Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue

Be ‘rescue ready’ for the start of the season by completing a Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue course.

SLSSA is excited to deliver two Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue (SMAR) courses in the lead up to the 2024/2025 season. This is a vital opportunity for patrolling members to develop their skills and knowledge in aquatic rescue practices.

The courses will be open to members who wish to obtain the SMAR award, members of the Emergency Operations Group (EOG), and members working towards the PUA30322 Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search & Rescue).

SMAR is an award that provides participants with the skills and knowledge to participate in search and rescue operations. Once completed, members will gain skills and knowledge enabling them to:

  • Contribute to preparation activities for search and rescue operations

  • Perform search and rescue of a missing person

  • Demonstrate recovery and stand-down procedures

The course is practical-based award and takes place in a few different locations, including the South Australia Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Surf Central (the home of SLSSA), and Port Noarlunga SLSC.

Besides being a valuable asset at your club, gaining this award also opens the door for other SLSSA opportunities. It is a core award to hold if you are looking to become a member of the Emergency Operations Group (EOG) which manages and fulfils Jet boats, Jet Skis, the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter and Duty Officer roles.

If you are interested in obtaining this award, please read the information below, speak to your Club Chief Instructor and complete the EOI before the closing date of 12:00pm, Friday 23rd August.

  • Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue Award

    • PUAWHS002 – Maintain Safety at an Incident Scene

    • PUASAR011 – Search as a member of an aquatic search team

    Learning Outcomes

    Contribute to preparation activities for search and rescue operations

    • Interpret task information

    • Use basic navigational techniques

    • Select appropriate search and rescue equipment

    • Perform search and rescue of a missing person

    • Identify hazards to self, bystanders, and patient at an incident scene

    • Minimise risks

    • Select appropriate personal protective equipment

    • Communicate incident details to relevant personnel at appropriate stages

    • Demonstrate an advanced water entry technique

    • Describe search patterns

    • Operate as a member of a search team

    • Perform retrieval of a submerged object at a depth of 3-5 meters below the surface

    • Participate in a night search operation

    • Demonstrate recovery and stand down procedures

    • Complete operational documentation

    • Perform equipment recovery, cleaning, and maintenance in line with organisational procedures

    • Describe symptoms of operational stress and sources of support

    Pre-Requisites

    Candidates must meet ALL the following conditions:

    • Be at least 16 years of age on the date of final assessment

    • Complete a 400-metre swim in 8 minutes or less in a swimming pool of no less than 25m length (completed at the Pool Session)

    • Hold and be proficient in the SLSA Bronze Medallion

    • Attend all the training detailed in the timeline

    • Have access to all personal equipment detailed in the resources.

    Assessment Requirements

    Assessment is through demonstration, presentation, and application of all elements of competency in the workplace. Students will be required to complete activities that may include role-plays, oral and written questioning, practical demonstrations and performing scenarios. Assessment also includes:

    • Online learning

    • Written questions

    • Verbal questions

    • Practical scenarios

    Session Delivery

    The SMAR course involves three sessions, consisting of:

    Pool session:

    Includes completion of the pre-requisite swim as well as assessment of submerged object retrieval.

    • The Pre-requisite swim requires completing a 400-metre swim in 8 minutes or less in a swimming pool of no less than 25m length.

    • Successful completion of the pre-requisite swim is required to continue with the rest of the SMAR

    The pool session is a mandatory component to the course.

    Theory & night search:

    • Identify the basic procedures of search and rescue operations.

    • Practical night search

    Practical & assessments:

    • Water activities

    • Assessment

    Equipment Requirements

    All participants are required to supply the following items as SLSSA does not provide them:

    • Goggles

    • Fins

    • Snorkel and mask

    • Handheld torch (no headlights)

    • Wetsuit (Steamer) which is considered PPE

    • Booties or reef shoes

    • Dive mask & snorkel – NO goggles

    • Rescue tube and fins (1 set per person with your/club name on)

    • Hi-Viz top

    Learning Resources

    All resources are accessible from the members eLearning area:

    • Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue members eLearning course

    • Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue Learner Guide

    • 35th Edition Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue Training Manual

  • SMAR COURSE 3

    SMAR Pool Session:

    • Tuesday 10th September, 7pm - 9pm

    • Marion SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre, 443 Morphett Road, Oaklands Park

    SMAR Theory, Night Search

    • Saturday 21st September, 2pm - 10pm

    • Surf Central SLSSA, 2 Barcoo Road, West Beach

    SMAR Practical

    • Sunday 22nd September, 8:30am – 2pm

    • Port Noarlunga SLSC, Saltfleet St & Esplanade, Port Noarlunga

    SMAR COURSE 4

    SMAR Pool Session:

    • Wednesday 18th September, 7pm - 9pm

    • Marion SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre 443 Morphett Road, Oaklands Park

    SMAR Theory, Night Search

    • Saturday 19th October, 2pm - 10pm

    • Surf Central SLSSA, 2 Barcoo Road, West Beach

    SMAR Practical

    • Sunday 20th October, 8:30am – 2pm

    • Port Noarlunga SLSC, Saltfleet St & Esplanade, Port Noarlunga

    COSTS

    $49.00 for Club members.

    • The course will be held over the equivalent of two and a half days, and the cost covers materials, all food, snacks, water, and all other resources.

    • Members that are completing SMAR as part of their cert III VETiS program will be invoiced separately (unless prior arrangements made directly with members school). VETiS enrolments should refer to the VETiS Course Fee document for more information.

    • Payment will be required at the time of registration.

  • SLSSA recognise 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.

    • Successful applications will be based on their applications and SLSSA receiving payment as soon as possible (if applicable).

    o If enrolment and payment are not completed by the due date, your position may be withdrawn and the opportunity given to someone on the waitlist

    • Those who are not successful will be added to the waitlist for future courses.

    KEY DATES

    Applications close: 12:00pm, Friday, 23th August

    Notification of selection: Monday, 26th August

    Online enrolment due: Monday 2nd September

Silver Medallion Patrol Captain Courses

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 last year and greatly benefited from the learnings, successfully applying the knowledge to her patrols in season 2023/24.

“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 2024/25 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: 19th August

  • Club Approvals close: 21st August

  • Notification of Selection: By 23rd 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.

2024 South Australian Aquatics Conference and Awards

"HARNESSING THE STRENGTH OF COLLABORATION”

WHEN: THURSDAY OCTOBER 3, 2024

LOCATION: SA AQUATIC & LEISURE CENTRE, SAALC

TIME: 8:30AM - 5:30 PM

General Public Tickets Open 9:00am, Wednesday 24th July

Surf Life Saving SA has partnered with key industry leaders AUSTSWIM SA and Royal Life Saving SA to deliver the biggest South Australian Aquatics Conference & Awards event yet!

The event will commence with the 2024 Aquatics Industry Awards of Excellence, which aims to celebrate the achievements and impact of respected individuals and organisations within the South Australian Aquatics Industry. Following this, a renowned line-up of keynote speakers and special presenters will provide insight into the past 12 months in the National and State Aquatics & Recreation Industries.

The Conference & Awards also provides a valuable networking opportunity and a collaborative space to discuss industry issues, water safety, drowning preventing, swimming education, and providing safe aquatic facilities in the community.