Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue
Be ‘rescue ready’ for the start of the season by completing a Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue course.
SLSSA is excited to deliver two Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue (SMAR) courses in the lead up to the 2024/2025 season. This is a vital opportunity for patrolling members to develop their skills and knowledge in aquatic rescue practices.
The courses will be open to members who wish to obtain the SMAR award, 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 practical-based award and takes place in a few different locations, including the South Australia Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Surf Central (the home of SLSSA), and Port Noarlunga SLSC.
Besides being a valuable asset 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) which manages and fulfils Jet boats, Jet Skis, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter and Duty Officer roles.
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 12:00pm, Friday 23rd August.
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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:
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.
• Successful 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
Equipment Requirements
All participants are required to supply the following items as SLSSA does not provide them:
Goggles
Fins
Snorkel and mask
Handheld torch (no headlights)
Wetsuit (Steamer) which is considered PPE
Booties or reef shoes
Dive mask & snorkel – NO goggles
Rescue tube and fins (1 set per person with your/club name on)
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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
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SMAR COURSE 3
SMAR Pool Session:
• Tuesday 10th September, 7pm - 9pm
• Marion SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre, 443 Morphett Road, Oaklands Park
SMAR Theory, Night Search
• Saturday 21st September, 2pm - 10pm
• Surf Central SLSSA, 2 Barcoo Road, West Beach
SMAR Practical
• Sunday 22nd September, 8:30am – 2pm
• Port Noarlunga SLSC, Saltfleet St & Esplanade, Port Noarlunga
SMAR COURSE 4
SMAR Pool Session:
• Wednesday 18th September, 7pm - 9pm
• Marion SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre 443 Morphett Road, Oaklands Park
SMAR Theory, Night Search
• Saturday 19th October, 2pm - 10pm
• Surf Central SLSSA, 2 Barcoo Road, West Beach
SMAR Practical
• Sunday 20th October, 8:30am – 2pm
• Port Noarlunga SLSC, Saltfleet St & Esplanade, Port Noarlunga
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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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 may be 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: 12:00pm, Friday, 23th August
Notification of selection: Monday, 26th August
Online enrolment due: Monday 2nd September