With 49,000 volunteer patrolling members keeping our beaches safe nationwide, Surf Life Saving Australia has a responsibility to ensure each and every one of them is equipped with the most up to date training and qualifications.
Yearly Skills Maintenance ensures that all lifesavers are trained in the most up to date techniques in the awards they hold and gives lifesavers the opportunity to ask Trainers any questions they may have. Skills Maintenance is a refresher and not an exam. These sessions also give lifesavers the opportunity to speak with Trainers about upcoming training courses and register to learn new skills and gain further awards.
Required For The Following Awards:
- Bronze Medallion
- Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC)
- Advanced Resuscitation Techniques (ARTC)
- IRB Crewman
- Silver Medallion IRB Driver
It is important for all patrol members to undertake their annual skills update in all of their awards to meet our patrol obligations. Organising and delivering the annual skill maintenance program is a significant coordination effort for our Education Team and your prompt and timely attendance is essential.
All proficiencies must be completed before mid-December to allow time for processing before the cut off on 31 December.
Non-proficient lifesavers are not covered by insurance and shall not be allowed to:
- Perform patrols or assist in any way
- Operate any rescue equipment (including the IRB and ATV)
- Compete in surf lifesaving competitions
Completing Your Skills Maintenance (Proficiency)
The skills maintenance (proficiency) is made up of two sections. Part one is a series of online interactive training modules which must be completed prior to completing part two. Part two is completing the practical aspects at the beach during one of the available dates.
Part 1 - Theory (Dry) Online:
eLearning modules accessed through the SLS Members Portal. Modules take approximately one hour to complete. You must complete your online component before attending the practical session. Please bring a copy of your certificate of completion. We have produced the How to Guide video below to help you access the eLearning modules.
Part 2 - Practical (Wet):
Run-Swim-Run and either a board or tube rescue. Sessions take approximately one hour to complete. If you have not completed the theory/dry assessment, you will not be able to start the practical/wet component.
Dates For Skills Maintenance Practical Session:
- Late September
- Mid October
- Mid November
Note: exact dates to be confirmed.
Renewing Your Membership
Note that your membership renewal must be complete before you can do your proficiency.
Renewal entails:
Please email [email protected] for further information regarding Skills Maintenance or education and training.
Please email [email protected] for any queries on membership renewal.