Regional Silver Medallion Patrol Captain Courses 2025
The Patrol Captain course is a vital opportunity for members to develop leadership abilities and ensure the safety of our community.
The Silver Medallion Patrol Captain Course aims to equip members with the skills and knowledge required to confidently manage a beach and run patrols as a Surf Life Saving Patrol Captain, especially under different and challenging situations.
“It plays a crucial role in standardising the emergency response by local patrols, ensuring that our procedures are consistent and effective across the State. I strongly encourage all eligible members to consider enrolling in future sessions” says Sean Faulkner, SLSSA Lifesaving & Emergency Operations Manager.
SLSSA will be running two Regional Courses at Whyalla SLSC and Beachport SLSC this season for the first time. This course is a great opportunity for SLSSA and clubs to support the development of volunteers to ensure they are equipped with the skills, understanding and abilities to support South Australian beachgoers.
COURSE DETAILS
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By the end of this course, you should be able to:
Know the role and responsibilities of a patrol captain including lead patrol set up and pack down, and managing the beach
Apply leadership techniques to manage multiple incidents as a patrol captain
Apply the principles of effective leadership to motivate and engage team members
Coordinate the response to minor and major incidents including working with multi-agencies
Effectively communicate in difficult situations, including managing inappropriate public behaviour
Action operational risk and hazard management
Effectively manage a patrol team including the delegation of operational tasks
Conduct effective briefing and de-briefing, including follow-up.
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The Patrol Captain course is aimed at those who are current Patrol Captains, Vice Patrol Captains or those who are looking to step into these roles in the near future.
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Requirements
Minimum 18 years old
Hold a SLSA Bronze Medallion or have held a SLSA Bronze Medallion and currently hold a patrolling award
Have 2 years patrolling experience
Pre-Requisites
Completed the eLearning, including online assessments
Completed and saved the leadership workbook found within eLearning
Downloaded the SLSSA Operations app and have access to the Surf Risk Rating
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Blended Learning
Day 1 - theory based completed via Microsoft Teams
Day 2 - face to face practical scenarios
eLearning component (6-8 hours) including online assessments
Completed the On-the Job Third Party Report.
This may be signed off by an active Patrol Captain, Patrol Vice Captain, Club Captain or Chief Instructor
Assessment Requirements
Online eLearning Assessment
Practical Assessment
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Course is free for all members
COURSE DATES & LOCATIONS
Whyalla Course
Day 1 - Theory
Location: Online - via Microsoft Teams
Date: Saturday 18th October
Time: 08:00 - 16:00hrs
Day 2 - Practical Scenarios
Location: Whyalla SLSC
Date: Saturday 8th November
Time: 09:00 - 16:00
Beachport Course
Open to Beachport and Robe SLSC members
Day 1 - Theory
Location: Online - via Microsoft Teams
Date: Saturday 18th October
Time: 08:00 - 16:00hrs
Day 2 - Practical Scenarios
Location: Beachport SLSC
Date: Saturday 22nd November
Time: 09:00 - 16:00
APPLICATION PROCESS
Each course is limited to 12 candidates and therefore a selection process is in place.
Successful applications will be based on the quality of the application and support from your Club Chief Instructor or Club Captain.
If interested, please submit an application via the link below:
Key Dates
Applications close: Monday 29th September
Club Approvals close: 30th September
Notification of Selection: 3rd October
eLearning due: Friday 10th October
Pathway Opportunities
Gaining this award is recommended for those considering senior lifesaving opportunities such as:
Patrol Captain or Club Captain at your club
Duty Officer within the SLSSA Emergency Operations Group (EOG)
More Information
Any questions, please contact the Member Education Team via:
E: member.ed@surflifesavingsa.com.au | P: 08 8354 6900.