Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue Coming March
The popular Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue Award (SMAR) course is back, offering members the chance to upskill before the end of the season.
Building on the Bronze Medallion, SMAR provides practical, hands-on training for aquatic search and rescue. Upon completion, participants will be able 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 delivered across several locations, including the South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Surf Central (home of SLSSA), and Port Noarlunga SLSC.
The course is open to members selected for the VETiS program, Emergency Operations Group (EOG) members, general members, and those working toward the PUA30322 Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search & Rescue).
In addition to strengthening capability at a club level, SMAR opens doors to further opportunities within SLSSA. “The training members undertake in SMAR is valuable at a club level and essential for those responding in times of crisis,” says Cameron Smith, SLSSA Lifesaving and Emergency Operations Coordinator.
Interested members should read the information below, speak with their Club Chief Instructor, and submit an application by 5pm, Monday 9 March 2026.
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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 Pool Session and Assessment:
Tuesday 31st March 2026. 6.30pm - 8.45pm
Marion SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre, 443 Morphett Road, Oaklands Park
SMAR Theory, Night Search Assessment:
Saturday 11th April 2026, 2pm - 10pm
Surf Central SLSSA, 2 Barcoo Road, West Beach
SMAR Practical Assessment:
Sunday 12th March 2026, 8:30am – 2pm
Port Noarlunga SLSC, Saltfleet St & Esplanade, Port Noarlunga
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$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 meals, snacks, water, and all other resources.
Members completing SMAR as part of a Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search and Rescue) SLSA Coordinated VETiS Pathway will be invoiced separately unless prior arrangements have been made with the member’s 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 Application Form by the closing date.
Applications will be assessed against criteria and the successful people notified.
If you are not successful this round, you will be added to the waitlist for future courses.
KEY DATES
Applications close: 5pm, Monday, 9 March
Notification of selection: Friday, 13th March
