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Surf
Lifeguard Award
The Surf
Lifeguard Award (SLA), previously referred to as the
Surf Proficiency Award (SPA), is the standard
qualification required to perform coastal lifeguard
duties, be this in a voluntary or professional
role.
The training is structured to provide the candidates
with the relevant skills needed to execute rescues
in the ocean or surf environment and if required,
deliver basic first aid and resuscitation
assistance.
Course Entry Requirements
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Minimum age
16 years |
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Reasonable
education level |
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Physical
fitness and swimming evaluation |
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400m pool swim in less than 8 minutes |
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Basic surf swimming experience |
Physical Requirements
Successful candidates will need to be able to
complete the following surf swimming and rescue
simulation evaluation activities, displaying a fair
level of fitness and ability in the ocean
environment.
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400m pool
swim in under 8 minutes |
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Beach run /
Surf swim / Beach run (200m / 300m / 200m) under
10 min |
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Lifeline swim
(100m) |
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Torpedo buoy
rescue |
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Rescue board
rescue |
Course Content
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Lifeguard
accountability and professionalism |
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Radio and
signal communication |
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Rescue
prevention and recognition |
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Surf
lifesaving rescue techniques |
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Rescue
equipment maintenance |
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Emergency
scene management, i.e. drowning, shark attacks &
medical conditions |
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Anatomy and
physiology |
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First Aid |
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Expired Air
and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) |
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Supplementary
Oxygen therapy |
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Aquatic
spinal injury management |
Course Duration
A minimum period of 50 hours (7 - 9 days) of
instruction is required per course. This instruction
is spread over a period of time and divided
approximately into 60% practical and 40% theoretical
training lectures.
Candidate Evaluation and
Certification
Independent examiners that have not been involved
with their instruction evaluate candidates. The
candidates are evaluated on all aspects of the award
with the duration of the evaluation being
approximately 5 hours.
Successful candidates are certified by Lifesaving
S.A. Certification is valid for a period of 3 years,
pending the successful completion of an annual
fitness and resuscitation assessment.
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