Become a Trainer or Assessor with SLSSA!

Join the Lifesaving Education Team

Are you passionate about surf lifesaving and education?

Have you ever considered sharing your knowledge and experience to help shape the next generation of surf lifesavers?

Now is your chance to take the next step in your surf lifesaving journey by becoming a Trainer or Assessor with Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA)!

Cassie Wilmot, Goolwa SLSC trainer, completed the Assessor Skill Set course last year, which has allowed her to step into the role of an Assessor. “I love training and sharing knowledge. Then, when a rescue occurs, to hear the members say, ‘I used everything I learnt’ and ‘what you taught me helped me save a life’ is incredibly rewarding,” she said.

“During my 10+ years of being a trainer, I’ve found it’s been hard to constantly ask for assessors for my squads. There is definitely a need for more assessors in this space, and I felt I had the experience and knowledge to assess. So, considering the new assessor course changes and updates to the training, plus the time of year it was being offered, I decided it was time to put my hand up for it.

“The course itself was great! There is minimal homework and everything was able to be completed in the allocated face-to-face time, which meant once we committed to those six full days, we didn’t require much more outside the time, which helps in the business of life!”

Why should you consider getting involved in the education space in Surf Life Saving?

Working as a volunteer Trainer or Assessor within SLSSA offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to contribute to the lifesaving community. By becoming part of our education team, you will be directly involved in developing and delivering the skills and knowledge associated with the different SLS Awards needed to keep our beaches safe.

As a Trainer, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Make an impact

• Inspire the next generation

• Build valuable skills

• Give back to the community

Becoming a Trainer or an Assessor not only provides personal and professional growth, but it also helps strengthen our lifesaving network. It’s an incredibly fulfilling way to contribute to your community while honing your own skill set.

Off-Season Courses

Surf Life Saving South Australia is now accepting applications for:

• TAESS00029 Volunteer Trainer Delivery Skill Set - for those who are looking to gain the TAE qualifications and become a trainer.

• TAESS0019 Assessor Skill Set - for current Trainers who do not hold the Assessor Skill Set or for teachers who are eligible to train in the RTO space.

For more information about Teachers to Trainers, click HERE

What You Can Expect

• Comprehensive training in both theory and practical components

• Supportive, hands-on learning environment

• Opportunities for networking and ongoing professional development

• A rewarding pathway to advancing your involvement in Surf Life Saving

Key Dates

TAESS00029 Volunteer Trainer Delivery Skill Set Course

• Application Close: Monday 9th June, 12pm

• Online Induction Session: Tuesday 1st July, 6pm - 7pm

• Face-to-Face Sessions: 

  • Days 1 & 2: Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th July, 8:30am - 4:30pm, SLSSA

  • Day 3: Sunday 20th July, 8:30am - 4:30pm, SLSSA

TAESS0019 Assessor Skill Set

• Applications Close: Monday 16th June, 12pm

• Online Induction Session: Tuesday 15th July

• Face-to-Face Sessions:

  • Days 1 & 2: 26th and 27th July, 8:30am - 4:30pm, SLSSA

  • Days 3 & 4: 30th and 31st August, 8:30am - 4:30pm, SLSSA

  • Days 5 & 6: 18th and 19th October, 8:30am - 4:30pm, SLSSA

Applications

If you're ready to take the next step in your surf lifesaving journey and share your knowledge with others, now is the time to get involved!

For more information about the role of a Trainer or Assessor, click HERE.

To apply, submit an application below.

Together, let's continue to make South Australia's beaches safe and welcoming for everyone!

Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue Coming March

The popular Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue Award course, otherwise known as SMAR, is back for anyone looking to upskill before the end of the season.

This course is a step up from the Bronze Medalion and 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 search and rescue of a missing person

• Demonstrate recovery and stand down procedures

The course is a very practical-based award and takes place in a few different locations including the South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Surf Central (the home of SLSSA), and Port Noarlunga SLSC.

This particular course is open to members of the Emergency Operations Group (EOG), general members and members working towards the PUA30322 Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search & Rescue). Those selected into the 2025 VETiS program will be encouraged to apply for the courses planned for September/October 2025.

Besides being a valuable asset at your club, gaining this award also opens the door for other SLSSA opportunities. “The training members undertake in SMAR is great knowledge to have a club level, but it is essential for those who respond at a time of crisis,” says Cameron Smith, SLSSA Lifesaving and Emergency Operations Coordinator explained.

If you are interested in obtaining this award, please read the information below, speak to your Club Chief Instructor and complete the application before the closing date of 9am, Monday 3rd March.

• AWARD DETAILS

  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)

  • Hi-Viz top

  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

• DATES & LOCATIONS

  SMAR Pool Session and Assessment:

  • Wednesday 19th March. 7pm - 9pm

  • Marion SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre, 443 Morphett Road, Oaklands Park

  SMAR Theory, Night Search Assessment:

  • Saturday 29th March, 2pm - 10pm

  • Surf Central SLSSA, 2 Barcoo Road, West Beach

  SMAR Practical Assessment:

  • Sunday 30th March, 8:30am – 1pm

  • Port Noarlunga SLSC, Saltfleet St & Esplanade, Port Noarlunga

• 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.

