Whether you’re a new member or a returning patroller, education is at the heart of everything we do at Trigg Island Surf Life Saving Club. This handbook is designed to help you explore the wide range of training opportunities available and discover how you can play a vital role in developing the lifesaving skills of others. Lifesaving is more than patrols — it’s a community where we learn, grow, and make a difference together.
Your Pathway to Learning and Lifesaving
Why Get Involved in Training?
Our training programs are practical, rewarding, and fun. They help you build essential rescue and first aid skills while connecting with fellow members who share a commitment to keeping our beaches safe. Whether you’re 13 or 60+, there’s a course suited to your goals and experience.
Courses You Can Join
Award | Minimum Age | Pre-requisites | Requalification Frequency | Trainer | Assessor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nipper Rescue Certificate (NRC) | 13 | 200m swim in 6 mins | Annually | BM Trainer | BM Assessor |
Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) | 13 | 200m swim in 5 mins | Annually | BM Trainer | External BM Assessor |
Bronze Medallion (BM) | 15 | 400m swim in 9 mins | Annually | BM Trainer | External BM Assessor |
Radio Operator (RO) | 13 | None | Annually | BM Trainer | BM Assessor |
Resuscitation Certificate | 10 | None | Annually | BM Trainer | BM Assessor |
IRB Crew (IRBC) | 15 | Bronze Medallion | Annually | IRBC Trainer | IRBD Assessor |
IRB Driver (IRBD) | 17 | BM, IRBC, RST, Driver’s Licence | Annually | IRBD Trainer | External IRBD Assessor |
RWC Operator | 18 | BM, RST, Driver’s Licence | Annually | RWC Trainer | External RWC Assessor |
SM Aquatic Rescue (SMAR) | 16 | BM, 400m swim in 8 mins | Annually | SMAR Trainer | SMAR Assessor |
SM Patrol Captain (SMPC) | 17 | Bronze Medallion | Not Required | SMPC Facilitator | SMPC Facilitator |
Advanced Resuscitation (ART) | 15 | First Aid | Annually | ART Facilitator | ART Facilitator |
Pain Management (PM) | 18 | BM, ART, First Aid | Every 2 Years | PM Facilitator | PM Facilitator |
Ready to get started? Speak with your patrol captain, a trainer or complete the Education Registration Form to register your interest. There’s always a new skill to learn or an opportunity to take your lifesaving to the next level.
Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Awareness Module
As part of the effort to increase awareness and help improve inclusiveness, social responsibility and safety, the SLSA Board has taken the initiative to create an online course highlighting Sexual Harassment. All members with Awards will be required to complete a short online module (approx. 10-20 minutes). It is encouraged that all members 13 years and over complete the course.

How to Complete
To access the module ‘Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Awareness’:
- Login to the Members Area
- Click on ‘eLearning’ (top menu)
- Click on ‘Login to eLearning’ (red button)
- Select ‘Training Library (left menu)
- ‘VIEW COURSES’ in the ‘SLS – Safety and Wellbeing’ tile
- ‘ENROL’ in the ‘SLS Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Awareness’
Keeping Your Skills Sharp – Skills Maintenance
Most qualifications require an annual Skills Maintenance Check (SMC). These refreshers ensure your skills remain current and ready for real-world rescues. SMCs are run throughout the season and are a great way to reconnect with your patrol team and refresh essential knowledge.
We encourage all members to participate — it’s quick, practical and often a great catch-up.
Members must pre-enrol to attend a Skills Maintenance Event!
- Logon to the Members Area
- Click on ‘eLearning’ (top menu)
- Click on ‘Login to eLearning’ (red button)
- Select ‘Training Event (left menu)
- Navigate to the Event in the calendar and select ‘Enrol’
Members who are unable to register online must contact proficiency@triggisland.com prior to attendance as it will likely indicate they are technically ineligible (e.g. already expired in surfguard). We need to identify and correct any technical issues prior to attendance. The Education team may be unable to accommodate non pre-registered arrivals on the day.
Share What You Know – Become a Trainer or Assessor
Have you enjoyed learning at the club? Think you’d like to help others grow in confidence and capability? Our training team is always looking for enthusiastic, supportive members to step into leadership roles.
Why Join the Training Team?
- Make a bigger impact on beach safety.
- Build your own skills in leadership and communication.
- Mentor new lifesavers and strengthen our patrol teams.
- Receive formal recognition and wear the coveted Trainer shirt!
You don’t need to be an expert or a long-time member — just bring your energy, willingness to help, and interest in learning. We’ll support you every step of the way.
How to Become a Trainer
- Start Helping Out: Assist in sessions to get a feel for training.
- Do the Online Modules: Child Safety and Surf Risk Awareness.
- Log Your Experience: Complete the WA Probationary Trainer Logbook over two courses.
- Attend the WA Training Officer Course.
- Be Mentored: Deliver three sessions while supported by an experienced club trainer.
- Get Certified: Submit your logbook and lesson plans to receive your Trainer Award.
How to Become an Assessor
- Be a current Trainer with recent experience.
- Attend the Assessor Course.
- Assist in two assessments under supervision.
- Complete the Assessor Logbook and submit to SLSWA.
Become a Facilitator (For Advanced Courses)
If you’re already a Trainer and Assessor, you can apply to become a Facilitator for specialist courses like First Aid, ART and SMPC.
Staying Current as a Trainer, Assessor or Facilitator (TAF)
To keep your TAF accreditation valid, you must demonstrate active involvement every two years. This includes attending an SLSWA in-service or development session and gaining at least 12 points per award by training, assessing, or running skills maintenance checks. All activity must be logged using the TAF Currency Form, available to be scanned from QR code in all our club training areas. TAF logs are required before 10 December to ensure your qualifications remain active through Surfguard. Awards not maintained within this period will lapse and require supervised re-engagement.
Resources
Education Team: Reach out through the club or speak directly with our Director of Education
Members Area: https://members.sls.com.au
Document Library: Course materials, training guides, assessment forms