Who we are
Life Saving Victoria is the state’s leading authority on water safety and drowning prevention. Our purpose is "to save lives and empower communities to safely enjoy water".
With more than 500 staff and 44,000 club members across Victoria, we are committed to saving lives and preventing drowning every day.
The evolution of Life Saving Victoria
Life Saving Victoria was formed in 2002 through the merger of Surf Life Saving Victoria and the Royal Life Saving Society Australia Victoria Branch.
This formation of Life Saving Victoria created a single peak body in the state for water safety that is recognised by the Victorian Government. We forge new lifesaving and water safety initiatives while respecting the proud traditions and programs of the Royal Life Saving and Surf Life Saving national organisations.
Our role in emergency management
Life Saving Victoria is a recognised emergency management agency under Emergency Management Victoria (EMV).
We play a core role in supporting the state’s emergency management arrangements and contribute to the delivery of EMV’s Strategic Action Plan. In addition to our emergency management functions, we maintain strong partnerships with government across the health, sport, and recreation sectors, reflecting the breadth of our work in community safety, education, and aquatic sport.
"Together preventing drowning. Together thriving around water."
PeopleWe put PEOPLE in the centre of everything we do
CourageWe have the COURAGE to act
CommunityWe are a united COMMUNITY
RespectWe RESPECT our organisation, environments, and communities
TrustWe are TRUSTED in our water safety programs and practices
Governance
LSV is committed to strong governance to uphold our purpose, meet obligations to members and stakeholders, and maintain public trust.
We operate under a Governance Charter that outlines our ethical standards, codes of conduct, compliance responsibilities, and decision-making structures. This ensures clear accountability, transparency, and effective oversight.
Our skills-based Board includes a President elected by the Voting Members, five Member-Elected Directors elected by the Voting Members, and three Board-Appointed Directors. It is supported by five representative councils and several board committees, ensuring broad sector engagement, operational insight, and alignment with LSV’s strategic goals.
- Life Saving Operations Council – supporting frontline emergency response, rescue, and patrol functions
- Aquatic Sports Council – overseeing sport development, competition pathways, and athlete engagement
- Membership and Leadership Development Council – focusing on volunteer engagement, leadership, and inclusion
- Council of Life Saving Clubs – representing the interests of LSV-affiliated lifesaving clubs across Victoria
- Aquatic Industry Council – guiding education, training, and partnership with aquatic facilities and industry stakeholders
- Council Collaboration Committee – supports coordination and shared priorities across Councils.
- Finance, Risk and Audit Committee – financial oversight and risk governance
- Governance Committee – charter compliance, Board performance, and policy development
- Nominations Committee – oversees skills-based recruitment, succession planning and appointment/election processes for Board, Committee and Council leadership roles
- Honours and Awards Committee – recognition of service and member contributions
- Performance and Remuneration Committee – Oversees CEO and executive performance and frameworks
Life Saving Victoria is committed to transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership. Our governance framework is guided by a suite of foundational documents that outline the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of our Board, Councils, Committees, and members.
Meet our board and team
Find out more