• APPLICATION PROCESS & KEY DATES

  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.

  • 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 may be withdrawn and the opportunity given to someone on the waitlist

  • Those who are not successful will be added to the waitlist for future courses.

  KEY DATES

  Applications close: 12:00pm, Monday, 3rd March

  Notification of selection: Monday, 10th March

  Online enrolment due: Thursday. 13th March

SRC to Bronze Medallion Course School Holiday Opportunity - Jan 2025

Intensive SRC to Bronze Medallion Course Occurring in January 2025

In the upcoming January school holidays, Surf Life Saving SA is providing the opportunity for youth members who currently hold their Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) to gain their Bronze Medallion / PUA20119 Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue).

The intensive SRC to Bronze Medallion Course provides participants with skills and knowledge related to surf awareness, aquatic rescue operations, radio operations, resuscitation, emergency care, spinal management, communication, teamwork and Surf Life Saving patrol operations. In addition, members will obtain the HLTAID011 Provide First Aid qualification.

SLSSA will deliver the course over four days during the January school holidays - Tuesday 21st, Wednesday 22nd, Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th January 2025 - at Surf Central and Glenelg SLSC.

Interested participants are encouraged to register quickly, with the SLSSA Member Education team expecting the course to reach full capacity following a high number of enquiries.

For more information and to complete an Expression of Interest form, please read below.

COURSE DETAILS

• Learning Outcomes

  At the end of the four days, participants will gain the following awards and qualifications:

  • Bronze Medallion

  • First Aid

  • HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

  • HLTAID010 Provide Basic Emergency Life Support

  • HLTAID011 Provide First Aid

  • PUA20119 Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue)

  You will learn about:

  • Safety and well being

  • Surf awareness and skills

  • The human body

  • Resuscitation

  • Defibrillation and basic oxygen

  • First aid

  • Radio operations

  • Communications

  • Rescue techniques

  • Carries and supports

  • Patrols

• Course Delivery & Assessment

  THEORY ASSESSMENTS

  • Provide First Aid via your aXcelerate Portal

  • SRC-BM Transition eLearning via your Members Area

  PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
  PROVIDE FIRST AID

  • CPR on adult & infant

  • Apply AED

  • Anaphylaxis (using adrenaline auto-injector training device)           

  • Bleeding control         

  • Choking and airway obstruction           

  • Envenomation            

  • Fractures, dislocations, sprains, and strains

  • Respiratory distress

  • Shock                            

  • Safe work practices
    

  BRONZE MEDALLION

  • Resuscitation

  • Run Swim Run

  • Emergency Care Procedures

  • Emergency Care Procedures

  • Spinal Management aquatic roll-overs

  • Spinal Management Scenario

  • Third Party Report

• Pre-Requisites

  Candidates must meet ALL the following pre-requisites:

  • Have completed their SRC less than 3 years prior to commencing this training

  • Are currently proficient in SRC (SurfGuard reflective)

  • Have completed a minimum of 10 patrolling hours as a qualified SRC award holder (Surfguard reflective)

  • Will be 15 years on the date of final assessment

  • Have completed the following prior to submitting their application:

    • Complete 400m pre-requisite swim in 9 minutes or less with club Bronze trainer, assessor or Endorsed Delegate (such as the Club’s Swim head coach)

    • Third Party report signed by a Club representative

  • Agree to complete the the required eLearning before the start of the course:

    • Provide First Aid and the SRC – BM Transition Course Theory & Assessment modules

  If this is not completed, you will not be able to continue with the course

• Course Dates & Locations

  Provide First Aid

  • Date: Tuesday 21st January

  • Time: 9am - 3pm

  • Location: SLSSA, 2 Barcoo Road, West Beach

  Please note: If you already hold a current Provide First Aid Qualification, and it is still valid for 3 months post Bronze Assessment date, you are not required to attend this session.

  Bronze Training Sessions

  • Date: Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd January

  • Time: 9am - 3pm

  • Location: Glenelg SLSC, Training Room

  Assessment

  • Date: Friday 24th January

  • Time: 9am - 1pm

  • Location: Glenelg SLSC

• Costs

  Applicants fee will be $49. 

  • Taken at the point of enrolment

  • Costs include the Provide First Aid Certificate, which normally costs $170.

  • If you already hold a current Provide First Aid qualification, there is no discount

• Pathway Opportunities

  Many opportunities open up once you have your Bronze Medallion. These include:

  • Gaining the Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue) and using this to gain SACE points

  • Competition rights

  • Gaining additional awards and qualifications

KEY DATES

• Applications close: Monday 13th January

• Notification of selection: Selections will occur as applications are received

• eLearning and all pre-requisites due: Monday 20th January

APPLICATION PROCESS

SLSSA recognises 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.

• Club endorsement is also required and is gained once Expression of Interest form has been submitted

More Information

Any questions, please contact the Member Education Team via:

E: member.ed@surflifesavingsa.com.au | P: 08 8354 6900.