Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue Opportunities

This April, SLSSA will deliver two Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue award courses, otherwise know as SMAR. The courses will be open to those members who wish to obtain the SMAR award, the members of the Emergency Operations Group (EOG), and members working towards the PUA30322 Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search & Rescue).

SMAR is an award that 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 very practical-based award and takes place in a few different locations including South Australia Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Surf Central (the home of SLSSA), and Port Noarlunga SLSC.

Josh Warne, Glenelg member and one of the state’s SMAR trainers, said “The SMAR award takes you beyond your normal beach training, where you develop new skills on working safely around rocks and jetties. Members also gain a greater understanding on working with Jet Boats, Jet Skis and other emergency services. It’s an award I enjoyed completing, and now training others in. It has also provided me with lots of opportunities and experiences”.

Besides being a valuable assist at your club, gaining this award also opens the door for other SLSSA opportunities. It is a core award to hold if you are looking to become a member of the Emergency Operations Group (EOG) who manage and fulfil Jet boats, Jet Skis, Helicopter and Duty Officer roles.

“The EOG are a key incident response group who are called by club patrols and other emergency services when an incident at one of our beaches goes beyond the scope of the club patrol,” Cameron Smith, SLSSA Lifesaving and Emergency Operations Coordinator, explained.

“The training members undertake in SMAR is great knowledge to have a club level, but it essential for those who respond at a time of crises.

“It is also a highly valued award for those who are considering becoming an SLSSA Lifeguard (Beach).”

If you are interested in obtaining this award, please read the information below, speak to your Club Chief Instructor and complete the EOI before the closing date of 9am, Monday 13th 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:

    Session Details

    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.

    • Successfully 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

    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

    Costs

    $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.

  • SMAR COURSE 1

    SMAR Pool Session:

    • Wednesday 27th March, 7pm - 9pm

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

    SMAR Theory, Night Search

    • Saturday 6th April, 2pm - 10pm • SLSSA , 2 Barcoo Road, West Beach

    SMAR Practical

    • Sunday 7th April, 8:30am – 4pm

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

    SMAR COURSE 2

    SMAR Pool Session:

    • Thursday 28th March, 7pm - 9pm

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

    SMAR Theory, Night Search

    • Saturday 13th April, 2pm - 10pm

    • SLSSA , 2 Barcoo Road, West Beach

    SMAR Practical

    • Sunday 14th April, 8:30am – 4pm

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

  • 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 Expression of Interest form by the closing date.

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

    o If enrolment and payment are not completed by the due date, your position maybe 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: 12noon, Wednesday, 13th March

    Notification of selection: Friday, 15th March

    Online enrolment due: Wednesday 20th March

Australia Day Honours 2024

Surf Life Saving SA congratulates John Baker AM on being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2024 Australia Day Honours.

The Order of Australia formally recognises and celebrates Australians from all walks of life who, every day, make outstanding contributions to our communities and our nation. It is one of Australia's most prestigious national honours.

Individuals are appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service in a particular locality or field of activity or to a particular group.

Awards are made by the Governor-General, on the nomination of the responsible minister in each state or territory, and at the federal level.

John Baker (AM) – Order of Australia Member for Services to Surf Life Saving

John, better known as JB, has had a tremendous impact on Surf Life Saving from grassroots levels through to the development of national strategy and policy. First joining in 1977, John has dedicated over 40 years to the movement at club, state, and national levels.

John has been an active member of Brighton Surf Life Saving Club as a patrolling member, competitor, and office-bearer. John was awarded Life Membership in 2016 and has performed over 2,500 patrol hours – the third highest on record for the club. He held the position of Patrol Captain for 10 years and has been involved in numerous rescues. He has also served on the Senior and Junior Management Committees for a combined period of 13 years.

John joined the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service in 1994 and is one of the longest serving crew members in Australia. Over the past 26 years, John has competed over 1,000 operational hours and has performed countless rescues, searches and first aid cases. As Senior Crewman and Training Officer, he has been responsible for training many of the new crew over the last seven seasons. As a member of the Crew Executive, he has also been involved in the development of training manuals and resources for helicopter rescue operations.

