SurfGuard Introduction
Introduction to SurfGuard
SurfGuard is an online system used across Surf Life Saving Australia to manage members, awards, patrols, and organisational information. It is the main place where Clubs, Branches, States, and SLSA keep member records up to date and access official membership data.
SurfGuard connects with other SLSA systems and websites, which means information entered here is used in many areas of the organisation.
Example:
If a member completes a new award, it is added in SurfGuard. That award will then appear in a member's SLS Hub account as well as other systems used for patrols and operations.
How SurfGuard Fits into the SLSA Digital Ecosystem
SurfGuard acts as the central source of truth for member and organisational data across Surf Life Saving Australia. Other systems may display or consume SurfGuard data, but SurfGuard remains the authoritative system for:
Member identity and affiliations
Awards and qualifications
Club, service, and organisational structures
Patrol‑related and operational records
Keeping SurfGuard data accurate is critical, as inconsistencies can affect access, visibility, and behaviour in downstream systems.
Systems Connected to SurfGuard
SurfGuard connects with several other SLSA systems and websites, including:
SLS Hub – member‑facing services and access
SurfCom – operational and incident‑related systems
Operations App – patrol, incidents, Surf Risk Rating (SRR) and operational activity
Beachsafe – public‑facing beach and safety information
Payment Gateway – membership and transaction processing
LiveHeats – event and competition management
These systems rely on SurfGuard data to function correctly.
Security Structure and Data Visibility
SurfGuard uses a structured access model that reflects how Surf Life Saving is organised nationally.
The hierarchy consists of:
National (SLSA)
State
Branch (where applicable)
Club / Service
Users with higher‑level access can view and manage information for the levels beneath them.
Note:
“Clubs” includes Surf Life Saving Clubs as well as operational services such as Lifeguard Services and RWC units.
In States without Branches, Clubs are grouped under a default Branch structure for that State.
Users with Club‑level access only can view and manage information for their own Club or Service, and cannot see data belonging to other Clubs.
Member Records: Why They Matter
A member record is the foundation of SurfGuard.
Each member record:
Represents an individual within the national organisation
Links the member to one or more Clubs or Services
Connects to Branch, State, and National structures
Awards, patrol participation, operational access, and system integrations all rely on the accuracy of the member record.
Because so many systems depend on this information, it’s essential that:
Member details are kept current
Awards and roles are recorded correctly
Changes are made in the appropriate system (SurfGuard)
Accurate member records ensure smooth operation across SurfGuard, the Operations App, and other connected systems.