Surf Life Saving Queensland has ordered a sweeping review of every club in the state after a series of disturbing reports including an alleged clubhouse rape on the Gold Coast.
All 57 clubs that patrol Queensland beaches will be put under the microscope in a review that will examine the safety of members, SLSQ says.
The review follows a series of reports published by The Gold Coast Bulletin, including allegations of illegal footage taken inside club locker rooms, alleged sex tapes, and a rape charge against a lifesaver.
The Australian Surf Lifesaving Championship competitor faced a Gold Coast court on Wednesday, charged with raping a woman at a southern clubhouse in September last year.
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is yet to enter a plea. His SLSQ membership was suspended on February 11.
"Surf Life Saving Queensland are conducting a formal review of specific policies and procedures relating to activities undertaken within clubs," the organisation said in a statement on Wednesday.
"The review will play an important role in identifying any opportunities to improve safety.
"Safety is a core value of Surf Life Saving Queensland and we are committed to keeping both beachgoers and our members safe."
Incidents reported by The Gold Coast Bulletin include an alleged sex tape involving a 15-year-old girl and another minor, and a dossier a whistleblower sent to the SLSQ board.
The dossier reportedly included allegations about a lifesaver being drunk on duty and claims of sexual harassment and staff kickbacks, claims SLSQ told the paper were unsubstantiated.
AAP has asked SLSQ for more details about the review, but it is yet to respond.
