Welcome to the September Edition
of the
Surf Life Saving Illawarra Newsletter
Welcome to our Surf Life Saving Illawarra September newsletter. The 2025/26 Lifesaving season is now underway. A huge thank you to our clubs and members for everything they have done to prepare for the lifesaving season.
Our 17 patrolled beaches in the Illawarra will now be patrolled 7 days a week by Wollongong City Council lifeguards and our Surf Life Saving Illawarra volunteer lifesavers. You can find your nearest patrolled beach and the hours the flags are in operation by downloading the BEACHSAFE APP
Welcome to our new members and families who have joined a club in our Illawarra branch and welcome back to our returning members. If you are a member who hasn't re-joined now is the time with our patrols having started and our nipper's programs at our clubs ready to kick off in the next few weeks.
If you aren't currently a patrolling member but are interested in becoming one, our clubs offer full training and are always welcoming new members to patrol. Get in touch with your club's Chief Education Officer or chat to one our friendly patrolling members in red and yellow when you are next at the beach on a Sunday and find out more about training and patrolling in your club. You can always get in contact with our office on office@slsillawarra.com.au and we would be more than happy to connect you with the right person at your club.
Expressions of Interest Open for Gear Inspectors
Surf Life Saving Illawarra are calling for expressions of interest for the Patrol Audit Team for the 2025/26 Season.
Members of the SLSI Patrol Audit team are required in conjunction with Wollongong City Council Lifeguard supervisors to undertake announced and unannounced patrol audits across beaches in the Illawarra. More information and the form to express your interest found here SLS Illawarra- Circulars and Memos
Expressions of Interest Open for Water Safety for the World Triathlon
The World Triathlon is being held in Wollongong from 14-19 October 2025. We are seeking interest from members who are interested in assisting with water safety.
For more information to register your interest, please click on this form.
Download Beachsafe App!
Access the latest information about every Australian beach or find a beach near you including local conditions and lifesaving services. There’re also safety advice and information about flags, signs, rips, waves and more.
Surf Life Saving recommends swimming at patrolled beaches, between the red and yellow flags.
Education Courses
Upcoming First Aid Courses
Our next first aid course will be held on Tuesday 2 December and Thursday 4 December 2025.
First Aid is open to current members above the age of 14 who are currently patrolling at their club or will be commencing patrol at their club.
Contact educationadmin@slsillawarra.com.au for more information and to book in.
2025 Dean Mercer Dash
The Dean Mercer Dash is back for 2025.
In honour of Thirroul SLSC Life Member Dean Mercer OAM, Thirroul will host the annual endurance board paddle the “Dean Mercer Dash” and is calling for entries to the event to be held on Sunday the 26th of October.
More information can be found here
SAVE THE DATE for our upcoming Branch Carnivals
Junior Development Carnival - Sunday 18 January 2026
This is a great carnival for competitors who are new to carnivals and those looking for a day of fun. We offer a local carnival with non-competitive events for our nippers to learn about how to compete and experience surf sports in a fun, friendly environment.
Keep an eye out in future newsletters and our social media pages for further event information.
Surf Life Saving Illawarra Branch Championships- Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February 2026
Our Annual Branch Championships are a great event where our Illawarra competitors from all 17 of our clubs have the opportunity to come together and compete.
We hold competition for our Juniors on Saturday and competition for our Seniors and Masters on Sunday. Saturday also involves our Junior Lifesaver of the Year (JLOTY) presentation, and we begin the day with a March Past with all our competitors.
Entry circulars available later in the year.
Expressions of Interests Open
Surf Life Saving Illawarra is currently taking expressions of interest for a Branch Complaints Manager. More information can be found about the position here:
We are still taking expressions of interest for a Deputy President for the Surf Life Saving Illawarra branch. Find out more about the position and how to express your interest here:
Surf Life Saving Illawarra Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Surf Life Saving Illawarra's AGM is being held on Tuesday the 28th of October 2025 at 6.30pm at Surfhouse.
Office Closure
Please be advised our office will be closed on Monday the 6th of October for the King's Birthday Public Holiday. Enjoy your long weekend.
NEWSLETTERS
Does your club have any news, training dates or just anything you would like to share. Send it through to the SLSI branch office and we will put it in the newsletter.
