The Buddy Lucas Leadership Scholarship is generously funded by Denis Black, Patron of SLSNR and Life member of both SLSNZ and SLSNR. It provides prospective leaders the opportunity to develop and expand their knowledge of Surf Life Saving and develop their own personal skills.

Buddy Lucas (pictured above) was a legend of Surf Lifesaving in Northern Region and at his home club of Piha. He joined the Piha SLSC in 1944, gaining his lifeguard award the year after. From there, he went on to win multiple National titles in the surf race and made valuable contributions on the Piha Committee as Club Captain and as President for nearly two decades. Along with this, he received Service and Distinguished Service awards at a Club, District and New Zealand level and was awarded a highly prestigious Life Membership of the Piha SLSC. Buddy remains as one of the pre-eminent leaders within our organization and the Buddy Lucas Leadership Program is aimed to foster young leaders within our movement.

People remember Buddy as someone who was not harsh or critical but always had a kind, friendly word. He managed to keep above the rows, arguments, factions and feuds at Piha. Friend Rodger Curtice said at his funeral that he was “modest in victory and generous in defeat, Buddy set an outstanding example as a sportsman and his quiet demeanour made him popular with thousands of New Zealanders”.

The Buddy Lucas Leadership Program is made up of three pillars. The first of these is the California Lifeguard Exchange, the second is the Senior Leadership Experience and the third is the Surf Life Saving Australia National Leadership College.

Since 1969 senior lifeguards have been selected from clubs in the Northern Region, to visit lifeguard agencies in California. The exchange is part of the Buddy Lucas Leadership Program and is a structured learning experience, and is an opportunity for clubs to nominate exceptional lifeguards who show the ability to enhance surf lifesaving in this country. 

With the assistance of the host organisation – California Surf Life Saving Association – the exchange delegates are given the opportunity to participate in patrolling activities, to witness and practice the use of different types of rescue equipment, and to observe alternative beach management programmes and administrative structures.

Successful applicants will demonstrate a high level of knowledge of New Zealand’s lifeguarding arrangements, be highly proficient in a range of practical patrolling and rescue skills, and have the ability to impart this to others through prepared presentations and coordination of hosting duties on their return.

Selectors will be looking for candidates who can successfully evaluate the benefits of the alternative systems and techniques they observe, have had a consistent involvement in SLS over a long period of time and who will continue to actively participate in the development and administration of surf lifesaving following the exchange (i.e. have earned it, will learn and develop from it, and will continue to contribute after it).

Applications for the 2022-23 exchange are now open, click here to apply.

Applications close 26th February 2023.

The purpose of the Buddy Lucas Senior Leadership Experience (SLE) is to challenge and develop members thinking and preparing the future leaders of the organization. SLE focuses on personal development and leadership development rather than specific Surf Life Saving skills. The Buddy Lucas Senior Leadership Experience is a three day, two night course.

The course is designed to be a surprise and a challenging experience to help build comradery, personal attributes and leadership for senior lifeguards to use through life and their lifeguarding career. This differs from Intermediate & Senior Guard schools as this is primarily leadership and not lifeguarding focused.

Although this course is run through surf lifesaving, the aim of this weekend is to take you well outside of the normal surf lifesaving environment. The course will be physically and mentally demanding but expect this to be built upon by senior instructors from within the region as well as guest speakers that will help teach you skills that you will need through the course.

Pre-requisites:

• 18yrs of age or older
• SLSNZ member (Current on SLSNZ Database)
• Refreshed Lifeguard
• Club Endorsement

Applications for the 2023-24 season will open in June 2023

Surf Life Saving Australia’s National Leadership College (NLC) is an annual leadership and development program recognizing young leaders in Surf Life Saving aged between 20 and 30 years. Participants come from a variety of clubs, roles and SLS backgrounds.

The Surf Life Saving Australia National Leadership College is a pillar of the Buddy Lucas Leadership Program, generously funded by Denis Black.

The NLC provides an exciting opportunity for young people within the movement to further develop their leadership skills and continue to positively contribute to the success of SLS. As well as learning new skills and creating opportunities for personal growth, the College will open up new networks with other likeminded passionate members across Australia, who also are committed to making a difference within the movement. The NLC is designed to challenge participants intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. The skills gained are designed to be taken back to clubs and into other areas of the participant’s daily environment.

Each day includes keynote speakers, elective sessions, activities and challenges relating to the leadership theme of the day. Each participant will be encouraged to access a mentor and have ongoing opportunities for review and further development.

Participants also benefit from exposure to the international movement. Networking with members from clubs internationally is a highlight for participants as they share ideas and create new friendships and networks. Participants have the opportunity to see the big picture for SLS as they gain exposure to national goals and aspirations. Through the sharing of ideas, resources and future directions, NLC provides an opportunity to create an effective national movement.

Who can apply?

Participants must meet the following requirements:

–          Ba a minimum of 20 years of age and a maximum of 30 years of age on 1 February 2023

–          Be a refreshed and current member of a SLSNR club

–          Demonstrate previous leadership training/experience, preferably from within the SLS environment

–          Demonstrate the potential as a future leader within SLS, with a desire to influence the movements future direction

Participation allocation

The NLC has a maximum of 26 participants from across Australia and SLSNR has been allocated one place. Therefore, there will be a rigorous screening process from applications, with one position available for a Northern Region representative, who will be our ‘Buddy Lucas Scholar’.

What will participants get out of it?

–          Exposure to SLS at an International level

–          Hear from SLSA leaders

–          Opportunities to network with other like-minded members from around Australia

–          Growth in self-confidence and the self-power to make things happen

–          Enabling participants to gain a perception of your own personal leadership qualities and competencies

–          Share opinions and workshop current issues

–          Be inspired by industry professional guest speakers

–          Become part of the Leadership Alumni

What type of applicant are we looking for?

–          Courageous and innovative thinkers

–          Enthusiastic with a strong capacity to learn

–          Individuals committed to SLS for the longer term

–          Emerging influencers in your club

–          Team orientated

–          Highly motivated and self-aware