Support Roo and surf lifesavers around Australia.
Meet Roo, a high school student from Ocean Grove and volunteer surf lifesaver who’s off-duty, casual beach stroll turned into an adrenaline-filled rescue mission.
After hearing screams for help echoing from the water, Roo sprang into action. A beachgoer was trying to find help for her brother who had been dragged out to sea. He might not have been on patrol, but Roo knew he had to help! Equipped with nothing but the adrenaline coursing through his veins and his training as a volunteer surf lifesaver, he was able to rescue the young man from the water, saving his life and preventing the ultimate tragedy.
His heroic actions are a testament to the importance of our nation’s surf lifesavers, and the absolute necessity to provide support for the brave men and women keeping our beaches safe - because not everyone will have a hero like Roo walking past at exactly the right time.
Support our surf lifesavers this summer season
We’re currently running our Seasonal Appeal to support our surf lifesavers who will be keeping our beaches safe as we head into what’s set to be a scorching Aussie summer. Your donation today will help support people like Roo and other brave volunteer surf lifesavers, ensuring that they have the resources they need to keep Aussie beachgoers safe this summer.
Make a Difference
Your donation to the Surf Life Saving Foundation will make a huge impact in the lives of Australia’s volunteer surf lifesavers. Your support not only allows us to provide surf lifesavers with the equipment they need to perform their lifesaving missions, but improve aquatic safety training and awareness. Every donation counts, so please consider making a donation today.
Donate today to help more volunteer surf lifesavers like Roo
Where does my money go? Can even a small donation help? Your questions answered.
The SLSF was established to support our unique not-for-profit community cause that exists through community donations, fundraising, corporate sponsorships and government grants.
With over 180,000 members and 315 affiliated Surf Life Saving Clubs, SLS represents the largest volunteer movement of its kind in Australia, and the world.
Every year millions of people visit our beaches, and thousands of these visitors find themselves in urgent need of a life saving rescue. This is what we are here for, to keep your family and friends safe in the water.
Your support today will ensure that millions of adults and children who visit the beach go home safely.
Did you know?
- It costs at least $850 to train a new volunteer to Bronze Medallion standard. Surf lifesavers are trained in First Aid, CPR and rescue techniques. Importantly, all of our lifesavers must continue to refresh and update their skills.
- Rescue gear and equipment are some of the largest costs associated with providing lifesaving services throughout Australia. A full life saving patrol can cost up to $80,000.
- Prevention is better than cure, and the best way to save lives at the beach is by teaching people how to stay out of danger. We run campaigns on how to spot rips and what to do if you are caught in one (swim parallel to the shore!).
No matter what area your donation goes towards, you can be sure that it will make a vital contribution to saving lives.
When we raise money for the Surf Life Saving Innovation Fund, this allows us to explore new initiatives, test new programs, and learn what works to accelerate lifesaving practices. Donors who give to our Fund understand that true innovation takes time and resources, that networks and connections are key levers for change, and that dollars invested in strengthening the sector and building capacity among all stakeholders will pay dividends down the road in the form of more effective lifesaving practices, more efficient funding streams, and amplified social impact.
The Surf Life Saving Innovation Fund enables you to target your donations to directly fund a specific project. The SLSF will provide progress updates to show how your donations are making a real difference to Innovation Fund projects.
Could you give regularly?
As well as training new volunteer surf lifesaver, your monthly donation helps repair and replace the equipment that constant exposure to the sun and sea can damage. As a Guardian of the Surf your monthly donation ensures that we are rescue-ready at a moment’s notice. You would be the silent hero behind every life saved.