INTRODUCING A NEW NATIONAL DAY OF CELEBRATION!
Red & Yellow Day is a nationwide celebration on March 4, 2026, to recognise the thousands of Surf Life Saving volunteers who dedicate their time to keeping our beaches safe.
Now it's our turn to show they can count on us, by simply wearing the colours on Red & Yellow Day. By donating. By fundraising. By signing up at your local club, and flying the same flags we're taught to swim between. And by staying beach-safe.
In doing so, you'll help Surf Life Saving turn the tide on coastal drowning. Because when you back the surf lifesavers on Red & Yellow Day, you can help save lives too.
WHAT WE’RE ASKING YOU TO DO
1. Wear your SLS patrol shirt on Red & Yellow Day
To recognise the 200,000 members who dedicate their time and service, SLSA is granting special permission for active members to wear their patrol shirt on the 4th of March in support of Red & Yellow Day.
Visibility of the uniform throughout our communities helps raise awareness of the incredible volunteer effort behind Surf Life Saving. It is an opportunity for people to ask questions, show appreciation, and learn more about the movement and the importance of swimming between the flags.
Important notes (if applicable):
- This exemption permits active members to wear their patrol shirt at their workplace or university only on Wednesday 4 March 2026. This does not permit members to wear the patrol shirt on public transport, while commuting, or while travelling to and from work. Members should carry the shirt with them and change into it once at their workplace.
- Members working from home are encouraged to wear the patrol shirt during their working hours on 4 March 2026.
- Members must not wear the patrol shirt if they are required to wear specific personal protective equipment, a work-issued uniform, or if wearing the patrol shirt would conflict with workplace health and safety requirements (e.g. construction sites, emergency services, security or enforcement roles). If unsure, members should seek approval from their workplace manager or supervisor.
- Members who are also employed as emergency service personnel (e.g. paramedics, firefighters, police, SES) must not wear the patrol shirt while undertaking those duties or while in an official emergency services capacity.
- This exemption does not apply to members attending school. School uniform requirements must continue to be followed, unless your school has granted permission (i.e. Mufti Day or casual day)
- Members wearing the patrol shirt must not represent themselves as being “on duty” or as speaking on behalf of Surf Life Saving Australia unless formally authorised. If asked, members should make it clear they are supporting Red & Yellow Day as volunteers and are not on patrol.
- Patrol shirts must not be worn while consuming alcohol or while attending social functions outside the workplace. Members should change out of the uniform prior to such activities.
- If a member becomes involved in an incident (e.g. First Aid or resuscitation) while wearing the patrol shirt in their workplace, they must clearly disclose to the patient that they are not on duty, but are qualified to assist in accordance with their training. In such cases, the member must notify their State or Territory Centre as soon as practicable.
We have provided a templated letter that you can supply to your employer, school, or university if needed. Click here to download.
Please remember that patrolling uniforms are only to be worn during patrols. This exemption applies on 4 March 2026 only.
2. Share our new “Red & Yellow Day’ campaign video
Available to share from:
DON’T STOP THERE
- Please encourage friends, family, colleagues and your community to join in and share in the lead-up. The more visible and coordinated we are, the more people we will reach, and the bigger the impact we will have.
- We're asking every member to step up and help launch the first Red & Yellow Day — and help build a new national moment that recognises the thousands of volunteers who keep Australians safe.
AND FINALLY
- You can support further by encouraging people to visit our website, buy an event kit, purchase our limited edition Red & Yellow Day merch, or simply by donating at https://redandyellowday.org.au.
- Together, we can all help turn the tide on coastal drowning. Because when everyone backs the surf lifesavers on Red & Yellow Day, they can help save lives too.
