Surf Life Saving to teens: join a real social network
Surf Life Saving NSW has launched a campaign to encourage teens and 20-somethings to ‘join a real social network’, as the organisation struggles to attract and keep young surf lifesavers.
The idea was developed internally with help from Banjo Advertising and was produced by 76 Pictures.
“We wanted to create a campaign that would appeal to young people,” said Claire Parry, member services manager. “It stands out because it shows real clubbies and focuses on the social side of belonging to a surf club. We have used modern themes and have even enlisted the help of up and coming Newcastle band Long Island Sound for the theme music.”
According to Surf Life Saving, its recruitment strategies have been failing to attract young surf lifesavers.
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Banjo Advertising
Great initiative. Outside and getting fit
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As a patrolling life saver from Victoria is 10 years (from age 13 to now 23) I like this and think it’s realistic in what young life savers get up to socially and love the concept, cannot deny that I’ve made so many good friends from life saving and it is a big network, you bump into people in the strangest places from it. But it’s left out the long patrols on the beach, long requalifying events, first aids, rescues and other things like that. Perhaps too many good looking people in it as well, might deter people from getting involved because they think you need to be a beach bronzed, fit young Aussie when really, the reality is far different. But overall, it’s great to see SLS NSW doing something practical to attract more young people. Only hope Life Saving Victoria get on the band wagon too.
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loverly film.
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I’m not sure about this one. I commend the initiative but as Sarah said this is deeply misleading on many levels. Firstly why aren’t the kids shown in uniform on patrol. That is ther main activity they get up to. Watching over people or giving first aid – this is the job. The mixing of surfboards with surf rescue boards is also misleading as only rescue boards are used and many lifesaver kids are not active surfers. I see what they are trying to do but I think the image presented is way too far from reality.And may get many people interested only to be disappointed when they fiond out the reality.
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Great discussion from Sarah and Gezza, but I politely disagree in some ways.
A great initiative for sure, but thinking of the social aspect of lifesaving the bulk of it is outside the uniform. We patrol and do great things in the community as a lifesaver, but what’s more, we kick on afterwards.
As somebody who grew up around clubs, a surf before and after patrol was common, along with going down to the beach when off duty to hang out with your friends that were on duty.
I think this is a positive step to reaffirming for people that lifesaving is not just about patrolling, or even sport for that matter, but it filters through to the other areas of life. This keenly demonstrates the side of life saving that isn’t visible to the general public. The fact that Gezza noted the lack of uniforms is important – we, as an organisation, hide behind them way too much. We’re beach loving people, not red/yellow-wearing gimps.
The reality is understood by the community at large I believe – it is volunteering and work is part of that, but it’s the lack of understanding of what’s beyond that I really think this video addresses so well.
Thanks guys!
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Good points. Thanks for explaining and hope it all works.
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I have to say this is a really fun clip – but where are the average-looking, slightly chubby people? Where’s the token tourist getting hauled out of the whitewash by a burly 20 y.o. with a stomach you could iron a shirt on?
Turn off the music and it could be the intro to a 90210-like soap.
Maybe I’ll have a salad for lunch…
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i really love it. Some of my best and longest mates came from the SLSA.
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it’s a nice film and a great cause. Anyone who wants to take issue with advertising not presenting a ‘balanced’ view of its topic then there are plenty of other targets to attack before you get to humble surf-lifesaving!!!!!!
Props to Banjo for explaining and Gezza for listening…
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@Banjo – you are full of RUBBISH! I have known you since you were born and I was the one who TIPPED YOU OFF on this link. No need to Politely disagree.. that’s just offensive banter. As you did not – ‘As somebody who grew up around clubs’ – I was the one who introduced you to the life saving and dragged you along to Nippers when you were 10! And you couldn’t pick up your surfboard until you were 15 – enough of the rubbish talk and get with the program!
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Just for the record, ‘5. Banjo’ isn’t Banjo Advertising.
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I think this is a great initiative if only Life saving Victoria could adopt such innovative ideas. However I think that Sarah made a valid point, life saving is a really social thing and it is one way that I have had the opportunity to meet so many diverse and different people, but the social aspect should not mask the true reality of what we are there to do, save lives. I think from a Victorian point of view that the problem with a lack of young people 18-25 staying in the organisation/ and or joining is deeper than a lack of understand that it is a great way to network and a great social environment. I feel it is a culturally thing. Perhaps Surf Life Saving should take a leaf out of the books of the organisation where the numbers of young people are dramatically growing such as the Oaktree foundation, Left Right think tank, Get up, change and switch, our say, and ask why these organsations are growing and Surf Life Saving is stagnating.
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As a tax payer I think it is a shame that we have decided to spend out Natural Disaster Resiliance Program funds on a project that doesnt seem to be directly assisting those who have been so hurt and badly effected by our recent spate of fires, floods and cyclones
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Slander Sarah! Thank you for your comment full of irrelevancies and personal attacks.
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has anyone else noticed that everyone in this clip is anglo apart from the dude hosing down the car. Is there a message in that? Are ethnics not welcome? or are they welcome, but they wont be invited to all the fun stuff like chatting to the hot blond girls afterwards?
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Ok Banjo and Sarah, all friendly banter aside and being in the position of knowing both of you I’m going to sit on the fence here. You both have some very good points and I think this clip supports both your opinions:
http://m.youtube.com/index?des.....fB2r4Ftcs4
There has been some great work put in here and is definitely a program I believe Y&LD would support if individuals put their hand up and wanted to run with it. I can think of two driven and passionate lifesavers!: P
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“Clubbie” are unfortunately well know for socializing on the beach and being a bit of a joke in the water. This spot unfortunately serves only to perpetuate that behaviour/perception.
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Hi Guys,
You might be interested in a comment from ” an older guy” I am 46 , joined Tama Surf Life Saving late 2 years ago and I am observing it all. I am also a longtime member in a NSW Master Swimming Club. They have the same ” youth recruiting” challenge.
The majority of active members in my club are mid 20s to mid mid 30 s. I congratulate you on the video, but it is a bit soapy and I think you need to create a storyline that sells the social aspect more. I also think that you fail to address the girls and guys who want to join but worry about fitness and 6 pack appearnce and all the other silly stuff you are showing in your glitzy video.
I have seen girls and guys shape up at the club , make good friends and get involved. They were welcome and everyone imbraced them.
So long story short . Forget 6 packs and sexy hip looking girls and guys. Include Joe and Lisa normal and I believe you will attract more members in the agegroup 17 – 20
cheers
Uli
Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club
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what is the name of the song in the advertisement?
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