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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

    • 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

    Assessment Requirements

    • Online eLearning Assessment

    • Practical Assessment

  • 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.