Patrolled Beaches

Volunteer beach patrols

The Northern Territory's three Surf Life Saving clubs run volunteer beach patrols throughout the Dry Season, with some clubs covering multiple swimming areas across several beaches.



Each beach patrol is made up of a team of volunteer members rostered for duty at a set time. Every patrol team is led by a Patrol Captain, who coordinates the team across three core activities:

Prevention

defining a safe swimming zone with red and yellow flags, where lifesavers and lifesaving resources are concentrated

Recognition

watching for anyone in distress or suffering an injury

Rescue

responding to those in urgent need of help

All qualified surf lifesavers wear the internationally recognised red and yellow patrol uniform, including the red and yellow quartered cap, long-sleeved yellow shirt, red shorts, and swimming costume. The red and yellow cap is an internationally recognised safety symbol, worn so lifesavers can be easily identified by the public — particularly when performing patrol duties in the water — and by fellow lifesavers for their own safety.

Our patrolled beaches

What Happens After You Qualify

Once you've earned your Surf Lifesaving Award, you become part of your club's patrol team — and a whole range of opportunities opens up. You can continue building your skills through first aid courses, development programmes, or training to operate the Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB).

Get Started

To find out more about joining one of our three Surf Life Saving clubs, visit our Club page.

Related Lifesaving Services

Beach safety reminder

For your safety:

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Swim between the red and yellow flags when the beach is patrolled

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Follow directions from lifesavers and lifeguards

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Check local conditions before entering the water

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Supervise children at all times

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Leave the water immediately if advised by lifesavers, lifeguards or emergency responders