Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine
Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine
What are the biggest challenges currently facing training and education in surf lifesaving? Right now, the biggest challenge is balancing member needs with trainer expectations. Volunteers seek convenience and flexibility, while trainers must uphold award standards and deliver learning effectively - including online. Finding that balance requires creativity, collaboration, and rethinking delivery models so learning fits around work and family life. When both sides feel supported, education becomes stronger, more engaging, and more sustainable. How do you see education evolving in the coming years? We are volunteers and we wear our hearts on our sleeves. That passion makes us great - but it also makes adapting to change difficult. Education is evolving fast. Technology is a game-changer: online modules, interactive tools, and digital resources are making theory more accessible and freeing up more time for practical skill development. Digital learning isn’t replacing the beach; it’s enhancing it. I see a future where lifesavers are more connected to their learning, better prepared, and more confident than ever. What advice would you give to trainers, assessors, or members who want to step into education or leadership roles? Start small. Assist with a course as a subject matter expert or shadow an experienced trainer. Leadership in education isn’t about knowing everything - it’s about being willing to learn and share. Embrace change and see technology as a tool, not a threat. Looking back, what moments stand out most in your own lifesaving journey? The moments that stand out are those where education unlocked confidence - earning my Bronze Medallion, my first time in an IRB, or mentoring someone through their first course. Those experiences remind me why training matters: it empowers people to save lives. What do you enjoy most about being part of the surf lifesaving community outside of this role? Beyond education, I love being on patrol, mentoring new members, and getting involved in events. The camaraderie on the beach is something special - it keeps me connected to why we all do this. Are you more of a classroom-style or hands-on beach training person — and why? Classroom or Beach? Both have their place and value. But hands down, I’m a beach-training person. There’s nothing like applying skills in real conditions. The sand, the surf - that’s where lifesaving comes alive.
Education sits at the core of lifesaving. It turns passion into capability and builds the confidence that keeps communities safe. As surf lifesaving evolves, so does the way members learn - and leading that transformation in Queensland is Jeremy Kay, State Education Officer. Can you describe your role as State Education Officer in a few sentences? As State Education Officer, I play a pivotal role in shaping the future of lifesaving training. The role is all about supporting clubs and members to receive high- quality training that meets
Can you describe your role as State Membership Officer in a few sentences? The State Membership Officer role is incredibly diverse, but at its core it’s about supporting a happy, healthy volunteer base across the organisation. The portfolio includes recruitment, retention, youth, junior activities, leadership development, member welfare and club support. I chair the State Membership Committee and represent Queensland on the national Development Advisory Committee.
What advice would you give to members who want to step into leadership roles? 1. Find a mentor — there are so many willing to support you. 2. Join a leadership program — they provide incredible development both within and outside lifesaving. 3. Back yourself — you don’t have to lead like the person before you. Everyone brings something different. What do you enjoy most outside of this state role? Being an age manager! There’s nothing better than being on the beach or in the water on a Sunday morning. My goal is to train my boys (Christopher, 11, and Thomas, 7) to get their SRC and Bronze so we can patrol together. Morning or afternoon patrol — and why? Afternoon patrol — 100%! I love the beach late in the day, and pack-up is easier than set-up.
KIRSTEN PHILLIPS State Membership Officer
JEREMY KAY State Education Officer “Training is the heartbeat of surf lifesaving.”
both state and national standards. For me, it’s about building capability and consistency so every lifesaver feels prepared for the challenges they’ll face on the beach. What motivated you to take on this position and represent education and training at a state level? My passion for education stems from years of involvement in surf lifesaving and a belief in the power of knowledge to save lives. I’ve always believed education is the backbone of lifesaving. When the opportunity came to represent education and training at a state level, I saw it as a chance to make a real impact - not just for today’s members but for the future of our movement. I wanted to help create pathways that make learning accessible, engaging, and relevant for everyone, no matter where they are in their lifesaving journey. What’s one initiative, project, or achievement in education that you’re most proud of? One initiative I’m particularly proud of is the push toward flexible learning. The move to digital platforms has been a game-changer. Online learning modules and interactive tools allow members to complete theory anytime, reducing pressure on face-to-face sessions. Combined with hands-on beach training, these innovations are producing lifesavers who are more confident, better prepared, and equipped with stronger skills than ever before. The introduction of blended learning options into the Bronze Medallion and First Aid/ART courses has boosted participation and reduced dropout rates. In recent years, education had become a minefield - full of complex rules, exceptions, and conditions. I have to take my hat off to the education committee; they listened. Over the last 18 months they reviewed all awards and courses to create simpler, more standardised training. It wasn’t easy, but it was essential.
What motivated you to take on this position and represent members at a state level? I’m passionate about volunteering and the benefits it brings to individuals and communities. Last season marked 40 years of my involvement in the movement, and I’m grateful for the opportunities and people I’ve connected with along the way. Every volunteer role has been an opportunity to give back. What’s one initiative or achievement you’re most proud of? There are many, but I’m particularly proud of our focus on leadership development. Our new mentoring program for club leaders and our investment in regional youth development have been significant. I’m also excited about grassroots initiatives like the online Nippers games library, which has become an excellent resource for age managers. All of this is possible thanks to the teamwork between our committee volunteers and membership staff. What’s the biggest challenge for clubs when it comes to recruitment and retention? The Join the Club campaign has generated thousands of enquiries, but the challenge is converting interest into long-term membership. We know that people stay when they feel welcome, valued, and socially connected. Clubs that engage new members early, introduce them socially, and get them involved quickly have the most success. Simple initiatives like buddy systems or new member catch-ups go a long way.
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