Surf lifesaving

Originating in early 20th century Australia, the movement has expanded globally to other countries, including New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

[2] Volunteer groups of men were trained in life saving methods and patrolled the beaches as lifesavers looking after public safety.

Volunteer clubs patrolled beaches in England at Bude and St. Agnes in Cornwall and at Brighton, their aim to protect, rescue and resuscitate bathers.

While not performing rescues they are also required to wear long-sleeve yellow shirts and red shorts to provide protection against the sun.

In the UK, SLSGB has a long history of voluntary members patrolling local beaches, offering advice, first aid and rescue services.

In some areas Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Lifeguards operate on behalf of the local authority.

The sport is still based on volunteer clubs which perform rescue duty, from children in the "nippers" category through to professional elite circuits that have been established for the high-profile "ironman" events.

In the 2003-2004 patrol season, lifesavers performed 9,044 rescues, provided emergency care to 26,739 patients, and undertook 171,965 preventive actions.

In New South Wales the season coincides with the beginning of the September school holidays and finishes on ANZAC Day.

Lifesavers are distinguished in Australia from paid lifeguards which are generally employed by the relevant Local Government authority and patrol the beach throughout the year.

Support Services also operate to augment the patrols on the beach by providing surveillance away from the flag areas and emergency back-up when required.