Award Training

Our members are able to undertake a range of surf lifesaving qualifications, including the following:

Aquatic Rescue & Public Safety Awards

Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC)

This is the core award for our cadet surf lifesavers, and also suited to members who would like to get involved, but do not wish to do the full Bronze Medallion. The SRC provides members with skills and knowledge related to surf awareness, aquatic rescue operations, communication systems and equipment and resuscitation. It is recommended for members who wish to perform in the role of SLS water safety personnel or take on a lifesaving cadetship and join a lifesaving patrol.

Minimum Age – 13 Years

Prerequisites

  • Financial Club member
  • Be at least 13 years of age (within 60 days of final assessment)
  • Complete a 200‐metre swim in five (5) minutes or less, unaided (goggles/mask permitted), in a swimming pool of not less than 25 metres, or over a measured open watercourse, which will be observed prior to the candidate undertaking any water training or assessment activities. Evidence of which must be provided to the Assessor on the appropriate form prior to commencement of the assessment

Bronze Medallion

This is the core award for our volunteer surf lifesavers. The BM provides members with skills and knowledge related to surf awareness, aquatic rescue operations, radio operations, resuscitation, emergency care, spinal management, communication, teamwork and SLS patrol operations. This award includes and builds upon the Surf Rescue Certificate, and it is the prerequisite award for many other SLS pathway awards.

Minimum Age – 15 Years

Prerequisites

  • Financial Club member
  • Be at least 15 years of age (within 60 days of final assessment)
  • Complete a 400‐metre swim in nine (9) minutes or less, unaided (goggles/mask permitted), in a swimming pool of not less than 25 metres, or over a measured open watercourse.

Radio Operator

Covers the skills and knowledge to perform basic communication practices.

Minimum Age – 13 Years

Prerequisites

  • Min. 13 years old (on day of final assessment) 
  • Financial club members

Silver Medallion Beach Management

This award is for our patrol captains and vice captains, and any members interested in advancing into these roles. Covers the skills, knowledge and experience to manage a beach in emergency and non-emergency situations.

Minimum Age – 17 Years

Prerequisites

Candidates must meet ALL the following conditions:  

  • 17 years of age on the date of final assessment  
  • Current Bronze Medallion (BM)

Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue

Covers the skills and knowledge to participate in search and rescue operations.

Minimum Age – 17 Years

Prerequisites

  • Financial member of a club  
  • 17 years old on the date of final assessment 
  • Current Bronze Medallion (BM) 

Gold Medallion

Covers advanced skills and knowledge to manage emergency situations in autonomous situations.

Minimum Age – 17 Years

Prerequisites

  • Financial club member 
  • Min. 17 years (on day of final assessment) 
  • Current Bronze Medallion (BM) 
  • Current Silver Medallion Beach Management (SMBM) 
  • Current First Aid (FA) 
  • Current Advanced Resuscitation Techniques (ART)

Award Requirements

  • Swim 800 metres in under 14 minuntes
  • Complete a 400 metre swim, 800 metre run, 400 metre board paddle and 800 metre run in 25 minutes
  • Complete tube rescue of patient 100 metres out at sea and return (flippers optional)
  • Complete board rescue of patient 200 metres out at sea and return

First Aid and Emergency Care Awards

Resuscitation (HLTAID001)

This is a basic CPR course. This course provides the HLTAID001 award, which is CPR award required by some workplaces.

Minimum Age – 12 Years

Prerequisites

  • Financial club member

First Aid (HLTAID003)

This is a basic First Aid course. This course provides the HLTAID0003 award, which is first aid award required by some workplaces.

Minimum Age – 14 Years

Prerequisites

  • Financial club member 

Advanced Resuscitation Techniques (ART)*

This award trains members to use oxygen and suction equipment, and the use of Oropharyngeal airway to aid in resuscitation.

Minimum Age – 15 Years

Prerequisites

  • Financial club member 

Powercraft Awards

Side by Side Vehicle (SSV) Operator Induction

SSV Operator Inductions are required to operate the club’s SSVs.

Minimum Age – 18 Years

Prerequisites

  • Financial club member 
  • Min. 18 years (on day of final assessment) 
  • Current driver’s license 

Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Crewperson

Covers with the skills and knowledge to effectively crew an IRB in surf rescue operations.

Minimum Age – 15 Years

Prerequisites

  • be at least 17 years of age on the date of final assessment  
  • be a financial member
  • hold and be proficient in the SLSA Bronze Medallion

Silver Medallion Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Driver*

Covers the skills and knowledge to effectively drive and manage an IRB in surf rescue operations.

Minimum Age – 17 Years

Prerequisites

  • be at least 17 years of age on the date of final assessment  
  • be a financial member
  • hold and be proficient in the SLSA Bronze Medallion
  • hold and be proficient in the SLSA IRB Crew Certificate
  • hold a  current marine licence

Training Awards

Training Officers Certificate

The course qualifies members to be able to train new lifesavers in awards. Once this course is completed, trainers can then become trainee trainers for each award.

Minimum Age – 16 Years

Pre-Requisites

  • Nil

Assessors Certificate

The course qualifies members to be able to assess new lifesavers in awards at the conclusion of their training. Once this course is completed, assess can then become assess trainers for each award.

Minimum Age – 18 Years

Pre-Requisites

  • Nil

Life Saving Victoria’s Lifesaving Pathways

Further information is also available in Life Saving Victoria’s Lifesaving Pathways Guide.