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The Board of Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA) have endorsed the Murray Bridge Life Saving Club to be an affiliated ‘club’ under the category of Probationary Affiliation, the first of its kind in the state.

On its website, SLSSA advised “this is an important first for our organisation as we look to achieve our vision of zero preventable drowning deaths in South Australian waters.

“Importantly this step helps us to realise the strategic ambitions we have to achieve zero preventable drowning deaths, grow our active membership, enable every child across the state to access training, education and water safety and move to be the most trusted brand in SA.”

SLSSA add “the River Murray is an identified blackspot for drowning, but was also recently part of the widespread flooding through a lot of our state.

“The significance of the establishment of this Club not only allows us to fiercely pursue our vision and agreed strategy, but it allows us to be better prepared as an Emergency Service to have increased capability and capacity at times of flooding and natural disasters. The Murray is open and flowing water and so the qualification framework and awards are as per our existing policies and frameworks.”

The Murray Bridge LSC demonstrated they had far exceeded the requirements for probationary affiliation with SLSSA, meeting criteria that includes:

• Establishing and endorsing a Club Constitution
• Having an active and effective Board of Directors
• Registered their business name and ABN, achieved Incorporated Status and registered with ACNC
• Established bank accounts
• Generating income, including fundraising and sponsorship
• Having the full support of the Council and elected Members to establish this Club and be a critical part of their community going forward
• Successfully delivered ‘rippers’ to 75 children in their first summer and 87 in their second year
• A Membership list of approximately 100 members
• Volunteer members holding a number of SLS awards (BM, SRC, Trainer, etc) with another 12 to undertake training
• Identified and negotiated a space to utilise as their “clubrooms” as needed
• Were the inaugural winners for the inland State Championships with 35 competitors travelling to Lake Bonney

SLSSA note that “Probationary Affiliation at this stage of the Murray Bridge Life Saving Club journey gives them the greatest chance of success and sustainability. Importantly, the Board and membership base includes surf life savers, old and current members and so they have a good sense of what is needed and when.”

Murray Bridge Life Saving Club images courtesy of Surf Life Saving South Australia.

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