Cost benefit analysis of Surf Life Saving Western Australia

Deloitte Access Economics was engaged by Surf Life Saving Western Australia (SLSWA) to estimate the economic value of its activities to the Western Australian community. This engagement involved a cost benefit analysis to measure the associated costs and benefits of SLSWA’s services and operations to its members, the community, SLSWA itself and other stakeholders.

The analysis finds that every $1 spent by SLSWA is expected to generate $14.71 in benefits to SLSWA members and the Western Australian community. Other key findings include:

• In 2016-17, more than 5,000 volunteer surf lifesavers collectively spent 109,430 hours patrolling Western Australian beaches. In addition to this, SLSWA members spend over 1.5 million hours each year in other forms of volunteering
• Each year, SLSWA volunteer surf lifesavers and paid lifeguards are expected to perform an average of 1,304 rescues and issue 53,166 preventative actions
• As a result of the efforts of SLSWA's lifeguards and volunteers, it is expected that 92 lives will be saved and 55 critical injuries will be prevented each year. These lives are valued at $433 million in undiscounted terms
• SLSWA provides first aid training to an estimated 7,669 people each year who have not previously been trained in CPR. This training equips members to assist in medical emergencies outside of beach patrols, saving an additional 20,707 hours of life each year
• SLSWA members can complete a variety of awards through their SLSWA affiliated club. Each year, an estimated 1,566 members complete an award for the first time and of these, 131 members are expected to gain employment, at least in part due to the skills learned through their SLSWA awards.

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