TRAINERS, ASSESSORS & FACILITATORS

Member Education plays an essential role in developing confident, capable lifesavers and upholding high standards of training across Surf Life Saving. As a Trainer, Assessor or Facilitator, you’ll share your knowledge, inspire others to grow and help members build practical skills, achieve qualifications and progress throughout their learning journey. With every member you support, you’ll strengthen Surf Life Saving and contribute to safer beaches and communities.

Trainer
Assessor
Facilitator

Trainer

Trainers play a vital role in developing the skills and knowledge members need to perform lifesaving roles safely and effectively. Through structured, high-quality education, you’ll guide members throughout their learning journey, help create a welcoming and safe club environment and contribute to raising the standard of beach safety across our communities. You’ll also be supported by SLSSA, your Chief Instructor and fellow Trainers.

Where can it lead?

Trainer experience can lead to Assessor, Facilitator and casual paid training opportunities.

What are the requirements?

  • Hold a current Trainer Skill Set from the Certificate IV in Training & Assessment*

  • Hold the Surf Award (and units of competence) for the course you wish to train

  • Maintain club registration

  • Have a National Police Check and Working with Children Check

  • Hold a Provide First Aid HLTAID011

*  SLSSA will subsidise and support you to gain your Trainer Skill Set.

Will I need to get wet? Possibly - this will depend on the qualification you are delivering.

This could suit you if you are:

  • Approachable, patient and supportive

  • A clear and confident communicator

  • Organised and able to plan structured sessions

  • Comfortable presenting to individuals and groups

  • Passionate about helping others learn and develop

  • Able to adapt your approach to different learning needs

  • Comfortable working collaboratively and following policies and procedures

Assessor

Assessors play a vital role in evaluating members’ knowledge and practical skills against the required competencies for Surf Life Saving awards and nationally recognised qualifications. You’ll help maintain consistent education standards and ensure qualified lifesavers are capable, confident and prepared to perform their roles safely and effectively. With each assessment, you’ll directly contribute to safer beaches and support the development of fellow lifesavers throughout their journeys.

Where can it lead?

Assessors can assess State run courses and, if they go on to complete a full Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, they can be offered casual paid training opportunities.

What are the requirements?

  • Hold both the Trainer Skill Set and the Assessor Skill Set from the Certificate IV in Training & Assessment*

  • Hold the Surf Award (and units of competence) for the course you wish to train

  • Maintain club registration

  • Have a National Police Check and Working with Children Check

  • Hold a Provide First Aid HLTAID011

*SLSSA will subsidise and support you to gain your Trainer Skill Set and Assessor Skill Set.

Will I need to get wet? Possibly - this will depend on the qualification you are delivering

This could suit you if you are:

  • Approachable, patient and supportive

  • Fair, objective and attentive to detail

  • A clear communicator who can provide constructive feedback

  • Organised and comfortable maintaining accurate records

  • Confident applying assessment criteria consistently

  • Comfortable making evidence-based decisions

  • Able to work collaboratively and follow policies and procedures

Facilitator

Facilitators are qualified to independently train and assess members in selected Surf Life Saving awards, including specialised or high-risk awards. You'll use approved SLSA and SLSSA resources to deliver courses such as IRB Driver, Advanced Resuscitation, and Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue, while ensuring consistent training and assessment standards.  Facilitators often mentor Trainers and Assessors as they complete their probationary periods.

Where can it lead?

This can lead to specialised, high-risk and state-level education opportunities and paid, casual employment.

What are the requirements?

  • TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, or equivalent

  • Hold the Surf Award (and units of competence) for the course you wish to train

  • Maintain club registration

  • Have a National Police Check and Working with Children Check

  • Hold a Provide First Aid HLTAID011

Will I need to get wet? Possibly - this will depend on the qualification you are delivering

This could suit you if you are:

  • Approachable, supportive and confident leading others

  • Experienced in training, assessment and mentoring

  • A clear communicator who can build rapport with members

  • Organised and able to coordinate complete course delivery

  • Adaptable to different learners, qualifications and club needs

  • Committed to fairness, consistency and high education standards

  • Comfortable working collaboratively and following policies and procedures

Ready to start your journey?

Find a club

Click here to find a club near you!

Contact us

If you have any further inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us via slssa.reception@surflifesavingsa.com.au or by calling 8354 6900 during office hours.