QUALIFICATIONS & AWARDS
The Surf Lifeguard Award (SLA), formerly known as the Surf Life Saving Bronze Medallion, is only available for people who are 14 years and over. It is attained following a course of club instruction covering both physical and theoretical lifesaving skills. These skills are developed or honed over a period of 6–10 weeks of instruction, depending on the level of skills that have been attained through the JuniorSurf division or other similar activities.
The course culminates in a test of swimming competency. A 400m non-stop freestyle swim in a minimum 25m pool in under 9 minutes is a prerequisite, as well as water rescue skills demonstrated in the pool.
A day-long Surf Life Saving Northern Region (SLSNR) Central Training Academy (CTA) 'Finishing School' at a designated surf beach must be attended prior to undertaking the examination. This involves a full day at a designated surf beach at a later date, with at least a week between. Both the Finishing School and examination involve assessment and examination by SLSNR District Examiners on theoretical knowledge and actual surf life saving skills including fitness, surf swimming, basic IRB crewing, first aid and rescue/resuscitation skills.
The SLA qualification is the minimum qualification required for both patrolling and competing members.
For dates and times for the next SLA course(s) being run by the Red Beach Club, contact Club SLA Instructor Chris Randell, ph: 09 424 7170 or
e-mail: crand@xtra.co.nz
Dates, times and venues for SLSNR CTA Finishing Schools and exams for the current season are available on the SLSNR website or from the Club Instructor.
First Aid Courses:
Throughout the year, surf lifeguards who have attained their SLA qualification are given the opportunity to further their first aid and resuscitation skills through a number of SLSNR training courses. The cost of these courses is subsidised by SLSNR and the club generally covers the balance of the cost. The courses include Surf Level 1 and Level 2 First Aid and Pre-Hospital Emergency Care (PHEC) training to NZQA standards.
Senior Surf Lifeguard Award:
This award is attained through advanced courses of instruction by SLSNR Instructors. To qualify as a Senior Surf Lifeguard a candidate must demonstrate a superior level of fitness, swimming/surf skills ability and an understanding of the surf/beach environment. They will also generally be required to hold the Inshore Rescue Boat and Radio Operators and the Advanced First Aid qualifications.
Leadership Skills Development:
Surf lifeguards can attain a number of different qualifications and awards which are recognised by the community at large as demonstrating leadership skills.
Prospective employers look to these types of qualifications in addition to the usual academic achievement when interviewing potential employees.
There are also opportunities within clubs and the District and National surf lifesaving organisations for lifeguards to move into a professional surf life-guarding or surf sports career.
SLSNR and SLSNZ therefore support and provide various leadership skills training opportunities annually. Details can be obtained from the SLSNR website www.lifesaving.org.nz
