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AQUATIC RESPONSE
LIFESAVING TRAINING
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Meet The Team
Founder & CEO
Surf Lifesaving
Peter’s contribution to Cairns SLSC is both extensive and exceptional, as outlined below:
Length of Membership
Peter began his lifesaving journey at Cairns SLSC in 1984, obtaining his Bronze Medallion that same year. Since then, he has maintained a long-standing and active association with the Club. He has been recognised with both the 25-Year and 30-Year Long Service Awards from Surf Life Saving Australia and is currently a Long Service member of the Cairns SLSC.
Patrol Service
Peter has served as a dedicated patrolling member, including time as Patrol Captain, IRB Driver, and holder of the Silver Medallion in Beach Management. He has also fulfilled important roles as the Stinger Officer and First Aid Officer, ensuring the safety and preparedness of the patrol team and the public.
Leadership Roles within Cairns SLSC
Peter has held a variety of key leadership positions, demonstrating his ability to lead, mentor, and inspire others. His roles include:
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Chief Training Officer (1987–1990)
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Club Captain (Dec 1986 – June 1987)
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Vice-Captain (1987–1989)
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Building Committee Member
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Club Examiner
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Cairns SLSC 100-Year Celebration Committee Member
Representation at NQB and SLSQ Level
Peter has significantly contributed beyond the Club level. He has:
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Served as a Branch Examiner, assessing candidates across the North Queensland Branch
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Competed at Club, Branch, State, National, and World Lifesaving Titles
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Represented Cairns SLSC as a member of the SLSQ Queensland Team (1987, 1988, 1989)
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Served on the SLSQ Research Panel (2021–2023)
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Worked as a Trainer and Assessor for the SLSQ Academy
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Served as a lifeguard for the NQ Branch
Essential Roles Supporting the Club’s Existence
Peter’s dedication has helped secure the Club’s future and expand its reach:
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A pivotal member of the “Save Our Surf Club” committee that protected Club land in the late 1980s
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Organised and led numerous school surf camps, introducing many young people to surf lifesaving
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Served as a surf sports coach, nippers age manager, and age group coach
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Trained and accredited members in RMDL boat licences, Bronze Medallions, CPR, First Aid, Radio Operations, and Advanced Resuscitation
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Currently serves as March Past Coach, fostering Club culture and tradition
Club Participation and Community Engagement
Peter continues to be a visible, energetic contributor to the social and operational fabric of the Club. His efforts include:
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Acting as MC and commentator at Club events, fundraising functions, and Branch carnivals
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Volunteering regularly at Club working bees, High Tea events, Bunnings BBQs, and door-knock appeals
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Participating in countless fundraising initiatives, often leading by example
Conclusion
Peter Cox’s sustained commitment, exceptional leadership, and wide-ranging contributions across all levels of Cairns SLSC make him a true Aussie Surf Lifesaving legend. His efforts have not only upheld the values of surf lifesaving but have significantly shaped the success, strength, and community spirit of the Club for over four decades.
Royal Lifesaving
Over the course of more than four decades, Peter has made an outstanding and sustained contribution to the mission of RLSSA, demonstrating exceptional dedication to lifesaving, water safety, and education. His tireless efforts have positively impacted countless individuals, particularly in regional and remote areas of Queensland, where he has been a beacon of support and expertise.
Early Involvement and Commitment to Lifesaving
Peter Cox began his journey with the Royal Lifesaving Society in 1984, gaining his Bronze Medallion under Examiner Mr. Les Boundy in Cairns. The following year, Peter became an Instructor and Examiner, starting his lifelong commitment to promoting lifesaving skills. As a Health and Physical Education (HPE) teacher at Tully State School, Peter was one of the first to integrate RLSSA programs into the school curriculum. He ran the highly regarded "Swim and Survive" program, introducing thousands of primary school students to the essential life skills of water safety and lifesaving.
Lifesaving Education and Leadership
Peter’s leadership in lifesaving education has spanned across multiple roles and institutions. Over a 12-year period (1985–1997), Peter ran the "Swim and Survive" program at Woree State School, Tully State School, and Caboolture State School, awarding RLSSA certificates to students who completed their lifesaving training. Peter's work extended beyond primary school education. He transitioned into secondary education at Trinity Bay State High School in Cairns, where he ran the Bronze Medallion stream for nearly two decades, culminating in his school being awarded the prestigious Murray Hine Trophy multiple times for achieving the highest participation numbers in a co-educational high school in Queensland.
