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)
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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
