LWP as the conjugate between lifesaving and the LGBTQIA+ community input advice from our lived experiences, typically across the following

  • Policy development

    LWP support the development of new national and state surf lifesaving policies related to diversity and inclusion. These have included the 'SLSA Transgender and Gender Diverse Members guideline' and interstate Member Code of Conducts. We provide expertise from lived experience and act on behalf of our LGBTQIA+

  • Policy implementation

    LWP support surf clubs and their members to implement policies in their contexts. As an organisation we typically advise on potential strategies that surf clubs can implement to support alignment with policy requirements and support clubs with emerging issues related to the LGBTQIA+ community. We monitor enquiries coming through to us and share emerging themes with our national and state contacts.


  • Education & training

    LWP have presented at national and state conferences, showcasing our work, its impact, and strategies that surf clubs could consider to boost diversity and inclusion. We actively share our work with media, discussing what we have learned, how we measure our impact, and ongoing challenges. We hope that by sharing our work that we can support other LGBTQIA+ community groups and corporate organisations. We work to boost queer literacy in the broad surf lifesaving community. 

  • Event coordination

    LWP invest significant time in coordinating annual 'on the ground' events. These typically include Rainbow Beaches, Mardi Gras, national Pride festivals, and the Proud Beaches Scholarships. Each year, we have additional events to bring together the LGBTQIA+ community, and to work alongside our allies. We have run Transgender Awareness Week panels, have led targeted working groups, and have supported SLSA with diversity and inclusion at Aussies.

  • Partnerships with local LGBTQIA+ groups

    LWP often connect surf clubs to local LGBTQIA+ groups as they provide as strong connections to community and can advise and promote upcoming events and networking opportunities. LWP also partner with these groups to recruit new members to surf lifesaving, to showcase lifesaving as welcoming, progressive and inclusive, and to share the work of LWP and our impact. 


Case study

LWP partnered with SLSA to bring Pride Rescue Boards to over 100 beaches in Australia