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DHL has been a partner of Australian first responders for more than twenty years
On Australian beaches, volunteer lifeguards in red and yellow also wear the colors of DHL. The transportation and logistics company has been supporting Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA)?the leading volunteer network for beach patrol and coastal rescue?for more than twenty years.
This national partnership goes beyond simply displaying a logo on uniforms. In particular, DHL provides logistical support, helps supply equipment, and supports prevention campaigns.
The Australian network is a formidable force. According to figures released by DHL in 2026, the organization has more than 198,000 volunteers and carries out more than 10,000 rescues per year. These figures reflect the organization as a whole and not just the initiatives funded by the company.
The partnership provides DHL with high visibility while offering ongoing support for a public safety initiative.
Westpac: More Than Fifty Years of Supporting Rescue Helicopters
Another example from Australia: Westpac has been supporting the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service since 1973. According to Westpac, the program it supports includes 15 aircraft spread across 13 bases, as well as a boat. These resources are deployed for search-and-rescue operations at sea, medical evacuations, and various emergency operations.
The bank's name appears directly on the helicopters. This visibility reflects a long-term commitment in a field where operating and maintenance costs are high.
However, it is important to distinguish these organizations from offshore rescue operations. In Australia, maritime search and rescue operations are coordinated by various government agencies, including the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Surf Life Saving Australia primarily operates on beaches and near the coastline.
In France, the SNSM is already funded by private sources
The Australian model is worth comparing to that of the National Lifesaving Society.
Contrary to a sometimes-held belief, the SNSM does not operate primarily on public funds. In 2025, according to the association?s figures, private funds accounted for 74.5% of its funding, out of a total of 70.5 million euros.
Donations from individuals, bequests, and corporate sponsorship therefore already play a crucial role in maintaining water rescue equipment, training volunteer rescuers, and providing them with the necessary gear.
The difference from the Australian examples lies, in particular, in the visibility of certain partnerships. DHL and Westpac have permanently linked their names to products and services that are clearly recognized by the public.
Australia and France: Volunteer Networks of Very Different Sizes
The scale of volunteerism is another difference between the two countries. In Australia, Surf Life Saving has approximately 198,000 members, according to figures provided by DHL. In France, the SNSM relies on 10,000 volunteers, including 6,100 on-board lifeguards, spread across 205 rescue stations.
The Australian network thus appears to be nearly twenty times larger in terms of membership. However, this comparison requires some caution: Surf Life Saving?s figures include all members of the organization, even those who do not directly participate in rescue patrols, whereas the SNSM?s figures refer only to its volunteers.
Their missions also differ. Surf Life Saving operates primarily on beaches and near the coastline, while the SNSM also rescues recreational boaters and professionals at sea.
Despite this difference in scale, both organizations face the same challenge: securing long-term funding for the equipment, training, and resources needed to support their volunteers? efforts. It is precisely in this area that the Australian partnerships with DHL and Westpac offer insights for France.
