Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter - Adelaide

08/08/2025

If there is something John "JB" valued more than Surf Lifesaving itself, it would be the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. However that's not completely true, because he'd still make all of his regular beach patrols on Brighton Beach. He will be sadly missed by all of the crew and everyone involved in the service. JB, thankyou for your service, not only to us, but your devotion to volunteering, to community and the leadership, friendship and comeradery that you have consistently shown.

Vale John Baker AM ESM

The Surf Life Saving community is today mourning the sudden passing of Surf Life Saving Australia President John Baker AM ESM.

John, ‘JB’ was the seventh President since SLSA was established in 1907, serving in the role since 2021 after spending 14 years on the national board.

Surf Life Saving Australia CEO, Adam Weir, said John’s passion for Surf Life Saving was felt at all levels of the organisation and his loss will be felt by many.

“Today is terrible for our Surf Life Saving community, losing one of our most dedicated volunteers and leaders.

Beyond the accolades and awards, John was a beloved member of our Surf Life Saving community and will be missed. Our thoughts are with his wife Jo and his family and friends at this time,” he said.

Surf Life Saving SA President and National Director, Sarah Cutbush, said that the South Australian Surf Life Saving community had been devastated by the news.

“This is such a loss for our movement - of a leader, and of a friend.

“Our condolences go out to Jo and his family and friends, as well as Brighton SLSC - we will join you in keeping JB’s memory and legacy alive.”

For more about his life and contribution to Surf Life Saving: sls.com.au/vale-john-baker-am-esm/

Vale John Baker AM ESM

21/04/2025

Today is Lifesaver Remembrance Day.

The surf lifesaving community honours the lifesavers and lifeguards who gave the ultimate sacrifice in their efforts to save others.

Today we ask everyone to take a minute to honour, reflect, and remember the selfless acts of heroism on our beaches that sadly led to tragedy.



Surf Life Saving Foundation

Surf Life Saving NSW, Surf Life Saving Queensland, Surf Life Saving Tasmania, Surf Life Saving SA, Surf Life Saving WA, Surf Life Saving Northern Territory, Life Saving Victoria

10/03/2025

16/02/2025

Today, SLSA President John Baker AM was proud to present Josh LeCornu (Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club) with his National Medal and 25 year bar 👏🏽🏅

Both went on to patrol today along our coastline with the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter - Adelaide. Thank you for your service!

28/12/2024

Did you meet our machine and crew down at Robe today? We provided assistance to the Robe Surf Lifesaving club for their Open Water Swim, and landed before to show and tell for everyone who said hello.

28/12/2024

It was great to support the new Robe Surf Life Saving Club and the Robe community.

27/12/2024

Graham was also a member of the Helicopter Rescue Crew in the 80s and 90s.

VALE GRAHAM MINTER

Surf Life Saving SA and the wider community is devastated to hear about the passing of Graham Minter - beloved West Beach Surf Life Saving Life Member, SLSSA Life Member and Hall of Famer.

Graham Minter served SLSSA as Power Craft Officer for more than 10 years through the 1980s and 90s, during which he developed the Power Craft section and developed training and Standard Operating Procedures for Rescue Boats and their use within Surf Life Saving. Graham was instrumental in developing Offshore Rescue Boat specifications and protocols following his attendance at a National Conference in Queensland.

Graham Minter was recognized with Life Membership of SLSSA in 1994. His influence on developing comprehensive systems and protocols for the engagement of SLS members in 24 hour rescue callouts, and his passion and drive to create/design the best equipment/resources for the use of members, is second to none. As the power craft section of SLSSA grew, Graham advocated for splitting the role of Power Craft Officer into Jet Boats and IRBs, therefore having two experts to drive the development of these “game changing” rescue vessels in Surf Life Saving.

Graham always paid credit to the great team of people who were around him at the time, but it is clear that he had the skills and the drive to unify this group and develop the vision for the State Emergency Operations Group.

Graham drove the Jet Boat Operations in SA forward from its early stages to be a highly regarded comprehensive rescue resource that became embedded in the State Water Rescue plan and worked seamlessly alongside other rescue organisations.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the West Beach community during this difficult time 💙🩵

08/12/2024

We’re glad it was a safe and successful afternoon for all those competing.

06/12/2024

24/11/2024

After a shocking run of shark attacks last year, the state government is investing $500,000 in drones and other resources to keep South Aussies safe this summer.

The state recorded five horrific shark attacks in 2023, three of which were fatal.

The initiative also aims to increase safety in remote and high-risk locations where the need for intervention is greatest.

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23/11/2024

19/11/2024