The NSW coastline is a beautiful, dynamic and sometimes dangerous place. More than 21,000 active volunteer surf lifesavers patrol our beaches on weekends and public holidays each season (September-April).

An iconic sight on Australian beaches for more than a century, volunteer surf lifesavers are recognised world-wide and provide a unique community service. Surf lifesavers are easily recognised by the famous red and yellow cap, and their bright red and yellow uniforms.

Coordinated through the SLSNSW State Operations Centre, the Emergency Response System has been responsible for saving hundreds of lives over the last few years, most outside of patrol hours or at unpatrolled and sometimes extremely remote locations. A team of dedicated volunteer Branch Duty Officers are the backbone of the operation, responding to callouts 24/7 from Police or Ambulance, tasking the most appropriate Surf Life Saving assets to the scene of coastal accidents or emergencies.