- The Crisafulli Government is Making Queensland Safer by partnering with Surf Life Saving Queensland to encourage more lifesavers to join the Queensland Police Service.
- Queensland Police officers and Surf Life Saving Queensland's 36,000 volunteers will be encouraged to serve their communities both on the beat and on the beach.
- The partnership builds on the Crisafulli Government's commitment to rebuilding the frontline after Labor's decade of decline, with Queensland Police numbers now at a record high of more than 13,000 sworn officers.
Surf lifesavers are swapping patrol caps for police hats as the Crisafulli Government backs a new partnership to continue to grow Queensland's frontline.
The Queensland Police Service and Surf Life Saving Queensland have joined forces to encourage more volunteer surf lifesavers to pursue a policing career, while inspiring police officers and staff to give back to their communities by volunteering between the red and yellow flags.
The partnership recognises the shared values of both organisations - courage, service and protecting Queenslanders - whether it's on the beat or on the beach.
The initiative builds on the Crisafulli Government's commitment to restore safety where you live, with police numbers now at a record high of more than 13,000 sworn officers after a decade of Labor decline, alongside Surf Life Saving Queensland's 36,000 dedicated volunteers helping keep Queensland's beaches safe.
Together, Queensland Police and Surf Life Saving Queensland are proving that protecting Queenslanders isn't about the colour of the uniform - it's about answering the call to serve, whether that's behind the blue line or between the red and yellow flags.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said Queenslanders deserved strong frontline services wherever they lived, worked or holidayed.
"After a decade of Labor neglect left our frontline services under pressure, the Crisafulli Government is rebuilding with record police numbers, stronger support for volunteers and practical partnerships that are Making Queensland Safer," Minister Purdie said.
"Queensland is home to some of the best police officers and surf lifesavers in the world - this partnership opens the door for more Queenslanders with a passion for service to join the QPS, while encouraging our officers to give back to their communities beyond the badge.
"If you've spent your weekends keeping people safe between the flags, you already understand what it means to serve your community - a career in policing could be the next wave in that journey."
Acting Police Commissioner Brett Pointing said the partnership reflected the strong alignment between both organisations' commitment to community safety.
"Whether you're a surf lifesaver looking to build on your commitment to community safety, or a QPS officer wanting to make a difference beyond your policing role, this partnership provides another meaningful way to serve the Queensland community," Acting Commissioner Pointing said.
Surf Life Saving Queensland Chief Executive Officer Damien Marangon said the organisation was proud to partner with the QPS to encourage more Queenslanders to step into roles that make a real difference.
"Many of the skills developed in surf lifesaving - teamwork, leadership, emergency response and resilience - complement policing, just as the experience and expertise of QPS officers strengthen our volunteer network," Mr Marangon said.
"This partnership highlights the rewarding opportunities available across both organisations and encourages people to get involved in serving their communities in whatever way suits them best."
To learn more about joining the Queensland Police Service, visit police.qld.gov.au .
