Bronze Medallion FAQ'S

Bronze & Surf Rescue Certificate FAQ

Our Chief Instructor has compiled a list of the most asked questions new members have about doing their bronze or surf rescue certificate. The bronze FAQs are as follows (similar principles apply to the SRC also albeit with lesser qualifications (no ARC or Radio) and shorter swims):

Recognition of qualifications

SLSA and SLSSA are Registered Training Organisations and many qualifications are recognised nationally in the workplace and can lead to employment opportunities

How much does it cost to do your bronze medallion?

You must be an active financial member before starting and there is an Education fee of $20 to cover the cost of material issued and the loan of a Training Manual. Part of the fee is refundable upon the satisfactory return of the manual.

What do you have to do to acheive your Bronze Medallion / Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue)?

The course comprises the following primary elements and you obtain both qualifications over the duration of the course simultaneously

A 400 metre swim (9 mins) prior to commencing water based activities
OH&S in Surf Life Saving
General beach, lifesaving and communication knowledge
Perform Tube, Board Rescues and Rescues without equipment
Lifts and Carries
200m run/200m swim/200m rum (8 mins)
Surf communication flag signals
Basic First Aid

In addition you obtain two additional award qualifications as part of the Bronze Medallion Program by participating in two additional assessments leading up to the final bronze assessment being

Radio Operator Certificate (ROC), &
Advance Resuscitation Certificate (ARC)

How long does it take to get your bronze?

Your bronze medallion training occurs in small groups. It generally takes a group between 6-8 weeks to finish the training and be assessed, based on a minimum of 2 x 2 hour sessions per week. There are of course groups that do it faster than this, and slower, depending on the commitment of the group. A typical squad would meet Friday at 6:15pm for 2 hours of theory and non-beach training, then Sunday mornings sessions are focussed at practical activities.

Note from the Chief Instructor

Do not to get overwhelmed by some of the requirements of the bronze medallion. If at all concerned do not give up now. Come down to the club when a bronze group is in training and do not hesitate to speak to the group about training for the bronze. They are all in the same boat.

Concerned about your swimming level ?

A lot of people are concerned that they can't swim well enough to complete their Bronze Medallion. The swim requirement is aimed at the average swimmer, not the elite. Get in the pool or the sea and time yourself, you'll be surprised at how achievable the times are. Also consider that you will practice the run-swim-run several times before you are submitted for an assessment. This is usually enough to gain the confidence necessary to do the swims. If that's not enough, the club has regular swimming sessions on Tuesday evenings at Noarlunga Pool that you can use to improve further.

Will I have to patrol and what is the committment ?

Once you complete your Bronze Medallion you and your squad will be introduced to patrols. Patrolling Port Noarlunga Beach is what we exist for, we are a community service. You gain a significant sense of satisfaction that you are helping the community amongst other positive benefits that flow from participating. The committment for patrol is about 5 hours once every 4 or 5 weeks between November and March. Patrol teams are good fun, and are very flexible. If you can not attend your rostered Patrol a swap should be arranged which will enable Members to balance their community service with their personal lives. Alternatively for Nipper Parents you may wish to undertake only water cover activities for Junior training instead of full patrols - this is considered on a case by case situation that can be discussed with the Club Captain or Vice Captain.