ROLE OVERLOAD IN CLUBS

At Piha SLSC, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do. The people who show up season after season — on patrol, at Nippers, in training — make this club what it is. We know that commitment comes at a cost, and we take that seriously. This page is here because we care about the people behind the roles.

​​​​​​​A wellbeing resource for Piha SLSC members

What is role overload?

We rely on members who are experienced, reliable and willing to step in when help is needed.

Role overload can develop when:

• members take on multiple roles across patrol, training or administration
• volunteers regularly fill in for gaps or shortages
• responsibilities gradually increase over time
• members feel responsible for ensuring tasks are completed

Often this happens slowly, making it easy for people to underestimate how much they have taken on.

Sharing responsibilities and why it matters

Healthy clubs rely on shared contribution rather than a small number of people carrying most of the workload.

When responsibilities are distributed more evenly across members, clubs benefit from:

• Teamwork: Stronger collaboration across patrol, training and administration
• Involvement: Greater participation from a wider group of members
• Wellbeing: Reduced burnout among volunteers
• Sustainability: Roles that can be maintained over the long term

Encouraging participation from a wider group of members can help create more balanced workloads across the club.

Setting healthy boundaries in lifesaving

Be clear and upfront about your availability.

Understanding how much time and energy you realistically have available helps you make decisions about which roles or tasks you can commit to. It is okay to say that you are unavailable during certain periods due to work, family or personal commitments.

Prioritise roles that matter most.

Many volunteers contribute in multiple ways across patrols, training, competitions and club administration. Focusing on the roles that are most meaningful or manageable can help maintain balance. Stepping back from some tasks can allow others to step forward.

Remember that sustainable volunteering benefits everyone.

Clubs are strongest when responsibilities are shared across members rather than carried by a few individuals. Setting boundaries helps protect your wellbeing and ensures you can continue contributing positively over time.

Healthy volunteering is not about doing everything — it is about contributing in a way that remains manageable and rewarding.

Need more help or support?

Emergency services

If it is urgent or someone is at risk — call 111 immediately

Professional support: Contact your GP or a mental health professional — 1737 (free call or text, 24/7)

In-club: Piha SLSC Welfare Officer

wellbeing@pihaslsc.com — or reach out to your Patrol Captain, Club Captain, Director, or President