Building SLSSA's Female Powercraft Ranks

POWERCRAFT TRAINING FOR WOMEN IN LIFESAVING PROGRAM

Surf Life Saving SA is once again thrilled to deliver the Powercraft Training for Women in Lifesaving program, specifically designed for young female-only trainers, assessors and participants.

Thanks to national funding support from Geoffrey Evans Trust, last season 10 members from eight clubs took part in the three-day course and gained the SLS Inflatable Rescue Boat (commonly referred to as IRBs) Crew Award. This not only boosted IRB Crew numbers at their respective clubs, but highlighted to other young female members, who are curious about gaining the award, that it is not an intimidating award to gain.

The IRB is an integral piece of rescue equipment and is used for routine patrolling duties, water safety, and on-call Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. They are also the first step in the pathway to becoming a SLSSA Jet Ski driver and provide a key competition area for the movement.

However, for several years, there has been a shortage of IRB Crew and Drivers within the membership, especially with female members.

Last year’s trainer, Hayley Hosking, said: “The group of girls really came together. It felt tight, and they leaned on each other and were really supportive of each other. Because of this experience, I wanted to be able to provide others the same opportunity and experience”.

Hayley will also be heading to Tasmina in May to assist Amber Loone, an assessor from Tasmania who assisted with last year’s course, and Surf Life Saving Tasmaina deliver a comprehensive Women in Powercraft Camp to their members.

Interested female members aged between 15 – 20 years old are encouraged to read the information below and register their expression of interest before Monday 14th April.

We are also looking for additional female drivers to assist Hayley Hosking (Seacliff), Cacilia Ewenz (Moana Chief Instructor), and Kate Perry (Port Noarlunga member and Chair of SLSSA Education Advisory Committee), who will be delivering the course. Those interested can also register their interest to help below.

  • The Powercraft Training for Women in Lifesaving program is a specifically designed, women-only training course supporting women to engage and participate in IRBs.

    We know the Powercraft space, IRBs, Jet Skis, Jet Boats, is not for everyone, and certainly not every woman. Therefore, under the leadership of Hayley Hosking (Seacliff SLSC), SLSSA will provide the opportunity for a small number of our female youth to undertake their IRB Crew Award, in a female-friendly training environment.

    We know the power of women training together is huge, and participants will be part of a supportive group of like-minded members who will assist each other through the course and become champions for each other going forward.

  • • 15 – 20 years old female members

    As part of our commitment to LGBTQI+ inclusion, all female-identifying and non-binary members are welcome to participate.

    Members outside the specified criteria are encouraged to contact their club or state/territory centre for upcoming training courses.

    • Those proficient in Bronze Medallion

    • Those willing to dedicate themselves fully to the program for the duration

  • DATES:

    • Friday 25th April: Anzac Day, 9am – 1pm (Training) 

    • Saturday 26th April, 9am – 1pm (Training)

    • Sunday 27th April, (9am until about 1pm or when assessments have been completed) (Training and Assessments)

    LOCATION:

    Seacliff SLSC

    TRAINERS:

    • Hayley Hosking, Seacliff SLSC (Lead Trainer and Assessor)

    • Cacilia Ewenz, Moana SLSC (Trainer and Assessor)

    • Kate Perry, Port Noarlunga SLSC (Trainer and Assessor)

    COST:

    Free, no cost to participants

    REQUIREMENTS:

    Attend all the face-to-face training

    Complete the online eLearning which will be provided to those who are successful.

    RESOURCES

    MORE INFORMATION

    Email: member.ed@surflifesavingsa.com.au

  • We are also looking for additional volunteer female drivers to drive IRBs while the trainers focus on and support those undertaking the course.

    If you are available to assist on one day or all, please register your interest below and staff will be in touch to confirm your involvement.

  • Due to the nature of the course there will be a limited number of places available. Therefore, 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 Monday 14th April.

    • Selections will occur as applications are received.  

    • Those who are not successful will be added to the waitlist for future courses.

    Key Dates

    ·        Applications close: Monday 14th April 

    ·        Notification of selection: Tuesday 15th April