Surfers Rescue 24/7 is a free Board Rescue and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course for all surfers and recreational water users in Victoria. It provides vital training to assist in an emergency situation and could ultimately save a life. Surfing Victoria deliver courses all over the state via public sessions, local Boardrider Clubs and Schools.

The program has been running since 2019 has had over 3000 surfers skill up in life saving board rescue and CPR techniques.

Surfers are in the water dawn until dusk, 365 days a year and are often first to respond and assist in emergencies. With select Victorian beaches only patrolled seasonally, surfers and recreational water users can be utilised to assist outside the flagged beaches. Our beaches are one of our biggest assets and we all need to do what we can to make them safe. We’re encouraging surfers and recreational water users of all skill levels.

Surf Life Saving Australia noted in their annual coastal safety report that 49% of drownings happen more than 5km away from a life saving service. By training up surfers in lifesaving techniques, we are increasing the level of beach users who are able to assist in an emergency situation and ultimately save lives.

Surfers who complete the course are trained in how to spot a person in trouble in the water, rescue that person using readily available floatation devices such as a surfboard and perform CPR. All courses are led by professional First Aid and Water Safety instructors.

Surfing Victoria and our partners, including the Victorian Government, have identified board rescue techniques that may prove to be crucial in emergency situations. This course is FREE and tailored to surfers and recreational water users who could use their surfboard or boards as a rescue tool.