UQ readies rising surf stars to lead

The state’s future lifesaving leaders will strengthen not only their beach skills but also their business skills when they gather at The University of Queensland this weekend (24-26 November).

More than 40 young lifesavers will attend the UQ Surf Lifesaving Queensland Leadership Excellence Program to learn how to better communicate, collaborate and create positive change within their clubs and communities.

UQ’s Faculty of Business, Economics and Law Executive Dean Professor Andrew Griffiths said the program would help some of the state’s most outstanding young lifesavers develop their leadership potential within their club, branch and state.

“Lifesavers operate in high-pressure and unpredictable environments, requiring them to work as a team to monitor and respond to dangerous situations at a moment’s notice,” Professor Griffiths said.

“On the beach, as in business, equipping young people with the knowledge and skills they need to think strategically and act wisely in these crucial moments is an invaluable investment.

“We are proud to support this important program, which will teach our future leaders how to build and lead high-performing teams – both on and off the beach – and keep our communities safe between the flags this summer.”

During the three-day program participants will focus on professional and personal development, and will hear from prominent business and community leaders including UQ alumni Dr Dimity Dornan and Dr Mark Loane.

Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) membership development manager Brenda Lofthouse said the program placed a strong emphasis on empowering members of the surf lifesaving movement.

“The knowledge, practical skills and awareness that each participant acquires during the program is designed to help them advance as a leader at club, regional or state level,” she said.

“Many former participants have since developed into mentors, role models, senior surf lifesavers and administrators within their regions.

“On behalf of SLSQ, I’d like to thank and acknowledge UQ for its vital support.”

UQ and SLSQ have partnered since 2015 in a range of areas including surf safety education and awareness, collaborative research and best practices in lifesaving.

Media: UQ BEL Faculty Communications, Gemma Ward, g.ward1@uq.edu.au, +7 3346 0700, 0439 651 107; SLSQ Communications, Faith Jarvis, fjarvis@lifesaving.com.au, +7 3846 8036, 0417 387 158.