ADVANCED LIFESAVING

Advanced lifesaving qualifications allow you to build on your existing skills and take on greater responsibility in emergency care, patrol leadership and aquatic rescue. With pathways both in and out of the water, you can develop the confidence and capability to support your patrol team and respond effectively in challenging situations.

Before beginning any of the qualifications below, you’ll need to join a surf life saving club and become a member. Your club can help you understand the prerequisites, access training and choose the pathway that best matches your interests, skills, abilities and experience.

Patrol without entering the water
Patrol in the water

advanced Resuscitation Techniques

What is it?

The Advanced Resuscitation Techniques course prepares you to take charge in critical situations and provide a higher level of emergency care. You'll become equipped with the skills and knowledge to perform advanced life support, including oxygen administration, airway management and defibrillation, as well as manage severe bleeding.

Where can it lead?

This can support progression into advanced first aid, patrol and emergency response roles across lifesaving operations.

What are the requirements?

  • Minimum age of 15

  • Hold a Provide First Aid HLTAID011

Will I need to get wet?

  • No

This could suit you if you are:

  • Calm and focused under pressure

  • Comfortable taking responsibility in an emergency

  • Able to communicate clearly and work closely with others

  • Careful, practical and attentive to detail

  • Interested in developing advanced emergency care skills

Silver Medallion Patrol Captain

What is it?

The Silver Medallion Patrol Captain course prepares experienced members for beach management roles. You'll develop the leadership, decision-making, confidence, and skills needed to lead a patrol team, manage the beach, and respond effectively in challenging conditions.

Where can it lead?

This can support progression into broader club and operational leadership roles.

What are the requirements?

  • Minimum age of 18

  • Hold a SLSA Bronze Medallion and currently hold a patrolling award

  • Have two years of patrolling experience

Will I need to get wet?

  • Yes

This could suit you if you are:

  • Ready to take on greater responsibility within patrol'

  • Calm and able to make decisions under pressure

  • A clear and confident communicator

  • Approachable and supportive of others

  • Comfortable coordinating a team in changing situations

  • Interested in developing your leadership and mentoring skills

silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue (SMAR)

What is it?

The Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue (SMAR) course develops the advanced practical skills and knowledge needed to take part in search and rescue operations. Through hands-on scenarios, you’ll gain experience in preparation activities and recovery and stand-down procedures while working at heights and in challenging, fast-paced emergency environments.

Where can it lead?

This can lead to further search and rescue and Emergency Operations opportunities.

What are the requirements?

  • Minimum age of 16

  • Hold a SLSA Bronze Medallion

  • Complete a 400m swim in 8 minutes or less in a swimming pool

  • Comfortable jumping from heights, such as a jetty

Will I need to get wet?

  • Yes

This could suit you if you are:

  • Calm in emergency situations

  • Confident in and around water

  • Able to work in a team environment

  • A good problem-solver

Ready to start your journey?

Find a club

Click here to find a club near you!

Contact us

If you have any further inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us via slssa.reception@surflifesavingsa.com.au or by calling 8354 6900 during office hours.