Member News

Silver Medallion Patrol Captain Courses 2025

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

    • 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

    Assessment Requirements

    • Online eLearning Assessment

    • Practical Assessment

  • 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.

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

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

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.

SRC to Bronze Medallion Course School Holiday Opportunity

Intensive SRC to Bronze Medallion Course Occurring in October 2024

In the upcoming October 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 is a course that 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 HLTAID011 Provide First Aid qualification.

SLSSA will deliver the course over four days during the October school holidays - Monday 30th September, Tuesday 1st October, Wednesday 2nd October and Friday 4th October - at Surf Central and West Beach 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Candidates must meet ALL the following pre-requisites:

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

    • Is currently proficient in SRC (SurfGuard reflective)

    • Has 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.

    • Agree to complete the following before 23rd September:

      • 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

      • Complete eLearning for 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

  • Provide First Aid

    • Date: Monday 30th September

    • 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: Tuesday 1st October and Wednesday 2nd October

    • Time: 9am - 3pm

    • Location: West Beach SLSC, Cnr Seaview Rd & West Beach Rd, West Beach

    Assessment

    • Date: Friday 4th October

    • Time: 9am - 1pm

    • Location: West Beach SLSC, Cnr Seaview Rd & West Beach Rd, West Beach

  • Applicant’s 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

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

KEY DATES

  • Early bird applications close: 2nd September

  • Last minute applications close: 16th September (Will only be offered if there are spots left)

  • Notification of selection: by 6th September

  • eLearning and all pre-requisites due: 23 Sept

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.