This April, SLSSA will deliver two Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue award courses, otherwise know as SMAR. The courses will be open to those members who wish to obtain the SMAR award, the members of the Emergency Operations Group (EOG), and members working towards the PUA30322 Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search & Rescue).
SMAR is an award that provides participants with the skills and knowledge to participate in search and rescue operations. Once completed members will gain skills and knowledge enabling them to:
Contribute to preparation activities for search and rescue operations
Perform search and rescue of a missing person
Demonstrate recovery and stand down procedures
The course is very practical-based award and takes place in a few different locations including South Australia Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Surf Central (the home of SLSSA), and Port Noarlunga SLSC.
Josh Warne, Glenelg member and one of the state’s SMAR trainers, said “The SMAR award takes you beyond your normal beach training, where you develop new skills on working safely around rocks and jetties. Members also gain a greater understanding on working with Jet Boats, Jet Skis and other emergency services. It’s an award I enjoyed completing, and now training others in. It has also provided me with lots of opportunities and experiences”.
Besides being a valuable assist at your club, gaining this award also opens the door for other SLSSA opportunities. It is a core award to hold if you are looking to become a member of the Emergency Operations Group (EOG) who manage and fulfil Jet boats, Jet Skis, Helicopter and Duty Officer roles.
“The EOG are a key incident response group who are called by club patrols and other emergency services when an incident at one of our beaches goes beyond the scope of the club patrol,” Cameron Smith, SLSSA Lifesaving and Emergency Operations Coordinator, explained.
“The training members undertake in SMAR is great knowledge to have a club level, but it essential for those who respond at a time of crises.
“It is also a highly valued award for those who are considering becoming an SLSSA Lifeguard (Beach).”
If you are interested in obtaining this award, please read the information below, speak to your Club Chief Instructor and complete the EOI before the closing date of 9am, Monday 13th March.
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Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue Award
• PUAWHS002 – Maintain Safety at an Incident Scene
• PUASAR011 – Search as a member of an aquatic search team
Learning Outcomes
Contribute to preparation activities for search and rescue operations
• Interpret task information
• Use basic navigational techniques
• Select appropriate search and rescue equipment
Perform search and rescue of a missing person
• Identify hazards to self, bystanders, and patient at an incident scene
• Minimise risks
• Select appropriate personal protective equipment
• Communicate incident details to relevant personnel at appropriate stages
• Demonstrate an advanced water entry technique
• Describe search patterns
• Operate as a member of a search team
• Perform retrieval of a submerged object at a depth of 3-5 meters below the surface
• Participate in a night search operation
Demonstrate recovery and stand down procedures
• Complete operational documentation
• Perform equipment recovery, cleaning, and maintenance in line with organisational procedures
• Describe symptoms of operational stress and sources of support
Pre-Requisites
Candidates must meet ALL the following conditions:
• Be at least 16 years of age on the date of final assessment
• Complete a 400-metre swim in 8 minutes or less in a swimming pool of no less than 25m length (completed at the Pool Session)
• Hold and be proficient in the SLSA Bronze Medallion
• Attend all the training detailed in the timeline
• Have access to all personal equipment detailed in the resources.
Assessment Requirements
Assessment is through demonstration, presentation, and application of all elements of competency in the workplace. Students will be required to complete activities that may include role-plays, oral and written questioning, practical demonstrations and performing scenarios. Assessment also includes:
• Online learning
• Written questions
• Verbal questions
• Practical scenarios
Session Delivery
The SMAR course involves three sessions, consisting of:
Session Details
Pool session: Includes completion of the pre-requisite swim as well as assessment of submerged object retrieval.
• The Pre-requisite swim requires completing a 400-metre swim in 8 minutes or less in a swimming pool of no less than 25m length.
• Successfully completion of the pre-requisite swim is required to continue with the rest of the SMAR
The pool session is a mandatory component to the course.
Theory & night search:
• Identify the basic procedures of search and rescue operations.
• Practical night search
Practical & assessments:
• Water activities
• Assessment
Learning Resources
All resources are accessible from the members eLearning area:
• Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue members eLearning course
• Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue Learner Guide
• 35th Edition Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue Training Manual
Costs
$49.00 for Club members.
• The course will be held over the equivalent of two and a half days, and the cost covers materials, all food, snacks, water, and all other resources.
• Members that are completing SMAR as part of their cert III VETiS program will be invoiced separately (unless prior arrangements made directly with members school). VETiS enrolments should refer to the VETiS Course Fee document for more information.
• Payment will be required at the time of registration.
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SMAR COURSE 1
SMAR Pool Session:
• Wednesday 27th March, 7pm - 9pm
• Marion SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre 443 Morphett Road, Oaklands Park
SMAR Theory, Night Search
• Saturday 6th April, 2pm - 10pm • SLSSA , 2 Barcoo Road, West Beach
SMAR Practical
• Sunday 7th April, 8:30am – 4pm
• Port Noarlunga SLSC , Saltfleet St & Esplanade, Port Noarlunga
SMAR COURSE 2
SMAR Pool Session:
• Thursday 28th March, 7pm - 9pm
• Marion SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre 443 Morphett Road, Oaklands Park
SMAR Theory, Night Search
• Saturday 13th April, 2pm - 10pm
• SLSSA , 2 Barcoo Road, West Beach
SMAR Practical
• Sunday 14th April, 8:30am – 4pm
• Port Noarlunga SLSC , Saltfleet St & Esplanade, Port Noarlunga
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SLSSA recognise this is a highly desirable course and with the limited number of places available, there is no guarantee that all members who apply will be able to participate.
• Those interested MUST submit an Expression of Interest form by the closing date.
• Successful applications will be based on their applications and SLSSA receiving payment as soon as possible (if applicable).
o If enrolment and payment are not completed by the due date, your position maybe withdrawn and the opportunity given to someone on the waitlist
• Those who are not successful will be added to the waitlist for future courses.
KEY DATES
Applications close: 12noon, Wednesday, 13th March
Notification of selection: Friday, 15th March
Online enrolment due: Wednesday 20th March