Surf Life Saving’s valuable programs and innovative technologies were recognised at the 2011 Australian Safer Communities Awards, with the movement taking home three awards.

The Commonwealth Attorney-General Robert McLelland presented SLS with the following awards:

- Surf Life Saving Australia received a highly commended award in the Nationally Significant category, for Beachsafe – an online resource of beach safety, weather and surf information, available online and as an iPhone App.

- Surf Life Saving Queensland received a highly commended award in the Volunteer/Community Group category for their ‘On the Same Wave’ multicultural program.

- Surf Life Saving Western Australia received a highly commended award in the Education and Training category for their E-Learning for Front Line Lifesavers program.

The Australian Safer Communities Awards are sponsored by the Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department, in conjunction with the States and Territories.

They recognise innovative practices and achievements across the nation that are making our communities safer, stronger, more resilient and better prepared to manage any emergency situation.

The awards cover all aspects of community safety in the context of emergency management including:

• Risk assessment
• Research
• Education and training
• Information and knowledge management, and
• Prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

The awards are judged on two levels - State and Territory winners are decided and recognised first, and in turn become finalists for the National Awards.

Award winners are recognised throughout the emergency management sector for their outstanding achievement, innovation and professional standing.