City of Perth SLSC has a proud history as one of the strongest competitive surf life saving clubs on the West Coast. Whether you’re an experienced competitor or someone looking to train in a friendly, social environment, we welcome all levels and abilities to join our vibrant surf sports community.
We welcome all levels, from competitors to people looking to train in a social environment. We have a wide range of Surf Sports that you can participate in. If you have spare time to train with us, then we would love to welcome you into our Surf Sport community at City of Perth SLSC.
To see our Team Selection Policy click here.
For more information contact our Surf Sports team.
At City of Perth SLSC, we support our patrolling members in maintaining essential skills to keep our beaches safe. We encourage everyone – whether patrolling or not – to keep learning and aim for higher awards as part of our shared commitment to growth and community.
Board paddling is one of the three core disciplines of the surf ironman, as well as a competitive stand-alone event. Nippers commence board paddling at a young age on a foam board, before progressing to Mini Mals and later the Racing Mals. The senior board squad trains all-year round; training predominantly on the river in winter and at the beach in summer. The squad is open to all abilities from Under 14 upwards.
As the second surf ironman discipline, ski paddling also features in single and double ski races. While youth typically start in their first year of Under 17s, the squad welcomes beginners of all ages. With members currently ranging from 16 to 60, the ski squad is the club’s most age-diverse. Training takes place at the river or beach depending on weather conditions.
Swimming is a primary component in many lifesaving events, including pool rescue competitions and surf ironman. It also features in surf races, where competitors wade across the sandbank, swim around buoys, and return to shore. Many City of Perth SLSC swimmers train with Rick Turner at HBF Stadium on weekday mornings. The squad welcomes all ages and abilities, including triathletes, water polo players, and open water swimmers. Summer afternoons often feature additional beach swim sessions. Contact Rick Turner Swimming for more information.
Surf ironman combines board paddling, ski paddling, and swimming, with short soft sand runs between each discipline. Iron competitors typically form the foundation of the board, ski, and swim squads while also participating in dedicated iron sessions weekly. For more information, contact Simon Huitenga, our Head Water Coach.
City of Perth has one of the premier competitive beach training squads in Australia, having achieved many state and national titles in the sprints, flags, and relays. However, the squad has a strong social and inclusive culture; welcoming members of all fitness levels, abilities, and ages 14 and above. This diversity is currently represented in the squad, featuring both world champions and those enjoying the sociable benefits of the group.
The beach sprint event involves a 70–90 metre run across soft sand. The City Sprint squad trains at City Beach, nearby parks, and athletics tracks.
Beach flags is a knockout event testing speed, strategy, and agility. Competitors start lying on their stomachs before racing to stand, turn, and sprint 20 metres to grab a ‘flag’, a short piece of hose. Flags competitors train with the City Sprint squad, with most beach athletes competing in both events.
The City Sprint squad has achieved tremendous success in beach relay events, securing multiple state and national titles. Relay teams are formed from City Sprint squad members.
For more information contact our Surf Sports team.
Lifesaving competitions highlight the skills involved in rescue, resuscitation and first aid. An important part of competition is the development of skills that will assist members while performing patrolling duties. The focus of the events are ‘real’ lifesaving skills. Competitors do not have to be elite athletes, just dedicated lifesavers.
First Aid is a lifesaving event designed to test surf lifesavers’ ability to respond to and provide emergency care. Competing in teams of two, first aiders walk into unseen scenarios where they must diagnose and treat patients within a set time limit.
City of Perth has an outstanding track record in First Aid, with numerous Australian medals. In 2018, the club secured the Tess Crammond AO, OBE Perpetual Shield, awarded to the Open Mixed First Aid champions at the Australian Championships.
The Rescue and Resuscitation competition demonstrates traditional lifesaving techniques in a competitive format. While the reel, line, and belt have been replaced in modern beach patrols, the event remains valuable for developing teamwork, patient care and handling, resuscitation skills, and surf awareness.
R&R has a longstanding history at City of Perth SLSC, with teams achieving significant success at State and Australian Titles.
Champion Lifesaver combines all surf lifesaving skills into one competitive event, challenging fitness, practical lifesaving abilities, and knowledge. It’s an excellent way to stay sharp and current with all aspects of lifesaving, which is essential for patrolling members. The event is also a great opportunity to connect with fellow club members. City of Perth SLSC has enjoyed significant success in Champion Lifesaver, and we’re excited to see future generations continue this tradition.
Surf boats is a challenging and exciting sport where crews of four rowers work alongside a sweep who leads and steers the boat. The event begins with a beach start, involves paddling around a buoy, and finishes with a return to shore through the surf zone.
Crews train together consistently, building strong camaraderie and lasting friendships. Training times are arranged around the availability of sweep and crew members.
The Surf Boats section welcomes competitors of all abilities and fitness levels aged 15 and above. The club currently fields several masters crews for competitors aged 40 and over.
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For more information contact Surf Sports.
See All EventsThe Inflatable Rescue Boat is essential for patrols to respond quickly and safely to emergencies. IRB racing allows participants to demonstrate their expertise in a competitive environment while developing skills and technique.
Most events feature a team of three: a driver, a crewperson, and a patient. The objective is to rescue the patient and return them to shore in the fastest time possible.
In Western Australia, the IRB Racing Series and Championships typically run during winter from April to June. Teams successful at State Championships may be selected to represent the Western Suns Competition Team at the IRB Racing Interstate Championships.
For more information contact Surf Sports.
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March Past holds an iconic place in Surf Life Saving Australia’s history. The event features a team of 12 members marching around a soft sand course in time with music, often performed by a live marching band. Teams are judged using a deduction points system, with marks subtracted for criteria such as arm swing height and timing.
The March Past team typically trains once or twice weekly during spring and summer. The squad and coach foster an inclusive community, building strong friendships and enjoying social gatherings between training sessions.
For more information contact Surf Sports.
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Masters competition offers members aged 30 and over the opportunity to participate in Surf Sports at either a social or competitive level. At City of Perth SLSC, Masters competitors train alongside our senior squads and can participate in all events available to Open competitors, including:
For more information about these events and training opportunities, visit the relevant sections above.
For more information contact Surf Sports.
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The Pool Rescue Championships allow competitors to demonstrate their skills and training across various aquatic events. Championships include events focusing on vital rescue proficiencies such as manikin tow and carry, line throw, and an obstacle course requiring navigation under and over barriers.
While featuring many elite athletes, the Pool Rescue Championships also provide an opportunity for less experienced competitors to build confidence in a pool setting.
Competitors successful at state competitions may be selected to represent the Western Suns Competition Team at the Pool Rescue Interstate Championships.
The Western Australian Pool Rescue Series typically runs during winter from May to July, with Interstate Championships held in August.
For more information contact Surf Sports.
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