Regional Contribution and Support for Lifesaving in North Queensland
Peter’s influence as a regional resource person has been invaluable, particularly in the North Queensland region. Through his efforts, many educators have been trained to become RLSSQ members, instructors, and examiners, thereby ensuring the continued growth of lifesaving skills across the state. His dedication to delivering CPR and Bronze Medallion courses for HPE teachers in the Peninsula region dates back to the 1990s, and he continues this work today as a Competency-Based Trainer for RLSSQ.
In addition to his training role, Peter has played an instrumental part in the development and delivery of educational resources and professional development programs. From 2000 to 2011, he led Professional Development activities at the RLSSQ Annual State Conference for Trainers, Assessors, and Examiners. He was also integral in developing and revising training course materials and assessment workbooks used by lifesaving instructors across Queensland.
Lifesaving Competition and Coaching
Peter has been deeply involved in RLSSA’s competitive aspects as well. After completing his Competition Officials’ Course in 2005, he officiated at both State and National Lifesaving Competitions. He also served as the CPR coach for the Queensland competition team for several years. His involvement in National titles, both as an official and assistant coach, solidified his status as a key figure in RLSSA’s competitive lifesaving community.
Lifesaving for Communities and Special Groups
Peter's lifelong commitment to community engagement and water safety is evident in his work with various groups. From 2010 to 2022, he has been a dedicated Recreational Trainer, offering volunteer lifesaving courses to community organizations such as the Scouts, Girl Guides, and the Country Women’s Association (CWA). He has been honoured with numerous awards from RLSSQ, including the Trainer of the Year, the J McClelland Trophy for the highest number of participants in Resuscitation, the Jack Spender Shield for First Aid, and the Bronze Medallion Shield for the highest number of participants in Bronze Awards.
Additionally, Peter has developed and run water safety programs for a variety of groups, including Seniors Water Safety Programs, Junior Lifeguard Programs, and Water Safety Education Days. He has also created an International Students Water Safety PowerPoint and regularly speaks at conferences on water safety and drowning prevention.
Contribution to Remote and Indigenous Communities
Peter’s dedication to water safety extends beyond urban areas. He has spent over three decades providing lifesaving resources and training to remote regions of Queensland, including Cape York, Townsville, Mount Isa, and Thursday Island. His work has included the introduction of unique programs such as the Grey Medallion and the distribution of the annual National Drowning Report to aquatic facilities in these areas. One of his most impactful contributions has been to the Cape York communities, where he has worked with organizations such as AFL Cape York and the Clontarf Foundation to annually train over 150 indigenous teachers, mentors, and counsellors in Bronze Medallion and other lifesaving awards.
Peter has not only mentored but actively recruited new trainers and assessors throughout Far North Queensland, ensuring the sustainability and growth of lifesaving expertise in the region. His efforts have left a lasting impact on the lives of many, particularly in remote and underserved communities.
Governance and Leadership
Peter’s leadership within RLSSQ has been equally impressive. He was elected to the Queensland Board of Directors in 2005, where he served for five years, ultimately being elected Deputy President. Throughout his tenure, Peter worked closely with RLSSQ staff and the Executive Director, Mr. Paul Barry, on numerous lifesaving initiatives that enhanced programs in regional Queensland, particularly in Far North Queensland.
Meritorious Service and Recognition
In recognition of his remarkable contributions, Peter was awarded the Meritorious Service Award several years ago. His passion for lifesaving remains unwavering, and his commitment continues to this day. Peter’s ability to connect with people, train future lifesaving leaders, and support remote communities has made him an invaluable asset to the Royal Lifesaving Society Australia.
Conclusion
Peter Cox’s enduring commitment to the Royal Lifesaving Society and to lifesaving education, training, and advocacy is unparalleled. His efforts have shaped the lives of countless individuals, from schoolchildren to educators, and have enhanced the safety of communities across Queensland and beyond. For his exceptional service, leadership, and ongoing dedication, Peter Cox is truly a life saver.
Director of Training
Shane Churchward
Shane has been running RLSSQ Courses - CPR, Bronze Medallion, Pool Lifeguard and First Aid Courses for the past 20 years.
As school HPE teacher for 22 years (2002 - 2024) Shane ran the “Swim and Survive” program and Bronze Medallion Programs at his schools (Trinity Bay SHS and Smithfield SHS) and awarded hundreds of school students RLSSA certificates for completing Lifesaving programs. His school (Trinity Bay State High School, Cairns) was awarded the “Murray Hine Trophy” by RLSSQ on several occasions for the ‘highest participation numbers in a co-ed high school in Qld’.
He started running CPR and Bronze Medallion courses for many of the HPE teachers in the Peninsula region in the 2000’s and continues to do so today as a competency Based Trainer for RLSSQ.
From 2010 up until 2024, Shane has continued to be a recreational Trainer offering volunteer and free lifesaving courses to community groups like the Scouts, Girl Guides and CWA groups.
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