The Queensland Police Service (QPS) and Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) are joining forces to recruit more surf life savers into policing and encourage more QPS officers and staff to volunteer as surf life savers.
Both organisations share a proud history of protecting Queenslanders and are united by core values of courage, service, and community. Together, QPS and SLSQ are working to build safer, stronger communities, both on the beat and on the beach.
Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing APM said the partnership reflects the strong alignment between both organisations’ commitment to community safety.
“Police officers and surf life savers share a deep commitment to protecting lives, supporting people in times of need, and serving their communities,” Acting Commissioner Pointing said.
“This partnership recognises those shared values and creates new opportunities for surf life savers to explore a career in policing, while encouraging QPS officers to continue serving their communities through volunteering with Surf Life Saving Queensland.
“Whether you’re a surf life saver looking to build on your commitment to community safety, or a QPS officer wanting to make a difference beyond your policing role, this partnership provides another meaningful way to serve the Queensland community.”
Becoming a volunteer surf life saver offers QPS officers and staff the chance to make a difference beyond their day-to-day duties. It’s an opportunity to protect lives on Queensland’s iconic beaches, build connections within their local communities, and develop new skills that complement their professional roles.
Senior Constable Peter Elford joined the Queensland Police Service in 2015, bringing a wealth of life experience and valuable transferable skills gained through his involvement as a Surf Life Saving volunteer.
“Both roles are about teamwork, communication, and helping people in need. Volunteering with SLSQ has not only been a great way to stay active and meet new people, but it’s also given me skills that I use every day in my policing career.” Senior Constable Elford said.
“Being a police officer and a surf life saver allows me to serve my community in two different but equally rewarding ways.”
Surf Life Saving Queensland has been protecting lives since 1930. With more than 59 surf life saving clubs across the state, the organisation offers QPS officers, staff and members of the public a meaningful way to develop new skills, serve their local communities and continue a commitment to keeping Queenslanders safe.
SLSQ Chief Executive Officer Damien Marangon said the organisation was proud to partner with the Queensland Police Service to encourage more Queenslanders to step into roles that make a real difference.
“Whether it’s on the beach or in the community, surf life savers and police officers share a commitment to protecting lives and helping others,” Mr Marangon said.
“Many of the skills developed in surf lifesaving – teamwork, leadership, emergency response and resilience, complement policing, just as the experience and expertise of QPS officers strengthen our volunteer network.
“This partnership highlights the rewarding opportunities available across both organisations and encourages people to get involved in serving their communities in whatever way suits them best.”
For information on becoming a volunteer surf life saver, visit lifesaving.com.au.
