LEADERSHIP & SPECIALIST SKILLS

Extend your lifesaving skills into specialist patrol roles and leadership

Once you've completed your Bronze Medallion, take the next step. Develop specialist patrol skills or give back to the club by training and mentoring the next generation of lifesavers.

Become a member → View courses

Specialist

Specialist Skills

Once you've completed your Bronze Medallion, extend your skills into specialist patrol roles.

Course	Description	Prerequisites	Details
IRB Crew - Membership Required PUASAR015 Crew a small power craft in a rescue operation	Operate Inflatable Rescue Boats in surf rescue operations as part of a crew. This award is a prerequisite for IRB Driver. PUASAR015 Crew a small power craft in a rescue operation	Financial member, proficient Bronze Medallion, 15+ years Minimum 20 hours	View on SLSNSW
IRB Driver - Membership Required Silver Medallion IRB Driver (PUAEQ001, PUASAR014)	Drive and manage an Inflatable Rescue Boat in rescue operations and as part of a water safety team. Silver Medallion IRB Driver (PUAEQ001, PUASAR014)	Financial member, proficient Bronze Medallion and IRB Crew; training from 16, assessment from 17 Minimum 30.5 hours	View on SLSNSW
Rescue Water Craft (RWC) - Membership Required SLSNSW RWC Operator Certificate	Operate rescue water craft in search and rescue operations as part of Surf Life Saving NSW support services. SLSNSW RWC Operator Certificate	Financial member, current Bronze Medallion and Certificate II, suitable driver licence; training from 17, assessment from 18 Minimum 15-20 hours	View on SLSNSW
UAV Operator - Membership Required SLSNSW UAV Pilot Operator Induction	Support aerial surveillance, risk identification and operational response through drone technology. SLSNSW UAV Pilot Operator Induction	Financial member, proficient Radio Operator Certificate, 16+ years Minimum 16 hours	View on SLSNSW

Entry requirements vary by award. Check each course above and confirm current eligibility with the Training Officer before enrolling.

Leadership

Leadership Development

Give back to the club by training and mentoring the next generation of lifesavers.

Course	Description	Prerequisites	Details
Patrol Captain - Membership Required Silver Medallion Patrol Captain (v2022)	Lead and manage a patrol team on the beach, coordinate patrol operations and support team readiness. Silver Medallion Patrol Captain (v2022)	Financial member, 17+ years, current patrolling award, Bronze Medallion held, and at least 2 years patrol experience Approximately 2 days plus self-paced and on-the-job learning	View on SLSNSW
Trainer - Membership Required SLSNSW Training Officer Certificate (TAEDEL311, BSBCMM411)	Deliver SLS training to members, guide participants through their learner journey and prepare them for assessment. SLSNSW Training Officer Certificate (TAEDEL311, BSBCMM411)	Financial member, proficient in and holding the award to be trained for at least 12 months, plus current suitability requirements Minimum 6 weeks of self-paced, virtual and practical learning	View on SLSNSW
Assessor - Membership Required TAESS00019 Assessor Skill Set	Assess candidates for SLS award competency and complete the required assessment records. TAESS00019 Assessor Skill Set	Meet the current SLSNSW Assessor requirements for the awards you wish to assess External RTO training	View on SLSNSW

Training and assessment roles have separate eligibility and endorsement requirements. Confirm the current pathway with the Training Officer and SLSNSW.

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Why specialise with us

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High-Demand Skills

Build valuable operational capability in areas such as powercraft, communications and aerial surveillance.

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Nationally Recognised

Many Surf Life Saving awards include nationally recognised units of competency; check the individual course details.

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Give Back to Your Club

Train and mentor the next generation of lifesavers through Trainer and Assessor pathways.

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Career Pathways

Specialist experience can support broader volunteering and employment pathways in aquatic and event safety.

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Beach to Bush

Your specialist skills can support search and rescue operations far beyond patrolled beaches.

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Join an Elite Team

Contribute to skilled teams that support patrols and emergency responses when required.

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Ready to take the next step?

Join Fingal Beach SLSC and develop your leadership and specialist skills.

Become a member →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a member to do training?

Financial membership is required for Surf Life Saving member awards. Community Education sessions for schools, groups and families do not require club membership.

What if I can't swim 400m in 9 minutes?

The 400m swim applies to Bronze Medallion, while SRC has a different swim requirement and courses such as Radio Operator and First Aid do not require it. Contact our Training Officer before enrolling to discuss the right pathway and preparation.

Are there age limits for courses?

Yes. Minimum ages and prerequisites vary by award. For example, the Surf Rescue Certificate starts at 13 and Bronze Medallion at 15. Check the current course details or contact the club before enrolling.

How do I book a course?

Use our Contact Us form and select Education at Fingal SLSC so your message is routed to the Education team.