Surf Life Saving (SLS) is focused on exploring statistical and analytical data to support development of education, technology, communications and operations to reduce coastal drowning deaths in Australia.
Although SLS has been conducting research for many years, 2010 was the birth of a dedicated and thorough research program. The SLS Research Scheme was introduced to adopt rigour into research project design and provide funding for targeted and priority research projects.
Over the past year SLS has been working on two main research projects focused on rip current safety issues, and has just embarked on a new project, “Attributing the Social Contribution of Surf Life Saving Australia: Valuing the Social Capital of an Iconic Institution”. Details on these projects can be found in the Research Projects section in the menu below. For more information about research at Surf Life Saving Australia, please contact Dr Shauna Sherker at research@slsa.asn.au.
Are you interested in taking part in rip currents research?
Have you ever been caught in a rip current? Surf Life Saving (SLS) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) are calling on anyone who has been caught in a rip current to complete the following survey. The survey will form part of ground-breaking research being undertaken by SLS and geomorphologic and behavioural scientists from UNSW, to more accurately understand rip current flows and trajectories, and the behaviours and traits of those people that have been caught in rip currents.Further information on this survey will be posted here shortly.
Rip Current Awareness Day
To raise public awareness and educate beachgoers about rip currents, Surf Life Saving and the University of New South Wales held the first Rip Current Awareness Day on Sunday 6 February 2011. Rip currents have long been a hazard on Australian beaches, and each year approximately 25% of beach drowning can be attributed to rip currents (2009/10 National Coastal Safety Report) - though it is expected to be many more. In addition to this, Surf Life Saving estimates that up to 80% of beach rescues relate to rip currents. To read more about rip current awareness day click here
Upcoming Events & Conferences
Safety 2012: The 11th International World Health Organization Conference on injury prevention and safety promotion
1 - 4 October 2012
Wellington New Zealand
www.conference.co.nz/worldsafety2012
10th National Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion
2-4 November 2011
Brisbane Queensland
www.injuryprevention2011.com
International Life Saving Federation (ILS) World Conference on Drowning Prevention 2011
10-13 May 2011
Danang, Vietnam
www.worldwatersafety.org
2nd World Maritime Congress
24-28 August 2011
Shanghai, China<
www.international-maritime-rescue.org
2012 Australian Water Safety Conference
Date and place to be announced
Hosted by Surf Life Saving Australia
www.watersafety.com.au
2012 International Rip Current Symposium
30 October to 2 November 2012
Sydney, Australia
Hosted by Surf Life Saving Australia
Research Advisory Committee
The Research Advisory Committee consists of a number of esteemed researchers from a range of research disciplines in each State, and the engagement of the SLS National Research Manager and Research Assistant. This committee will facilitate the expansion and coordination of SLSA research activities, to underpin SLSA’s philosophy of evidence-based practice and innovation. The committee is:
|
John Fitzgerald OAM (Chair) |
Surf Life Saving Australia |
|
Professor Rod McClure |
Monash University Accident Research Centre |
|
Professor Anne Williamson |
University of NSW |
|
Dr Bernadette Matthews |
Life Saving Victoria |
|
Professor Andrew Short OAM |
University of Sydney |
|
Dr Sophie Pointer |
Flinders University |
|
Dr Melissa Edwards |
University of Technology Sydney |
|
Erin Cassell |
Monash University Accident Research Centre |
|
Wade Sinclair |
James Cook University |
|
Dean Dudley |
Charles Sturt University |
|
Sarah Grace |
Life Saving Victoria |
|
Dr Shauna Sherker |
Surf Life Saving Australia |
|
Barbara Brighton |
Surf Life Saving Australia |
2010/11 Priority
Implement research in the areas of rip current safety, social capital in SLS, surf sport injury prevention and rock fishing safety.
For more information about research at Surf Life Saving Australia, please contact Dr Shauna Sherker on research@slsa.asn.au.
