SLS MEMBERS ONLY – Surf Rescue Certificate (Learning Plan)
Introduction:
The Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) is an entry-level qualification ideal for new members wanting to start their patrolling journey. You'll learn surf awareness, rescue techniques, CPR and communication skills, preparing you to join a patrol team or provide support at carnivals and training activities.
Nationally recognised units of competency:
Nationally recognised qualification: PUA20119 Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue)
This could suit you if you are:
- A teenager progressing from Nippers
- A parent looking to get involved
- Approachable and friendly
- Calm in emergency situations
Not a Surf Life Saving member? You can access a commercial Community Surf Rescue Certificate course here.
On successful completion, you will achieve:
SLS Award: Surf Rescue Certificate, including training in Lifesaving CPRNationally recognised units of competency:
- PUAOPE013 Operate communications systems and equipment
- PUASAR012 Apply surf awareness and self-rescue skills
- PUASAR013 Participate in an aquatic rescue operation
- HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Pathway
SLS Award: Bronze MedallionNationally recognised qualification: PUA20119 Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue)
Requirements:
PRE-REQUISITES
To commence training for the Surf Rescue Certificate, you must:- be a financial member of an SLS club
- be at least 13 years of age on the final assessment date
- complete an unaided swim of 200 m in 5 minutes or less (goggles and masks permitted) in a swimming pool of at least 25m, or over a measured open water course. This MUST be observed before you undertake any water training or assessment activities.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Many of the activities that you will be required to participate in during this course will require a certain level of fitness and/or skill. It is important that you follow the instructions of your trainer at all times, and that you are aware of your own limitations.
- Participants must also demonstrate CPR on an infant manikin as part of the assessment.
Learning Outcomes:
- apply knowledge of the surf environment including hazards and surf conditions
- apply surf skills and techniques for self-survival in the water while negotiating prevailing surf conditions with or without a flotation device
- prepare for and respond to a rescue with appropriate rescue and personal protective equipment
- safely perform a rescue using appropriate equipment and rescue techniques while following Surf Life Saving procedures
- conclude rescue operations in line with Surf Life Saving policies and procedures
- safely use Surf Life Saving communications systems and radio equipment to support communications consistent with Surf Life Saving policies and procedures
- apply fault-finding techniques and maintain Surf Life Saving radio equipment
- respond to an emergency situation requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- perform a primary victim assessment including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED)
- accurately report and convey incident details to emergency response services while maintaining confidentiality of records and information in line with statutory and Surf Life Saving policies.
Learning Methods:
The SRC Award is a Club-delivered course that combines online learning, face-to-face training and practical assessment.
Your club trainer will support you through the learning and practical components of the course. Depending on your trainer, your group and weather conditions, your course will be delivered over a number of days/sessions consisting of the following:
Assessments will consist of:
Theory Assessment:
The practical assessment tasks are designed to assess your ability to perform the tasks required by SLS and by the units of competency that align with the SLSA award, including:
If you have a disability, learning difficulty, language or literacy need, or require reasonable adjustment to participate in training or assessment, please contact us before enrolling so we can discuss your requirements and determine appropriate support.
Participants are expected to have sufficient language, literacy and numeracy skills to:
Your club trainer will support you through the learning and practical components of the course. Depending on your trainer, your group and weather conditions, your course will be delivered over a number of days/sessions consisting of the following:
Dry sessions include:
- Course Introduction
- Safety and Radio Operations
- Resuscitation (Part One)
Wet sessions include:
- Surf Awareness and Surf Skills
- Rescue Skills
Self-paced sessions:
- Safety, Wellbeing and Radio Operations
- Radio, Signals and Surf Awareness
- Resuscitation and Rescue Planning
Once enrolled, you will need to:
1. Check your booking confirmation email for access to your Learning Plan.
2. Read your Learning Plan to understand the course and assessment requirements.
3. Complete the required eLearning through the SLS Hub.
4. Upload evidence of your completed eLearning to aXcelerate.
5. Attend all required face-to-face training sessions.
6. Complete the required practical assessments.
2. Read your Learning Plan to understand the course and assessment requirements.
3. Complete the required eLearning through the SLS Hub.
4. Upload evidence of your completed eLearning to aXcelerate.
5. Attend all required face-to-face training sessions.
6. Complete the required practical assessments.
Important: Your trainer will advise you when the required eLearning must be completed. For this course, some may ask you to complete the elearning and online assessment during your face-to-face training. It must be completed before the practical assessment.
