Our club is well-equipped with personnel and equipment to deliver a range of qualifications in sports and lifesaving. Whatever your ability, we encourage all members to work towards an award that fits their ability and interest.

For life saving awards, please contact Dave Meads.
For surf life saving sports qualifications, please contact Nigel Bowden.
For inshore rescue boat (IRB) qualifications, please contact Ben Gardiner.

Please note that several of the awards outlined below come with a nominal charge to cover the exam registration and manuals. These awards are currently being reviewed by SLSGB – there are likely to be changes – see club communications for the latest information.

Award Min. age Validity Notes
National Surf Safety Awards 8-13 Introduction to surf life saving Surf awareness; beach & water training; first aid
Surf Competence 11 3 years 200X200X200m run-swim-run (not timed). Beach flag signals
Board Competence 11 Life Demonstrate ability to launch & paddle a rescue board for 400m & rescue a patient
Ski Competence 12 Life Demonstrate ability to launch & paddle ski 600m; manoeuvring skills
Surf Boat Competence 16 Life Surf boat safety; maintenance; technique; commands; evacuation
Life Saver Support Award 14 3 years Parts A & B. Enables holder to assist with safety cover & compete in life saving sports
NaRS Surf Life Saving & Surfing Coach Award 15 3 years Lifeguard skills, knowledge & rescue; life support; first aid. Required to volunteer for RNLI.
NaRS Beach Lifeguard 16 3 years The ultimate in surf life saving and advanced resuscitation. Required to become a lifeguard
NaRS Beach Patrol Award 15 3 Years Support to beach lifeguarding; fitness, beach knowledge, life support & first aid. No swimming necessary.
IRB Crewman and Driver 16 3 years Should have SLS Award. maintenance skills, rescue skills, emergency engine failure
Coaching Levels 1 & 2 16-18 Life Coaching levels to assess all surf life saving competition skills
Instructors & Assessors 17 2 years Must hold SLS award. Must successfully train students to gain lifesaving awards.