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Silver Medallion Patrol Captain Courses

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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.