SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA ANNUAL REPORT 2007–08

WHO CAN JOIN SLSA?
Surf Life Saving is open to everyone, irrespective of age,
gender or background.
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
TO BE A SURF LIFESAVER?
The Bronze Medallion is the minimum requirement for an
active surf lifesaver. To obtain this award a person must
be over the age of 15 and demonstrate profi ciency in
surf awareness, survival, patrol and rescue procedures,
emergency care plus anatomy and physiology.
Before commencing training for the Bronze Medallion a
person is required to complete a 400 metre swim in nine
minutes or less, in a swimming pool of no less than 25m,
or over a measured open water course. Once this has been
completed, all clubs provide qualifi ed instructors to assist
training to the level of profi cient surf lifesaver.
At the completion of this training, which takes a couple
of months, a candidate’s physical fi tness is tested by a
run-swim-run (a 200m run followed by a 200m swim and
then another 200m run) which has to be completed in
under eight minutes. Candidates are also examined on
theory, basic resuscitation and fi rst aid and participate in a
simulated rescue situation using a rescue board and tube.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER WAYS A
PERSON CAN JOIN SLSA WITHOUT
DOING A BRONZE MEDALLION?
Yes. SLSA offers a wide range of awards to its members
and the community. For example, by gaining basic awards
in radio operations, a person can assist with patrol
observation and communication duties without having
to perform water-based rescues. If a person is less than
15 years of age they can obtain a Surf Rescue Certifi cate.
Probationary surf lifesavers can achieve this award from
the age of 13. The award trains candidates in rescue skills,
fi rst aid and patient management, resuscitation, plus a
theoretical component exploring safety knowledge and
surf awareness. Members aged from 5 to 13 are ‘nippers’
or junior surf lifesavers.
SECTION 04—SURF LIFESAVING IN AUSTRALIA
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