SMAR Opportunities For Cert III & VETis MEmbers
SLSSA will deliver a Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue award course, otherwise known as SMAR, this October. 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 a search and rescue of a missing person
Demonstrate recovery and stand-down procedures
The course is very practical-based award and takes place in a few different locations, including South Australia Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Surf Central (the home of SLSSA), and Port Noarlunga SLSC.
Limited selection opportunity - Cert Iii members only
The intake for this course is VERY LIMITED and is exclusively for members who are currently completing PUA30322 Certificate III Public Safety (Aquatic Search and Rescue) via Credit Transfer or enrolled in the SLSSA VETiS program.
We want to be upfront - due to circumstances outside of our control, we are only able to schedule one course, for a maximum of 20 people, at this time. There have been several unexpected delays and constraints:
Trainer Availability: Our qualified trainers are limited, and scheduling has been difficult.
Jetty Repairs: Critical infrastructure work at Port Noarlunga Jetty has impacted our ability to plan ahead
Algal Bloom Impacts: We have to be flexible in our planning and delivery of some sessions.
Because of these constraints, this October intake is being reserved only for members currently undertaking the Cert III. We recognise this will disappoint many members, but this approach allows our younger members to use this course to assist them with their SACE.
More course date opportunities will be provided in March/April 2026 for those Cert III, VETiS and general members who miss out in this intake.
If you are interested in obtaining this award, please read the information below, speak to your Club’s Chief Instructor and complete the application before the closing date of 12 noon, Monday, 6th October.
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SMAR AWARD UNIT OF COMPETENCIES
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-REQUSUTES
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.
FOR THIS INTAKE ONLY, members must be undertaking PUA30322 Certificate in Public Safety (Aquatic Search and Rescue) via Credit Transfer or the VETiS program.
Please, due to capacity restrictions, not all current VETiS students will be selected for this course and those in Year 12 MUST nominate for this course.
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:
Session Details
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.
Successfully 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
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
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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SMAR Pool Session:
Tuesday, 14th October, 6:30pm - 8:45pm
Marion SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre 443 Morphett Road, Oaklands Park
SMAR Theory, Night Search
Saturday25th October, 2pm - 10pm
SLSSA , 2 Barcoo Road, West Beach
SMAR Practical
Sunday 26th October, 8:30am – 4pm
Port Noarlunga SLSC , Saltfleet St & Esplanade, Port Noarlunga
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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).
If enrolment and payment are not completed by the due date, your position maybe withdrawn and the opportunity given to someone on the waitlist
Those who are not successful, will be added to the waitlist for future courses.
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Item description
KEY DATES
Applications close: 12noon, Monday, 6th October
Notification of selection: no later than Wednesday, 8th October.
Online enrolment due: Monday 13th October