John has served on the SLSSA Board for 15 years, including stints as State President, an Independent Director, and Director of Lifesaving Services. He also held the role of Surf Life Saving SA CEO for an impressive 28 years before retiring in 2014. In 2021, John made history with his appointment as National President – the first to be elected outside of New South Wales and Queensland.

John’s incredible passion, commitment and leadership within the movement has resulted in a list of accolades, including:

·        The 2011 South Australian Emergency Services Medal in recognition of distinguished and meritorious service,

·        2017 Emergency Services Medal (ESM) for distinguished service by a member of an Australian emergency service,

·        2018 International Lifesaving Citation of Merit for distinguished service,

·        2019 Ministerial Commendation for sustained service with the Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service,

·        2021 SLSSA Hall of Fame appointment,

·        The National Medal and 30 Years Patrol Service Award,

John’s services to Australian Red Cross have also been recognised by the following awards:

·        Long Service Medal

·        Divisional Service Award Merit

·        Recognition Award – International Humanitarian Law Committee

The Surf Life Saving SA community is incredibly proud of John’s appointment, which is well-deserved after a lifetime of commitment to protecting the community and saving lives.

Providing Opportunities For Our Youth to Become Life Savers

Intensive SRC to Bronze Medallion Course Occurring in January 2024

Our Club Educators have had a busy few months in not only supporting current members to become proficient for the summer ahead, but also with supporting new and returning members gain their Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) and Bronze Medallion (BM).

For those members who currently hold their SRC, but were not able to gain their Bronze at their club, Surf Life Saving SA are once again hosting an intensive SRC to Bronze course over four days in the January School Holidays.

The course provides participants with skills and knowledge related to surf awareness, aquatic rescue operations, radio operations, resuscitation, emergency care, spinal management, communication, teamwork and Surf Life Saving patrol operations.

At the end of the four days, participants will gain the following awards and qualifications:

  • Bronze Medallion

  • First Aid

  • HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

  • HLTAID010 Provide Basic Emergency Life Support

  • HLTAID011 Provide First Aid

  • PUA20119 Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue)

The course will be delivered from 15th - 19th January, 2024 and held at Surf House and at Moana SLSC.

Please see below for more details including how to register.

Be quick, spots are limited.

 

Course Details

  • Date:  15, 17, 18, 19 January 2024 (NOT Tuesday 16th)

    Provide First Aid

    ·       When: Monday 15th January 2024

    ·       Location: SLSSA House

    ·       Time:  9am - 3pm

    Bronze Training Session

    ·       When: Wednesday 17th – Friday 19th January 2024

    ·       Location: Moana SLSC

    ·       Time: 9am - 3pm

    ASSESSMENT:

    ·       When: Friday 19th January 2024

    ·       Location: Moana SLSC

    ·       Time: 9am –1pm

  • Candidates must meet ALL the following conditions:

    ·       Has completed a minimum of 10 patrolling hours as a qualified SRC award holder (Surfguard reflective)

    ·       Is currently proficient in SRC (SurfGuard reflective)

    ·         Has completed their SRC less than 3 years prior to commencing this training

    ·       Will be 15 years on the date of final assessment.

    ·       Can complete a 400-metre swim in 9 minutes or less

    ·       Attend all the training detailed in the timeline.

    ·       Have access to all personal equipment detailed in the resources.

  • Applications close 0900hrs on Monday 8th January 2023 and will be on a first come first served basis.

    Applicants will need to enrol through the SLSSA website by clicking ‘APPLY’ above.

    Please note that a minimum of 10 people are required to run the course, with a maximum of 20. If we do not get the required numbers, a refund will be provided.

    At the time of registering, the following information is needed:

    • 400m pre-requisite swim time

    • Name of club Bronze trainer or assessor

    • Third Party report signed by a Club representative

    • Payment

  • SLSSA has received funding to help support participants progress through to their Bronze Medallion.

    Applicants fee will be $50, which includes their Provide First Aid Certificate, which normally costs $170.

Form more information, please email member.ed@surflifesavingsa.com.au.