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:
Swim between the red and yellow flags when the beach is patrolled
Follow directions from lifesavers and lifeguards
Check local conditions before entering the water
Supervise children at all times
Leave the water immediately if advised by lifesavers, lifeguards or emergency responders