Surf Life Saving SA team up with Revo Fitness in new landmark partnership

Surf Life Saving South Australia and Revo Fitness announce landmark partnership unveiling new “Revo Nippers” program

Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA) and Revo Fitness have announced a landmark partnership, with Revo to become the naming rights partner of the SLSSA Nippers program and presenting partner of the Junior State Championships for the next three years.

Launching in July 2025 and running until at least 2028, Revo Fitness will contribute nearly half a million dollars over the next three years towards supporting SLSSA and the next generation of surf lifesavers through the Revo Nippers program.

With nearly 9,000 members, SLSSA provides critical emergency response and surf safety education to communities across the state, alongside the Nippers program which equips young Aussies aged five to thirteen with crucial beach safety skills and confidence in the water.

The funding will support almost 3,000 nippers currently enrolled across the 22 different surf lifesaving clubs in South Australia and bring new gear, including nipper boards, club marquees, and water safety clothing, to South Australia’s future lifesavers.

SLSSA CEO Damien Marangon said the partnership marks a significant investment into the future of beach safety and surf lifesaving across the state.

“We’re thrilled to announce our major partnership with Revo Fitness, whose substantial contribution will allow us to keep South Australian beaches safe by nurturing the next generation of surf lifesavers,” said Mr Marangon.

“For many years, the iconic Nippers program has been instrumental in empowering children with essential beach safety skills and knowledge while fostering an active and inclusive community. This partnership enables us to expand and strengthen the Nippers program by providing our clubs with increased resources and new equipment to support its continued success.

“We’re proud to join forces with an organisation that shares our values and supports our mission of zero preventable deaths in South Australian waters. Together, we’re investing in a healthier, safer future for our communities.”

Revo Fitness Founder and Managing Director Andrew Holder said that the decision to partner with SLSSA was driven by the synergies between both organisations’ commitment to giving back to the local South Australian community.

“This partnership was an easy decision for us. We’re all about making fitness accessible, inclusive, and safe for the community and SLSSA has the same vision but at the beach and in the water,” said Mr Holder.

“Revo Nippers is more than just a partnership, it’s a real commitment to our local community, providing support where we can and creating meaningful social impact.

As a dad, I also understand the importance of teaching our kids essential water safety skills so we can all enjoy the great beaches and waterways we have – the Nippers program provides that vital service.”

Revo Fitness and SLSSA are committed to ensuring the continued growth of the Nippers program in South Australia, providing children across the community with access to high quality surf safety education and training.

Revo Nippers will officially roll out in season 2025-26, commencing in October 2025.

Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue Coming March

The popular Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue Award course, otherwise known as SMAR, is back for anyone looking to upskill before the end of the season.

This course is a step up from the Bronze Medalion and 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 a very practical-based award and takes place in a few different locations including the South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Surf Central (the home of SLSSA), and Port Noarlunga SLSC.

This particular course is open to members of the Emergency Operations Group (EOG), general members and members working towards the PUA30322 Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search & Rescue). Those selected into the 2025 VETiS program will be encouraged to apply for the courses planned for September/October 2025.

Besides being a valuable asset at your club, gaining this award also opens the door for other SLSSA opportunities. “The training members undertake in SMAR is great knowledge to have a club level, but it is essential for those who respond at a time of crisis,” says Cameron Smith, SLSSA Lifesaving and Emergency Operations Coordinator explained.

If you are interested in obtaining this award, please read the information below, speak to your Club Chief Instructor and complete the application before the closing date of 9am, Monday 3rd March.

  • 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 Pool Session and Assessment:

    • Wednesday 19th March. 7pm - 9pm

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

    SMAR Theory, Night Search Assessment:

    • Saturday 29th March, 2pm - 10pm

    • Surf Central SLSSA, 2 Barcoo Road, West Beach

    SMAR Practical Assessment:

    • Sunday 30th March, 8:30am – 1pm

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

  • $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 Application form by the closing date.

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

    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, Monday, 3rd March

    Notification of selection: Monday, 10th March

    Online enrolment due: Thursday. 13th March

South Australian team selected for the 2025 SLSA Interstate Surf Boat Challenge

Surf Life Saving SA is thrilled to congratulate the eight surf boat crews selected for the 2025 SLSA Interstate Surf Boat Challenge.

The SLSA Interstate Surf Boat Challenge will take place alongside the ASRL Open in Coffs Harbour, NSW, from the 13th to the 16th of February.

STATE TEAM

Open Men - Chiton Rocks Cray Raiders

Damien Derlique, Noah O’Callahan, Joel Zamek, David McLeod, Darren Hocking (sweep)

Open Women - Glenelg Gladiators

Natalie Hadgecostas, Georgia Reed, Siobhan Roe, Taleala McCarthy, Gregory Daw (sweep)

Reserves Men - Brighton Bulls

Colby Grace, Mitchell Pearsons, Bernhard Viljoen, Emil Viljoen, Gary Fazzalari (sweep)

Reserves Women - South Port Swell

Catherine Clohesy, Lisa Biggs, Megan Syvertsen, Kate Burnett, Jason McGaffin (sweep)

U23 Men - Chiton Rocks Monsters

Cooper Hoskin, Connor Irvin, Samuel Jackson, Oscar Rudman, Darren Hocking (sweep)

U23 Women - Glenelg Gunners

Rachael Brown, Hana Ireland, Tabitha Roberts, Holly Tidswell, Peter Tidswell (sweep)

U19 Men - Chiton Critters

Finn Bezzina, Nicholas Davis, Lucas Garlik, Hugh Mahoney, Darren Hocking (sweep)

U19 Women - Glenelg Guppies

Kate Laslett, Amy Custance, Grace Pannell, Molly Tunney, Peter Tidswell (sweep)