Sydney Northern Beaches encourages all Club members to continue their education throughout their membership. Whether they are interested in improving their lifesaving skills in the water or on the beach, there are many opportunities are available to all members through various SLSA awards. As part of the SLSNSW registered training organisation, many of the courses available are equivalent to nationally recognised qualifications and can be used in workplaces outside Surf Life Saving. And if you have completed some certifications outside Surf Life Saving, we may be able recognise them – just speak to your Club’s Chief Training Officer.
Many members begin their SLS career by completing the Surf Rescue Certificate when they are 13-year-old Nippers, while others begin with the SLSA Bronze Medallion which is available to members who are 15 years and older. For those who are more focussed on emergency care, there are other pathways available, beginning with a First Aid certificate.
Some of the more advanced awards have “pre-requisites” that members must achieve before progressing to the next course so if you’re interested in completing any SLS awards, it’s important to speak to your Club’s Chief Training Officer for their guidance.
The following awards and qualifications are available through your Club or Branch. Clicking on the award will take you to the course syllabus (which will give you detailed information on the award).
Lifesaving Awards
Surf Rescue Certificate
The Surf Rescue Certificate provides participants with the skills and knowledge of basic patrolling and surf awareness in order to be able to participate in lifesaving operations and act in the role of Water Safety Personnel. You must be at least 13 and have the ability to swim 200m in under 5 minutes in a pool of at least 25m in length to undertake the SRC.
SRC Course Syllabus
Bronze Medallion
The Bronze Medallion course provides participants with the skills and knowledge of patrolling and surf awareness in order to be able to participate in lifesaving operations. You must be at least 15 and have the ability to swim 400m in under 9 minutes in a pool of at least 25m in length to undertake the Bronze Medallion.
Bronze Medallion Course Overview v2 June 2021_Aug21
Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue
The Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue course provides participants with the skills and knowledge to participate in search and rescue operations. You must be at least 16 years of age and be proficient in the Bronze Medallion. You must also have the capacity to swim 400m in 8 minutes or less in a swimming pool of no less than 25 m length. In SNB, Candidates will be required to complete the first 50m within 45 seconds.
Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue Syllabus
Complete the SMAR EOI here
Gold Medallion
A Gold Medallion Lifesaver has the advanced skills needed to rescue and provide emergency care – alone if necessary. In this role, you will be required to perform complex patient rescue and support. You must already hold the Bronze Medallion, Advanced Resuscitation Techniques certificate, First Aid certificate and either the Silver Medallion Beach Management or Silver Medallion Patrol Captain (2021) award. You must be at least 17 years old on the date of assessment and must also have the capacity to swim 800m in under 14 minutes.
Gold Medallion Candidate Induction Booklet v2
Emergency Care Awards
Resuscitation
The Resuscitation course delivers the essential principles‚ skills and knowledge to maintain or restore breathing and circulation in an adult, child or infant. You must be at least 10 years of age to complete the Resuscitation certificate. Resuscitation Course Syllabus
First Aid
The Provide First Aid course (HLTAID011) provides participants with the skills and knowledge to manage emergency first aid situations until professional medical support is available. You must be 14 years old to complete the First Aid certificate. This course is typically run by external training organisations such as the Australian Lifesaving Academy (aka ALA or The Academy). A copy of their course overview can be found on their website here.
Some SLS members may be eligible to complete this course fully subsidised through ALA or run by a Volunteer First Aid Facilitator at their Club. Members who are interested in completing the course should contact their Club’s Chief Training Officer to determine whether they are eligible and register their interest for the next course their Club may be arranging.
Advanced Resuscitation Techniques
The Advanced Resuscitation Techniques Certificate (ART) teaches the principles of airway management and oxygen aided resuscitation. You must be 15 years old to complete the Advanced Resuscitation Techniques certificate.
SLSNSW Advanced Resuscitation Techniques Syllabus
Beach Management Awards
Radio Operator Certificate
Provides participants with the skills and knowledge to perform basic communication practices. You must be 13 or over to do your Radio Operator certificate.
Radio Operators Certificate Course Overview
Silver Medallion Patrol Captain
This 2-day course aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge required to confidently manage a beach and a patrol as a Surf Life Saving Patrol Captain. You must:
- be at least 17 years old
- hold an SLSA Bronze Medallion or have held an SLSA Bronze Medallion and currently hold a patrolling award
- have 2 years patrolling experience.
Note: If you haven’t completed the Bronze Medallion Mental Health Awareness or the Safer Surf Clubs eLearning courses, it is a good idea to complete these before commencing this course.
Silver Medallion Patrol Captain (SMPC) Course Overview
Powercraft Awards
IRB Crew
Provides participants with the skills and knowledge to effectively crew an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) in surf rescue operations. You must be 15 years of age and hold the Bronze Medallion to complete this course.
IRB Crew Course Syllabus
Silver Medallion IRB Driver
The Silver Medallion IRB Driver provides participants with the skills and knowledge to effectively drive and manage an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) in surf rescue operations. You must be 17 years old on the date of assessment for this award and hold the Bronze Medallion and IRB Crew certificates.
Silver Medallion IRB Driver Syllabus
Rescue Water Craft Certificate
The Rescue Water Craft (RWC) Operator course provides participants with advanced skills and knowledge to effectively drive and manage a Rescue Water Craft (RWC) in lifesaving operations. In SNB, this course is only available to members wishing to become part of the Branch Support Operations team. You must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license to complete this course. As part of Support Operations, there are numerous pre-requisites for this award.
Detailed information can be found on the SNB Support Operations / RWC page here.
Training & Assessment Qualifications
Information on how to become involved in training or assessing SLSA awards can be located here.
Surf Sports Qualifications
Members who are interested in Coaching or Officiating can visit the relevant pages on the SNB website for further information.
Junior Activities Qualifications
Information on Junior awards and Age Manager qualifications can be found on the SNB website here.
