Life Saving
Becoming a Surf Lifesaver at Coolangatta
To become a fully qualified surf lifesaver on beach patrol you will need to join Coolangatta SLSC and gain your Bronze Medallion/Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue). The club runs regular Bronze Medallion courses.
Click here for information on the next course or please contact the office on (07) 5536 8474 or email office@coolangattaslsc.
The Bronze Medallion Course - 15 years +
The Bronze Medallion is the core award to be a surf lifesaver in Australia who are 15 years and up. As a Bronze Medallion holder you will have the required skills and knowledge relating to surf awareness, rescue techniques, radio communication, CPR and first aid.
You are responsible for patrolling the beach and ensuring that the public remain safe, and may be called upon to perform rescues on the board or with the tube, as well as execute preventative actions.
Learn more about what is involved in gaining the Bronze Medallion
The Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) - 13 years +
The Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) is a stepping stone for members 13 years and up towards gaining a Bronze Medallion. It provides participants with basic skills and knowledge of rescues, CPR and radio operations, enabling them to patrol as part of a patrol team. This is the perfect pathway from junior activities to patrolling ranks or for parents/guardians who wish to act in the role of water safety personnel during nipper programs, sports carnivals or training.
Learn more about what is involved in gaining the SRC
Get involved without a Bronze
The Observers Award is also available for member 13 years and up of any ability who would like to assist with beach patrols but don't have the confidence in the water. This award provides you with the skills and knowledge to read the surf and recognise someone in difficulty. This award is to be utilised with another award such as a First Aid Certificate, Advanced Resuscitation or Radio Operators. This course has online learning followed by a practical assessment of signals.
The Observer Award is an entry level award.
Learn more about what is involved in gaining the Observers Award
Register your Expression of Interest Today
For more information please contact the Coolangatta Administration Office on (07) 5536 8474 or e-mail [email protected].
Patrol Information:
Coolangatta SLSC patrols the Coolangatta Beach from September to the end of April on weekends and public holidays. The beach patrol consists of a team of volunteers rostered on duty for specific times and dates. Once you turn thirteen and successfully complete your SRC you may join a patrol team and commence patrols as directed by the Club Captain.
The patrol teams and roster is put together by the Club Captain, who co-ordinates all patrol members activities including rescues, first aid and patrol activities. Your roster will be emailed to you prior to the patrolling season. You will be rostered to patrol a half day approximately every 3 weeks.
The following category of members is required to do patrols:
- Active Senior Members (18 +)
- Active Cadets and Juniors (13-18 years)
- Active Reserves
All members who wish to compete at any surf carnival must be financial, proficient and have completed a minimum number of patrol hours, (refer to the competitor agreement). It is a requirement of your membership that you attend every patrol you are rostered for or find an equivalent and proficient replacement for your patrol.
It is compulsory to have the correct patrol uniform whilst carrying out beach patrols, as issued by the Patrol Captain. Your patrol uniform should not be worn outside of patrolling duties as stated in SLSQ uniform policy.
The Surf Rescue Certificate is the first certificate towards gaining your Bronze Medallion. It gives the holder the ability to perform patrols and water safety duties, essentially working as an apprentice to Bronze Medallion Holders. SRC courses are usually run concurrently with Bronze courses to encourage full development.
Beach Safety:
Coolangatta Beach is patrolled by our volunteer Surf Lifesavers on weekends an public holidays from the start of the September school holidays until the May long weekend public holiday.
Patrol Hours:
– 8am – 5pm – During Normal times
– 7am – 6pm – During the Christmas school holidays
For more information about Coolangatta Beach click here
The ocean can be unpredictable and there are often hidden dangers. It is important that you are educated on these dangers to reduce the liklinhood of getting into trouble and if you do get into trouble, knowing what to do in that situation.
Always follow the advise of the Surf Lifesaver and Lifeguards and swim between the red and yellow flags. If you do get into trouble raise your hand to signal that you need assistance and remember if we cant see you we can’t save you.
Rip currents are one of the greatest, and most common, hazards on Australian beaches. On average, rip currents are responsible for at least 21 drownings deaths in Australia each year. In addition, lifeguards perform countless rescues each and every year to assist swimmers who have been caught in rip currents.
Below are some links to more Beach Safety Information:
Lifesaver/ Lifeguards Top Tips
Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club welcomes members of all ages and abilities.
We are a family friendly club with a great culture and provide our members with lots of opportunities. We pride ourselves on providing high level training and skill development to our members.
Nippers is for children aged 5 to 14, which we see as the future of our Club. A parent/guardian needs to join with nippers. Our Nipper program caters for each individual childs needs and focuses on surf safety education and growing confidence.
Active Membership is available for members 13 years and over. We provide you with all the training needed to be a volunteer Surf Life Saver so that you can regurlary conduct Beach Patrols and help to protect the community. Check out our up-coming courses. We offer a range of surf sports opportunities and have a gym available for active members wishing to stay fit.
In addition, we also have Associate members who do not patrol but are greatly valued by their general support and involvement in many other facets of the Club. This category is available for our Nipper parents as well as those that just want to contribute to this valuable community service.
Coolangatta Surf Life Saving Club can present young people with many opportunities for self development and growth. Not only can they make new friends, but develop important skills and values that can help them throughout their lives.
Our club is inclusive and encourages teamwork, volunteering, leadership and community services.
All members are bound by the Code of Conduct for Members and any breaches of this may result in disciplinary action.