Mind over Waves: Uncovering Mental Health Toolkit Gaps for Young Australian Surf Lifesavers through an Environmental Scan and Expert Survey

Abstract

Abstract Background: Surf lifesavers constitute a critical but overlooked component of Australia’s first respondent workforce. Surf lifesavers are volunteer first responders across Australian waterways, performing coastal rescues, and other high-risk activities. Personnel undertaking these activities can include young people, from age 13. The mental health impact of these activities, and of strategies to improve wellbeing, is not well understood, yet recent research has identified young surf lifesavers (aged 13–25) to be a cohort particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges associated with these tasks. Objective: With a view to mitigate the mental health impacts of exposure to trauma among young lifesavers, this study aims to assess existing mental health toolkits available online in Australia and New Zealand, in relation to their relevance to this group with the goal of guiding the creation of a helpful, engaging toolkit for this demographic. Methods: Using an environmental scan methodology, we examined 32 mental health toolkits available online which focus on improving wellbeing, either of young people, first responders, volunteers, sports club members, or paid professional workers. Expert assessments of these tools were undertaken from researcher, psychological, social work, Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), and non-SLSA first respondent perspectives to ascertain their relevance for young lifesavers, in accordance with the duties they undertake. These assessments were conducted via an online Qualtrics survey distributed via email to a diverse but relevant convenience sample of experts. Toolkits were scored on their usefulness, relevance, appropriateness, and accessibility for the target audience as well as their efficacy in addressing trauma specific to SLSA duties, and general trauma. Reviewers also provided general comments on the strengths and weaknesses of toolkits. Results: Of the 32 toolkits analysed, 14 were designed for young people, three for first responders, and one for young people who were also first responders. Another 12 were for paid workers, one for unpaid workers, and three for sports club members. Toolkits were reviewed by 68 experts across several domains. Toolkits intended for first responders and young people scored highest across all variables, while qualitative feedback emphasised strategies for audience engagement and potential applications for the target audience. No existing toolkit directly targeted experiences associated with the general tasks involved in surf lifesaving. Conclusions: As awareness of psychosocial hazards increases globally, toolkits concerning mental health may be of interest to all young people as they navigate their lives both within and outside of SLSA. Although no resource has been targeted to this cohort specifically, elements of existing toolkits are specifically relevant. This environmental scan reveals gaps where bespoke mental health toolkits could focus, for instance on the impact of performing rescues and other high-risk situations, such as responding to suicides and self-harm, that arise in Australian waterways; as well as emphasising the value of the SLSA community as a potential protective factor mitigating trauma exposure.