play for all SLS activities – lifesaving, education, Nippers and competition. The matrix is supported by five information packs, which have been created or updated to address the feedback we received.

• Lifesaving COVID-19 Information Pack
• Training and Education COVID-19 Information Pack
• Junior Activities COVID-19 Information Pack
• Sport COVID-19 Information Pack & Return to Sport Plan
• COVID-19 Media Response Plan

You will see that we have attempted to consolidate all previously provided information into these key, succinct information packs with the ready-reckoner Matrix providing easy answers to most questions at a glance. Please be aware that these resources will be updated as and when Government restrictions change.

We hope that these resources provide you with the information that you need to effectively plan for, and participate, in the season ahead. Please reach out to your Club and Branch Portfolio Directors, to the staff at SLSNSW and to each other if you have further questions, or need additional support to assess and manage your operations as they relate to COVID-19.

To make it even easier to get further information or advice, we have a central email address to capture all enquiries and ensure you receive the support you need. We will undertake to respond to questions or requests for more information within 48 hours.

info@surflifesaving.com.au

There are many of us who are keen to get back to Surf Life Saving activities and we are looking forward to what we hope will be another enjoyable and safe season. While we acknowledge that this season may look a little different, we are confident our clubs and members will support each other and do all they can to ensure lives are protected and people are safe on our beaches this summer.

George Shales OAM
President
Surf Life Saving NSW

Steven Pearce AFSM
Chief Executive Officer
Surf Life Saving NSW