SLSA welcomes New president as membership reaches historic milestone
On Friday October 31 Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) announced the election of its President, Peter Agnew AM ESM, following the sudden passing of long-serving Board member and former SLSA President, John Baker AM ESM, earlier this year.
An active patrol member for over four decades, Mr. Baker was a highly respected leader and administrator, serving on the Surf Life Saving Australia Board for over a decade, and as President from January 2021 until his passing in August.
The current Surf Life Saving NSW President, Mr. Agnew was first appointed to the SLSA Board in May 2023, with his appointment as SLSA President ratified at the Annual General Meeting held in Sydney earlier today.
A long-standing member of North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club for more than 40 years, he previously served as President of Surf Life Saving Sydney, bringing extensive experience across all facets of surf lifesaving, both in Australia and internationally.
In his professional career, Agnew serves as Director of People Development Australia and as a consultant with the Australian Institute of Management, holding master’s degrees in Business Administration (MBA), Education (MEd Adult), and Leadership Counselling (MCounsPsych).
A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, he has served on numerous boards over the past two decades, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to leadership and governance.
Mr. Agnew’s appointment comes at a time of significant growth for Surf Life Saving, with the announcement today of a major milestone, as the movement surpasses 200,000 members for the first time in its history.
SLSA President, Peter Agnew AM ESM said it was an honour to step into the role.
“It is an incredible honour to be elected President of Surf Life Saving Australia. I’m deeply humbled to continue to serve our members, and to build upon the legacy of leadership left by John Baker AM ESM.
“Surf Life Saving has played a defining role in my life, and I’m proud to lead an organisation that is driven by a strong, clear strategic vision and a movement who share a collective purpose.
“Our movement’s greatest strength has always been our people. To surpass 200,000 members for the first time is a historic achievement, and this milestone is a powerful reminder of the enduring spirt that has always defined Surf Life Saving.
“I am extremely proud to step into this role, but aware that there is still much work to be done. I look forward to continuing to lead that effort with our members, volunteers and supporters.”
SLSA CEO, Adam Weir congratulated Agnew on his appointment.
“Peter brings outstanding leadership experience, both within Surf Life Saving during his tenures at SLSNSW and SLS Sydney, and across his professional career, and I congratulate him on his appointment as President.
“His deep understanding of our organisation will be invaluable as we continue to grow and strengthen our movement, driven forward by our vision of zero preventable deaths in Australian waters.
“I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Jennifer Cook for her leadership as interim Chair following John’s passing. Jen has guided our Board with strength and compassion during this period of transition, and we are grateful for her support.”
Mr. Weir also celebrated the organisation’s milestone achievement, while urging all Australian’s to be safe while enjoying our beaches this summer.
“It is an incredibly proud moment, surpassing 200,000 members for the first time. Our members are the heartbeat of our movement, and this milestone reflects the enduring strength of our volunteer base and our ongoing efforts to secure the long-term future of Surf Life Saving.
“Sadly, the number of coastal drowning deaths this year reached an all-time high. This is a stark reminder of how vital the work of our volunteers remains and why our mission is so critically important.”
The milestone membership announcement follows a significant year of impact by volunteer surf lifesavers, with more than 1.4 million patrolling hours completed and over 8,200 rescues performed by across the country, representing a value in excess of $9 billion in the last year.
A tragic number of coastal drowning deaths were reported in the last year, with 154 fatalities due to coastal drowning – the highest number ever on record.
Click here to read the 2025 SLSA Annual Report.