ASSESSMENT
Assessment is competency-based and includes an online knowledge assessment, practical demonstrations and simulated scenarios. You will need to demonstrate your ability to apply the skills and knowledge covered throughout the course.Assessments will consist of:
Theory Assessment:
- The theory assessment task contains several multiple-choice questions and has been designed to assess your understanding and underpinning knowledge of the skills covered in the units of competency that align with the SLSA SRC.
The practical assessment tasks are designed to assess your ability to perform the tasks required by SLS and by the units of competency that align with the SLSA award, including:
- Signals
- Radio maintenance
- Resuscitation
- Run-Swim-Run
- Tube rescue and surf skills
- Board rescue scenario
PROFICIENCY
SLS Skills Maintenance
To remain proficient as an SLS SRC Award, members must complete the applicable SLS Skills Maintenance requirements each season.
Nationally recognised units of competency
The currency requirements for nationally recognised first aid units may differ from SLS proficiency requirements. Participants should check the requirements of their workplace, industry or relevant regulatory authority to determine whether additional refresher training is required. If you hold HLTAID009 for workplace purposes, you must complete a CPR refresher course every 12 months to maintain its currency, in accordance with Australian Resuscitation Council guidance.
Important: Completing SLS Skills Maintenance/Proficiency does not update or extend your HLTAID009 qualification.SUPPORT FOR LEARNERS
Support for Diverse Learning, Disabilities and Reasonable Adjustments
Surf Life Saving SA is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment.If you have a disability, learning difficulty, language or literacy need, or require reasonable adjustment to participate in training or assessment, please contact us before enrolling so we can discuss your requirements and determine appropriate support.
Participants are expected to have sufficient language, literacy and numeracy skills to:
- Follow written, verbal and visual instructions
- Read and interpret signs, symbols and written information
- Perform basic calculations required during training and assessment
- Complete and maintain accurate written records
Program Benefits:
Content:
Upcoming Courses
| Name | Date | Time | Location | Available Spaces | Cost | Single Enrol |
| HENLEY MEMBERS & Open to others – SRC (Learning Plan) | 3 October – 1 November 2026 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Henley SLSC | 10 | $0.00 | |
| GLENELG MEMBERS ONLY – School Holiday SRC Course (Learning Plan) | 6 – 9 October 2026 | 08:00 am – 04:00 pm | Glenelg SLSC | 10 | $0.00 | |
| Grange SLSC ONLY – Surf Rescue Certificate (Learning Plan) | 6 & 7 October 2026 | 08:00 am – 04:00 pm | Grange SLSC | 28 | $0.00 | |
| SEMAPHORE & Other Club MEMBERS – SRC (Learning Plan) | Session set by trainer – starting 8/10 | 09:00 am – 04:30 pm | Semaphore SLSC | 13 | $0.00 | |
| Seacliff Members Only – Surf Rescue Certificate (Learning Plan) | Dates set by Trainer | 08:30 am – 04:30 pm | Seacliff SLSC | 6 | $0.00 | |
| West Beach & North Haven Members ONLY – Surf Rescue Certificate (Learning Plan) | 23 Aug – 25 Oct 2026. Session dates set by trainer | 08:30 am – 04:30 pm | West Beach SLSC | 24 | $0.00 | |
| Pt Noarlunga Members Only – Surf Rescue Certificate (Learning Plan) | Dates set by trainer – starting Sept 22nd, 6pm | 08:30 am – 04:30 pm | Port Noarlunga SLSC | 3 | $0.00 |