Ready for the Season? Skills Maintenance 2025 is Here!
As the weather warms up and we prepare to hit the sand and surf, it’s time to make sure you’re ready to patrol, keep our beaches safe and serve the community. This means it’s time for Skills Maintenance, or as some like to refer to it, Proficiency.
It is your chance to refresh, update, and prove your lifesaving skills are rescue-ready for the year ahead. Getting your skills refreshed is not just about compliance – it’s about confidence, teamwork, and starting summer strong.
“Skills Maintenance is one of the best ways to reconnect with your club, brush off the winter cobwebs, and head into the season feeling ready for anything.”
WHAT HAS CHANGED THIS YEAR
There are a number of inclusions and exclusions in this year’s Skills Maintenance:
Outs include:
Run-swim-run
Board rescue
First Aid Scenarios
Inclusions:
Lifesaving CPR – making sure you’re ready for any emergency
Run-Swim-Rescue – fitness test has evolved from the run-swim-run, to a new format of timed 100m run – 100m swim - and then a non-timed tube rescue of a patient
IRB Updates – ensuring drivers and crews are up to date with the latest on the water
How to Become Proficient
Depending on the awards you hold, will depend on what you will need to do. Generally, to stay patrol-ready, members who hold SRC or Bronze Awards, will need to complete:
E-learning via the SLS Members Hub – complete the online theory before your dry and wet practical sessions
Dry Practical Session – brush up on CPR and rescue techniques on land.
Wet Practical Session – head into the water to demonstrate your run-swim-rescue.
For other awards, the tasks and requirements will vary.
Make sure you keep an eye out for communication from you club, about the Skills Maintenance events which they will be hosting in the coming months.
Returning Members
If you are returning to surf after not being involved for a while, GREAT and welcome back!
Depending on how long you have been away, and what you have missed, will determine what you need to do to become proficient again. For more information about this and support, head to the Returning Member section of the SLSSA website and talk to your club’s Chief Instructor or Head of Education.
More Info & Support
Skills Maintenance Information
Returning Members Information
Lifesaving CPR Guide
SA Algal Bloom Updates
Important: If you don’t complete all elements of the skills maintenance required for the awards you hold, you won’t be deemed proficient this season. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are signed off. For more information about Skills Maintenance, what’s involved, and to answer any common questions, CLICK HERE.