Proficiency Information

All active lifesavers are required to complete a proficiency test (also known as Skills Maintenance) to prove competency in the lifesaving award/s they hold and wish to remain current in. Proficiency tests are necessary to:

  • Ensure ongoing competency of members in their area of training and activities
  • Maintain the standards of knowledge and expertise of surf life savers
  • Satisfy legal and statutory requirements
  • Reinforce and maintain our service commitment to the bathing and beach going community

A member’s proficiency is valid until the 31st December each year, unless the award has a longer proficiency period. Any member who is NOT proficient by the 31st December, or has NOT completed the appropriate awards shall NOT be allowed to patrol or operate rescue craft until they are proficient.  Competitors who have not completed their proficiencies by 31st December should refer to the Late Proficiency information below.

Circular 3844_SLSNSW Skills Maintenance Requirements for 2024-25 v1.1
SLSA Skills Maintenance Information Book v2024

 

Note: Members who complete new awards after 1st July in any year, need not complete a proficiency until prior to 31st December the following year.

Proficiency/Re-accreditation shall be conducted in the following awards for them to remain current:
Yearly:
  • Surf Rescue Certificate
  • Bronze Medallion
  • Advanced Resuscitation Techniques Certificate
  • IRB Boat Crew
  • Silver Medallion IRB Driver
  • Spinal Management
  • Gold Medallion
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
  • Rescue Water Craft Operators Certificate
  • Jet Rescue Boat Crew/Driver/Skipper
  • Offshore Rescue Boat Crew/Driver/Skipper
  • Facilitator re-endorsement
Every 3 years:
  • First Aid (CPR component must be updated every year)

Late Proficiencies
All members must be proficient to patrol.

Non-competitors may complete a proficiency at their club after 31st December, so long as the club has proficiency sessions available.  Patrolling members should be proficient in time for their next patrol.

Competitors should be proficient by 31st December.  SLSNSW have recently updated the requirements and in the policy have stated that members must be proficient by the date that “normal” championship entries close.  Members who are not proficient by this date must lodge an exemption request to be approved for competition.

In-Depth Proficiencies

As per the 2024/25 SLSA Skills Maintenance circular, members who have not remained proficient for any period may not be required to complete their award again and should be dealt with on a case-by-case basis with their club’s Chief Training Officer.

Members who are not proficient for a period of five or more years would require re-completion of the award, however the experience of the individual member should be taken into account. Members should discuss what is needed with the Chief Training Officer at their Club.

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