Anyone over the age of 13 can become a lifesaver at Whale Beach! Make your booking today to join the 2009 Bronze/Surf Rescue Certificate training. You will learn valuable surf rescue and safety skills to keep you fit and may one day help you save a life on or off the beach. Once you have obtained your SRC or Bronze you will be presented with your red and yellow cap and uniform and you can begin patrolling as an Active Member.

To book or for more information email wbslsc@bigpond.net.au

All members that wear the red & yellow quartered cap are volunteer surf lifesavers and belong to a Surf Life Saving Club. They have earned and annually update the proficiency of their "Bronze Medallion" or hold a "Surf Rescue Certificate" as a probationary surf lifesaver.

Surf Rescue Certificate

Probationary surf lifesavers can achieve this award from the age of 13 to become prepared for active patrolling duties. The award trains candidates in rescue skills, first aid and patient management, resuscitation, plus a theoretical component exploring safety knowledge and surf awareness.

Bronze Medallion

This is the minimum requirement for a surf lifesaver. The holder of this award is over the age of 15 and has proved proficient in surf awareness, survival, patrol and rescue procedures, emergency care plus anatomy and physiology.

All members are required to complete a 400m swim in 9 minutes or less, in a swimming pool of no less than 25m or over a measured open water course. Once this competency is completed all clubs provide qualified instructors who will train you to the level of a proficient lifesaver. All you need to do is have the right attitude and commitment to training and anyone is capable of becoming a surf lifesaver.

At the completion of their training a candidate's physical fitness is tested by a 200m run - 200m swim - 200m run to be completed in under eight minutes; a 400m pool swim to be completed in under nine minutes; simulated rescues using a rescue board and tube. All these skills combine to train candidates to be an effective member of a patrol team tasked with providing a safe beach and aquatic environment.

So you want to be a Life Saver?

Whale Beach SLSC runs the SLSA courses and is a Registered Training Organisation. Courses are run at the beginning of the season (September/October) for approximately 8 weeks on a Sunday morning. To register email wbslsc@bigpond.net.au

There are 2 courses that you are able to complete to become a Life Saver:

  • Surf Rescue Certificate – Ages 13 - 15
  • Bronze Medallion (Certificate II Aquatic Rescue) – Ages 15+

Once you have completed your course you will be allocated a patrol to volunteer your services as a qualified Rescue Volunteer. You will also be able to enter in Surf Sports Carnivals (click here to see upcoming competitions) After you have attained your Bronze Medallion there are many other qualifications you can gain such as

  • Silver Medallion (Certificate III Basic Beach Management)
  • Gold Medallion
  • IRB (Rubber Duckie) crew person and drivers license
  • ARC (Advanced Resuscitation)
  • Deliberation Certificate

You don’t have to be a Life Saver to be a member of the club. You can still be active in participating in our social events and fundraisers.

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