Editing Surf lifesaving (section)

==Life saving today==
{{main|Surf Life Saving Australia}}
[[Image:Surf lifesaving signs.jpg|thumb|right|Signs for bathers and surfboard riders at the patrolled section of beach, [[Newcastle, New South Wales]], 2007]]

Surf lifesaving in Australia is well-developed as both a voluntary lifesaver service and as a competitive sport. There are 314 [[surf lifesaving club]]s in Australia that collectively patrol over 400 beaches. In the 2003–2004 season there were 24,968 active members (those who are rostered to patrol regularly), of which approximately 40% are women. In the 2003-2004 patrol season, lifesavers performed 9,044 rescues, provided emergency care to 26,739 patients, and undertook 171,965 preventive actions.

Surf life savers provide important surf rescue services on beaches in Australia on weekends and public holidays throughout the patrol season on a volunteer basis. In [[New South Wales]] the season coincides with the beginning of the September school holidays and finishes on [[ANZAC Day]]. They also provide year-round on-call volunteer rescue services in most areas known as Support Services.

Lifesavers are distinguished in Australia from paid lifeguards which are generally employed by the relevant Local Government authority and patrol the beach throughout the year. Lifeguards also patrol lakes, pools, and other aquatic venues. Support Services also operate to augment the patrols on the beach by providing surveillance away from the flag areas and emergency back-up when required.