As the patrol season comes to an end across much of Australia, we would like to extend our deep gratitude for our volunteer surf lifesavers on the sand, and for you, our dedicated Guardian of the Surf.

While our volunteers have been watching over beachgoers, your support has been quietly powering everything they do; from training, to equipment, to lifesaving patrols and rescue efforts. Because of your commitment, they were ready when it mattered most.

Over the busy summer period, our heroes in red and yellow saved the lives of 5,522 people. That is 5,522 people returned home to their loved ones safely and given a second chance at life. Volunteer surf lifesavers also provided over 45,555 First Aid treatments and made over 1.3 million preventative actions – an incredible number that demonstrates the vital work they do on our beaches and out in our communities, when prevention can mean a tragedy avoided. Their actions and selfless dedication to their lifesaving mission, ensures we can enjoy that great Aussie tradition of a day spent at the beach.

These aren’t just numbers. They’re people — children, parents, grandparents — all brought safely home because someone like you stood behind them.

While patrols may be winding down in the south, our volunteer surf lifesavers in the north, including Broome, the Northern Territory, and Far North Queensland, are just getting started. Your regular giving helps ensure they too, are prepared for the season ahead.

Tragically, 51 lives were still lost to coastal drowning, all at unpatrolled locations or outside the flags. While this represents a 22% reduction from last summer, we know one life lost is still one too many.

That’s way your ongoing support is so vital.

Your committed support ensures we can plan ahead. We can train and equip more volunteer surf lifesavers. We can build smarter, safer systems that protect people before danger arises.