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 is a two-day course that 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.
The Silver Medallion Patrol Captain courses are scenario based to provide the best learning opportunities and experience. Stephanie Horne, a Patrol Captain at South Port SLSC, participated in the course and greatly benefited from the learnings, successfully applying the knowledge to her patrols.
“I liked how we had scenarios where there were multiple rescues and first aid cases. I also learned how to manage my team and resources effectively, so that the beach was still able to remain as safe as possible. After the training, I had the confidence to put the things I had learned into practice. This included briefings and post-incident debriefings, to ensure that as a patrol, we were better placed for next time something happened and as a result, other patrol members seemed to be more engaged and understood what they needed to do,” she said.
In light of the upcoming 2025/26 season, this 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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Face to face training completed over 2 full days.
Day one is theory based and day two is 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
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: 18th August
Club Approvals close: 20th August
Notification of Selection: By 22nd August
eLearning due: One week prior to the start of your course
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.
