Introduction
The requirements in this circular detail the minimum state and national requirements for the SLS 2025/26 season as developed in consultation with the state and national Lifesaving and Education Committees.
The national Lifesaving Committee previously approved a three-year cycle for skills maintenance for both the Surf Rescue Certificate and Bronze Medallion. This season, the Skills Maintenance practical will focus on the introduction of Lifesaving CPR.
Theory Component
Members are required to complete the skills maintenance theory component online, as assessment marking and record keeping is automated and reduces the burden placed upon SLS trainers and assessors. If a member is unable to complete this component online, they should speak with their club training officer.
Bronze Medallion, Surf Rescue Certificate and Resuscitation award members must complete the following:
- Watch a video update outlining changes to skills maintenance requirements, as well as any changes to SLS procedures or ANZCOR guidelines
- A short eLearning module outlining Lifesaving CPR techniques
Practical Component
The information below outlines the practical requirements of each SLSA award for skills maintenance. Where possible, scenarios should be used to combine components; for example, a scenario combining a tube rescue with signals. Training resources that support SLSA awards are in the SLS Document Library accessed via the SLS Hub. Members are encouraged to review these prior to commencing the patrolling season.
Bronze Medallion (BM) and Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC)
1. Run-Swim-Rescue (timed)
100m Run – 100m Swim in 3:30 minutes or less
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- The run distance to be taken from waist deep water, e.g., the run is from a flag, around a marker and to waist deep water. The swim component is to a marker 100m from waist deep water.
- The swim leg is conducted with a rescue tube attached to the rescuer. The use of fins is optional and permitted.
- Patients will be waiting in the water in line with the 100m marker. Rescuer secures the conscious patient with the tube. The timed component of the Run-Swim-Rescue finishes at this point.
- Rescuer swims 100m to return to the beach with the patient.
- Rescuer assists the patient to the water’s edge.
2. Signals
Demonstrate knowledge of signals. The demonstration must include the following:
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- Beach to water signals
- Water to beach signals
3. Resuscitation (CPR)
For Season 2025/26, Lifesaving CPR will be introduced and demonstrated.
The face-to-face training for the new Lifesaving CPR techniques will fulfil the member’s requirements for their annual Resuscitation skills update. No further tasks are required.
Reference Document
