Women in Powercraft Program

SLSSA TO LAUNCH POWERCRAFT TRAINING FOR WOMEN IN LIFESAVING PROGRAM

Surf Life Saving Australia is thrilled to be launching a Powercraft Training for Women in Lifesaving program, specifically designed for young female-only trainers, assessors and participants.

Thanks to national funding support from Geoffrey Evans Trust, Surf Life Saving South Australia will become one of the first state bodies to deliver this program, commencing in late January 2024.

The IRB is an integral piece of rescue equipment and is used for routine patrolling duties, water safety, and on-call Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. They are also the first step in the pathway to becoming a SLSSA Jet Ski driver and provide a key competition area for the movement.

However, for several years there has been a shortage of IRB Crew and Drivers within the membership, especially with female members.

Therefore, the power of women training together will be huge, with participants able to join a supportive group of like-minded members who will assist each other through the course and become champions for each other.

““We know the Powercraft space is not for everyone, and certainly not for every woman. Females operate differently in an IRB – technique and mental wellbeing is everything and this needs to be trained differently.””

— Pamela Simon, National Learning and Development Manager, Surf Life Saving Australia

In South Australia, 2022 National Youth Surf Life Saver of the Year, Hayley Hosking (Seacliff), will come onboard as Lead Trainer of the program. She will be joined by Makayla Roberts (Grange), and others who will work together to support participants in gaining this qualification. Amber Loone, an assessor from Club in Tasmania, will also be flying over to assess the group and share her experiences.

“I participated in an all-female Jet ski course, and the environment and culture are a lot different. The group felt tighter, we leaned on each other, and it was more accepting and supportive. Because of this experience, I wanted to be able to provide this experience to others and I’m looking forward to seeing the girls try something different,” Hayley said.

Interested female members aged between 15 – 20 years old are encouraged to read the information below and register their expression of interest before 7th January 2023.

• Program Details

  The Powercraft Training for Women in Lifesaving program is a specifically designed, women-only training course supporting women, to engage and participate in IRBs.

  We know, the Powercraft space, IRBs, Jet Skis, Jet Boats; is not for everyone, and certainly not every woman. Therefore, under the leadership of Hayley Hosking (Seacliff SLSC), SLSSA will provide the opportunity for a small number of our female youth to undertake their IRB Crew Award, in a female-friendly training environment.

  We know the power of women training together is huge, and participants will be part of a supportive group of like-minded members who will assist each other through the course and become champions for each other going forward.

• Who Is The Program For?

  • 15 – 20 years old female members

  As part of our commitment to LGBTQ inclusion, all female-identifying and non-binary members are welcome to participate

  Members outside the specified criteria are encouraged to contact their club or state/territory centre for upcoming training courses.

  • Proficient in Bronze Medallion

  • Those willing to dedicate themselves fully to the program for the duration.

• Training Details

  DATES:

  • Saturday 20th January, 9am – 1pm (Training)

  • Sunday 21st January, 9am – 1pm (Training)

  • Saturday 27th January, (9am until about 1pm or when assessments have been completed) (Training and Assessments)

  LOCATION:

  Seacliff SLSC

  TRAINERS:

  • Hayley Hosking, Seacliff SLSC (Lead Trainer)

  • Makayla Roberts, Grange SLSC (Trainer)

  • Amber Loone, Tasmania (Assessor)

  Please note, that all efforts will be made to have female trainers in place for the program but this cannot be guaranteed

  COST:

  Free, no cost to participants

  REQUIREMENTS:

  Attend all the face-to-face training

  Complete the online eLearning which will be provided to those who are successful.

  MORE INFORMATION

  Email: member.ed@surflifesavingsa.com.au

Hear from Lucy, Courtney and Manon, representing the Hurricanes in SLSSA Surf League, share their thoughts about the competition and what it means to be racing in a summer competition.