BECOMING A GREAT LIFEGUARD
This structured programme will prepare candidates to qualify as a Surf Lifeguard. They will have achieved confidence in all areas of lifesaving, including first aid, board skill, club care, patrolling and more.
About Trainees
The course consists of an hour long early morning physical training session (called PT!), an hour theory session at noon, and a practical on beach skills session after. During these sessions, Surf Lifeguards and Surf Instructors will train the candidates in all areas of lifeguarding, including:
- Demonstrate knowledge of health and safety issues relevant to Surf Life Saving members
- Describe the features of the surf environment
- Identify and describe the roles and responsibilities of a Surf Lifeguard
- Demonstrate knowledge of effective communication
- Demonstrate knowledge of effective scanning techniques and victim identification
- Perform retrieval of underwater objects
- Perform releases and tows in an aquatic environment
- Demonstrate Surf Life Saving signal communication and demonstrate knowledge of graphic communication
- Communicate using a two-way radio
- Perform a tube rescue
- Provide resuscitation (no unit standards)
- Provide first aid (no unit standards)
Timings
- first day is 28 December 2016, the last is usually 16th January 2017
- sessions are daily, Monday to Saturday
- before every activity, we meet outside the club, beach side
Expectations
- Candidates must have swimming competency, to the point where they are comfortable completing 400m in around 9 minutes. This is the most important skill set coming into this course.
Registration
- If you have been a member – you should get a re-registration pack through the post
- If you are a new member – see us at the clubrooms on Registration Day (27 December 2016), or visit the bar when open ASAP
Checklist for a Trainee
What to purchase before the session:
- Whiritoa Togs (Recommended, our uniform!)
- Wetsuit (optional, but needed as a lifeguard long term)
- Surf fins (compulsory, must be a solid piece of rubber with a strap at the back, like this www.dorsalfins.com/products/dorsal-bodyboard-boogie-swim-fins-churchill-style-red-black?variant=17021523777)
What to have with you at the beach:
- Towel
- Wet gear on
- Drink bottle with water
- Sunscreen (pre-applied, there is usually a large bottle at the club)
- Plenty of energy
Wet weather and cancellations
We almost never cancel a session; we’re always there, rain, hail or shine. But if there is just no choice, we will work inside the clubrooms on theory.
Official SLSC info:
—
This course is the first step to becoming a lifeguard. We find that the earlier they start these programmes, the better lifeguards they become in the future.
For any questions about any Junior Surf Programmes, contact Libby Clifton on clifton.libby@gmail.com
