Surf Life Saving Australia

2024 update: Powercraft training for female volunteers

Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) have obtained funding from the Geoffrey Evans Trust and have successfully completed several Powercraft training programs specifically for women. Programs were conducted in South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales resulting in 21 newly qualified Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Crew and one IRB driver. These participants were all under the age of 21. In addition, another 12 females qualified and eight were trained in how to best facilitate a female IRB course for their States.

SLSA have stated, ‘This isn’t about equality of outcome, but about quality of opportunity. The Powercraft space is not for everyone, and certainly not every female. Women operate differently in an IRB and rescue watercraft (RWC) – technique and mental wellbeing are everything, and these need to be trained differently. However, we can make a difference by offering the women in our movement the same opportunities to gain these awards, in a safe environment. The power of women training together is huge, and they become champions for each other.’

IRBs require a volunteer crewperson and a driver, with RWC requiring only a driver. They are often the first on scene to a rescue and require a mix of specialised and nationally accredited training. To be eligible, prospective IRB Crew members must be 15 years old and proficient in their Bronze Medallion; prospective IRB Drivers must be 17 years old and proficient in their Bronze Medallion and IRB Crew Certificate; RWC operators must be 18 years old and proficient in their Bronze Medallion.

Training for Volunteer Offshore Rescue Boat

Surf Life Saving Australia is proud to announce that three young volunteer members will have the opportunity to undertake further studies in maritime operations, thanks to funding secured from the Geoffrey Evans Trust.

Jasmine Georgas (Maroubra SLSC, NSW), Max Rogers (Port Noarlunga SLSC, SA) and Will Davison (Coogee SLSC, NSW) will undertake the MAR10418 Certificate I in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 2 Near Coastal) qualification, having successfully applied for the scholarship.

This qualification will allow these young members to continue to contribute to their local Offshore and Jet Rescue Boat fleets, which are vital for preventing loss of life and providing aid on beaches, ocean, waterways, and other places as may be required. Beyond an individual’s service to the community through Surf Life Saving, this training provides pathways for employment in a variety of pursuits.’   (SLSA circular)

SLSA regularly attend the following rescue taskings:

  • Assistance to swimmers in difficulty

  • Assistance to divers and rock fisherman

  • Back-up to beach patrols

  • Assistance to other emergency services organisations

  • Assistance to boats and their crew in distress

  • Aviation emergencies

  • Rock, cliff and platform access rescues

While minimum crew requirements are available with Surf Life Saving (Bronze Medallion, First Aid and Advanced Resuscitation), training specific to boat drivers and boat skippers must be taken externally to meet various maritime legislative requirements.

Congratulations Jasmine, Max and Will for successfully completing the maritime course.

Great photos!