At Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), the member pathway is structured to develop skills, leadership, and community involvement across various age groups and interests. Here’s an overview:  

SRC Award (Surf Rescue Certificate)

• Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC): This course provides participants with the skills and knowledge of basic patrolling and surf awareness, enabling them to take part in lifesaving operations. It is the minimum water safety qualification required for Junior Activity supervision. Candidates must be at least 13 years old on the date of their final assessment.
• Activities:
  
  • Support water safety for Nippers.
  • Participate in surf sports competitions.
  • Develop foundational patrol and rescue skills.

Bronze Medallion Award

• Bronze Medallion (BM): This course equips participants with the essential skills and knowledge of patrolling and surf awareness, allowing them to actively contribute to lifesaving operations. It is the core qualification required to become a surf lifesaver in Australia. Candidates must be at least 15 years old on the date of their final assessment.
• Training Includes:
  
  • Surf Awareness & Safety: Learn about rip currents, tides, and weather patterns.
  • Rescue Techniques: Use rescue boards, tubes, and Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs).
  • CPR & First Aid: Train in lifesaving first aid and trauma management.
  • Radio Communication: Operate patrol radios for effective beach safety coordination.
  • Patrol Responsibilities: Actively monitor the beach and assist in rescues.

Further Training Opportunities

After obtaining the Bronze Medallion, members can expand their skills through specialised training, taking on greater responsibilities in lifesaving and rescue operations.

Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Training

• IRB Crew Certificate (15+ years): Learn to assist in rescue operations, including launching, landing, and safety procedures.

• IRB Driver Certificate (17+ years, Marine Licence required): Train to operate IRBs in various surf conditions, focusing on navigation and emergency response.

Advanced Resuscitation & First Aid

• Advanced Resuscitation Techniques (ART): Gain high-level CPR and oxygen resuscitation skills, essential for leadership roles such as Patrol Captain and Emergency Response Team members.

• First Aid Certificate: Covers injury management, bleeding control, fractures, burns, and medical emergencies—recommended for all patrolling members.

Jet Ski Rescue (Rescue Water Craft – RWC)

• Designed for experienced patrolling members, this course focuses on operating jet skis in surf conditions for rescues and major incident response.

• Requires strong fitness and advanced rescue skills.

Specialised & Leadership Courses

• Silver Medallion Patrol Captain Award (SMPC): Prepares members for leadership roles, teaching patrol operations, risk assessment, and emergency coordination.

• Training & Assessing Qualifications: For members interested in becoming trainers, assessors, or facilitators in lifesaving.

• Advanced Lifesaving Techniques (ART): Focused on high-risk rescues, complex water conditions, and emergency incident management.

Leadership & Specialised Roles

• Patrol Leadership: Experienced members can advance to roles such as Patrol Captain, leading teams and ensuring beach safety.

• Training & Assessment: Qualified members can train and assess new lifesavers.

• Club Leadership: Opportunities exist to serve on committees and influence the strategic direction of Mooloolaba SLSC.

Surf Sports & Competition

• Training & Competing: Members can take part in surf sports such as board paddling, surf skiing, swimming, and beach events.

• Coaching & Officiating: Pathways for those interested in mentoring athletes or officiating competitions.