2025 RWC Training Program Information
From: Cameron Powell, SNB Director of Lifesaving
Natalie Neary, SNB Director of Education
Peter Finch, SNB Powercraft Advisor
Date: 17th March 2025
Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches is calling for applications to join the SNB RWC (Rescue Water Craft) Support Operations Team.
Rescue Water Craft have the ability to provide increased surveillance of our coastline and rapid response to emergencies in high risk or unpatrolled areas. RWC operators act as a single resource, so all operators need to be highly trained, experienced lifesavers.
RWC Training is only available to members who are applying to become members of the SNB RWC Support Operations team. SNB Branch will be running RWC operations from five locations in the 2024-25 season:
- Support Ski 1 based at Palm Beach
- Support Ski 2 based at Newport Beach
- Support Ski 3 based at Warriewood
- Support Ski 4 based at Dee Why
- Support Ski 5 based at Freshwater
For the 2025/26 season, the RWC locations will be rostered on a rotating basis with three RWC locations rostered at any one time. The Branch also offers SNB Clubs RWC support at SLS carnivals and ocean swims hosted by SNB Clubs throughout the season, where possible.
The mandatory pre-requisites for the SNB RWC Training Program are:
- Be a financial member of an SNB Surf Club
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Hold a valid, NSW motor vehicle license with towing capacity (minimum green P’s)
- Proficient in SLSA Bronze Medallion / Certificate II in Public Safety
- Competent at towing using an SSV on the sand, and a vehicle towing a trailer on the road, including reversing (these skills are not part of the training program!)
- Willing to undertake at least one ½ day RWC patrol per month (30 hours per season) for the first two seasons, in addition to any other Club commitments they may have
The following awards are highly recommended:
- Proficient in SLSA IRB Crew certificate AND SLSA Silver Medallion IRB Driver awards
Before applying for the RWC training program, members must ensure they are aware of the conditions stated in the RWC Training Program contract, and the RWC Operations contract. Both documents can be downloaded from the online application form and should be read thoroughly before completing your application.
2025 Training Dates:
- Induction Session – face-to-face at SNB Branch HQ
Wednesday 28th May, 6.30pm
- First RWC Training Weekend
Saturday 31st May and Sunday 1st June – flat water (times & location to be advised, but expect all weekend)
- Trainings sessions after that will be Saturday afternoons at Dee Why. However, if candidate numbers exceed a certain figure, the group will split into two with a different day for the second group.
- Planned finish date for training will be the end of August 2025.
Assessment
Participation in the RWC Training Program does not guarantee the member will successfully complete the course. Each Trainee’s development of competencies will be tracked throughout the program and those who have not met minimum benchmarks by week 10 may be advised to return the following year rather than participate in the assessment.
The course Trainers and Facilitators will be aiming towards the end of August for the assessment, however the final date will be dependent on the competency of the Trainees and the surf conditions throughout the course. Trainees should be aware that the SNB RWC assessment will take place in surf of 1.5m at least. This sometimes means the assessment is delayed while we wait for suitable conditions.
Applications
To apply for the 2025 SNB RWC Training Program, members must complete the online application & Training Contract. Branch will seek endorsement of all applications from the members’ Club Executives prior to advising members of the result of their application.
Successful applicants will also need to meet SLSNSW Support Operations application requirements. These will be detailed in the Induction session, if not beforehand.
Applications must be submitted by 8am Monday 12th May 2025.
