Surf lifesaving: Traditional cap under threat in Oz

The cap is under threat because younger surf club members have criticised it as impractical and uncool. Photo / Supplied

The red and yellow cap worn by surf lifesavers has been a familiar sight on Australian beaches for more than 70 years.

But now the cap is under threat, because younger surf club members have criticised it as impractical and uncool.

Surf Life Saving Australia will poll its 44,000 members on the future of the distinctive four-panelled cap.

Although some lifesavers are attached to the cap because of its history and tradition, others complain that it looks antiquated and offers little sun protection. Because of the latter concern, red wide-brimmed hats and peaked caps are to become mandatory.

The question is: should the traditional skullcap continue to be worn under the hat - and in the water? SLSA's chief operating officer Peter George said the cap had the advantage of being easily identifiable.

"If someone is in trouble in the water, and they can see a red and yellow cap coming towards them, they know a trained lifesaver is coming to help them."

He said surf lifesavers would be surveyed about "the fit, the appropriateness, tradition, history ... whether we should continue with it on patrol, or whether there's an alternative means to get that visibility".

Younger club members' dislike of "budgie-smuggler" Speedos led to the introduction of boardshorts two years ago.

George admitted that many lifesavers did not wear the cap, although it was mandatory. Even if the cap is consigned to history, it will still feature in SLSA's branding and logos.