Surf Rescue Certificate & Bronze Medallion

Surf Rescue Certificate & Bronze Medallion

Your pathway to becoming a surf lifesaver

Our education pathways equip members with essential aquatic rescue, emergency care and beach safety skills.

Whether you’re a Nipper transitioning into youth lifesaving or an adult keen to give back to the Stockton community, obtaining your Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) or Bronze Medallion is the first step toward joining our volunteer patrol roster.

All training is conducted by qualified SLSA instructors, combining online theory, practical beach sessions and scenario-based assessments.

, Stockton Surf Life Saving Club
, Stockton Surf Life Saving Club

Surf Rescue Certificate

The Surf Rescue Certificate is the entry-level qualification for youth members aged 13 to 15 years. It bridges the gap between Nippers and senior lifesaving, providing young members with the skills needed to participate in active beach patrols and assist with water safety for Nippers’ events. 

  • Minimum age: 13-15 years old on or before the assessment date.
  • Prerequisite: 200m pool swim completed in 5 minutes or less.
  • What you will learn: Aquatic rescue techniques, CPR, basic first aid, surf safety awareness and communications.
  • Course duration: Minimum of 4 full days. This may be completed during 2-3 hour sessions over several evenings and weekends, or through a series of full day sessions.
  • Cost: Free of charge for active patrolling members and water safety volunteers.

Bronze Medallion

The Bronze Medallion is the core award for Australian surf lifesavers. Designed for members aged 15 and over, this course builds comprehensive skills in aquatic rescue, radio operation, resuscitation and team leadership.

  • Minimum age: 15 years old on or before the assessment date.
  • Prerequisite: 400m pool swim completed in 9 minutes or less.
  • What you will learn: Tube and board rescues, CPR and defibrillation, advanced first aid, radio protocols, beach management and surf conditions analysis.
  • Course duration: A minimum of 6 full days. This may be completed during 2-3 hour sessions over several evenings and weekends or through a series of full-day sessions.
  • Cost: Free of charge for active patrolling members and water safety volunteers.

Course intake dates and enrolment

  • Winter intake: Opens annually in July for competitors and proficient members.
  • Summer intensive intake: An intensive course intake runs across December and January for new and returning candidates.

How to enrol

Course enrolments are managed directly through your Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) Member Area account via the Education Hub.

Have questions before enrolling? Contact Director of Education, Willow Forsyth, via the enquiry form.

Frequently asked questions

You do not need to be a competitive swimmer, but you must be able to complete the prerequisite timed pool swim before commencing ocean training.

Courses are free of charge for financial members who commit to active beach patrolling or volunteering as water safety personnel.

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