Bronze Medallion Course Information
This is the core award to be a surf lifesaver at Coogee or anywhere else in Australia. You will learn surf skills, resuscitation techniques, basic first aid, rescue techniques, and much more. This course provides participants with the skills and knowledge of basic patrolling and surf awareness to participate in lifesaving operations.
At Coogee SLSC, all course participants are required to complete a First Aid course. This training will be facilitated as part of the course program. Participants who hold a current First Aid certificate with at least 12 months’ validity remaining are not required to attend this component; they must provide a copy of their current First Aid certificate.
Courses typically run over a six or seven-week period with dry (classroom) sessions on Monday or Tuesday 6.30 pm-9 pm, and wet (beach/water) sessions on Saturday, 8 am-10 am, or Sunday, 11 am-1 pm.
Book your place in our next Bronze Medallion course here: Current Courses
SLS Bronze Medallion
Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue)
To qualify for the Course:
To achieve your Bronze Medallion, the Assessment covers the following:
Click here to go to Surf Life Saving NSW Bronze Medallion information page.
Course fees include Club membership, a pink training rashie, patrol uniform, water safety rashie and cap, Clubhouse access fob, course T-shirt, and First Aid course.
Participants are expected to attend all in-person training sessions, complete all online learning, and commit to patrolling Coogee Beach for at least two seasons.
Theory - Dry Sessions
Practical - Wet Sessions
Course Communications
Course trainers will create a WhatsApp group to communicate updates, session times, and other relevant course information.
What happens if I cannot complete the 400 m ocean swim in under 9 minutes?
It is not uncommon for nerves to affect performance, even for well-prepared participants. Participants will be allowed to attempt the swim again after a 10-minute rest. In most cases, participants complete the swim successfully on the second attempt after warming up. If a participant is unable to complete the swim on the second attempt, they will not be able to continue the course. Course fees will be refunded, less an administrative cost.
What happens if I miss one or two sessions?
We understand that Members may have work, study, family, or other commitments. Participants who miss one or two sessions may be able to catch up; however, they must discuss this with the Lead Trainers, particularly if their attendance may affect assessment eligibility.
I was injured during training. What happens now?
Although every effort is made to manage risk, accidents and injuries can occur. Before each training session, trainers will conduct a risk assessment. If a participant is injured during training, trainers qualified in First Aid will help. The Lead Trainer must be informed of all incidents. If further assistance is required, the Lead Trainer will provide guidance.
Do I have to complete the online learning before the course starts?
No, during the first training session, the Lead Trainers will provide guidance on when each online learning module needs to be completed by.
What happens if I fail my final assessment?
While not common, this can happen. Participants will be given another opportunity to pass the final assessment. This will usually be the following weekend. Lead Trainers will discuss with the participant.
I just want to compete. Do I have to do the Bronze Medallion course?
Yes, all competitors must hold a Bronze Medallion award. There are three key requirements that need to be covered each year. These are: be proficient (have a current Bronze Medallion award); pay membership fees and competition levy; and complete the required patrol hours. More information can be found on the Surf Sports page of this website.
I want to compete. Can I start competition training before the Bronze Medallion course begins?
Unfortunately, you cannot begin competition training until you have attained the Bronze Medallion award.
I want to drive the IRB’s. Can I just do that?
The IRB Crew or Drivers awards are advanced awards that build on the fundamentals of the Bronze Medallion. The Bronze Medallion award must be completed and remain current to be eligible to participate in the IRB courses.
What is a season?
Our season begins each year on 1st July and runs for a year. Memberships are renewed from 1st July to mid-September. We patrol Coogee Beach from late September through to the end of April.
What about patrol?
Once you have attained the Bronze Medallion award, you will be allocated to one of 17 patrol teams. During the course, trainers will discuss participants' preferred patrol teams. Patrol shifts are roughly half a day, once a month, rotating between morning or afternoon, Saturday, Sunday, or public holidays. If you cannot make a patrol shift, you must find someone to take your place and let your Patrol Captain know. All this information will be provided during the course and is available on the Club website.
Have more questions? Come to one of our information sessions (see our courses page) or contact our education team via email.
At Coogee SLSC, all course participants are required to complete a First Aid course. This training will be facilitated as part of the course program. Participants who hold a current First Aid certificate with at least 12 months’ validity remaining are not required to attend this component; they must provide a copy of their current First Aid certificate.
Courses typically run over a six or seven-week period with dry (classroom) sessions on Monday or Tuesday 6.30 pm-9 pm, and wet (beach/water) sessions on Saturday, 8 am-10 am, or Sunday, 11 am-1 pm.
Book your place in our next Bronze Medallion course here: Current Courses
SLS Bronze Medallion
Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue)
To qualify for the Course:
- Be aged 15 years old or over
- 400m swim in the Ocean in 9 mins or under
To achieve your Bronze Medallion, the Assessment covers the following:
- SLS Signals - Visual and Audio
- 200m Run 200m Swim 200m Run - Sand Ocean Sand, in 8 mins or under
- Tube Rescue - Conscious and Unconscious Patient
- Board Rescue - Conscious and Unconscious Patient
- Radio Comms
- Surf Awareness & Patrol Management
- Spinal rescue, shallow and deep water, and Carries
- CPR 1-2 and 3-person, plus the use of a defibrillator
Click here to go to Surf Life Saving NSW Bronze Medallion information page.
Course fees include Club membership, a pink training rashie, patrol uniform, water safety rashie and cap, Clubhouse access fob, course T-shirt, and First Aid course.
Participants are expected to attend all in-person training sessions, complete all online learning, and commit to patrolling Coogee Beach for at least two seasons.
Theory - Dry Sessions
- Monday or Tuesday evening, starting at 6.00 pm–6.30 pm, till approx 9 pm.
- First session: introduction to Members Hub accounts and eLearning, trainers, the Clubhouse, SLSA policies, and course expectations.
- Training includes signals, radio procedures, CPR, and related course content.
- Bring a notebook and pen, a water bottle, and snacks.
- Wear practical clothing, as participants will practise CPR on manikins and with fellow participants.
Practical - Wet Sessions
- Saturday morning or Sunday mid-morning for approximately 2½ hours.
- First session: all participants must complete a 400 m ocean swim in under 9 minutes.
- Practise signals and Run-Swim-Run: 200 m run, 200 m swim, and 200 m run in under 8 minutes. Each attempt helps build ability, speed, and confidence.
- Learn tube and board rescues, spinal rescues, carries, and related practical skills.
- Bring the training pink rashie, training cap, swimmers*, wetsuit if required, goggles, towels, hat, warm change of clothes, water bottle, snacks, and sunscreen. *Swimmers: participants will practise rescues and CPR with each other, so practical swimwear is essential.
Course Communications
Course trainers will create a WhatsApp group to communicate updates, session times, and other relevant course information.
What happens if I cannot complete the 400 m ocean swim in under 9 minutes?
It is not uncommon for nerves to affect performance, even for well-prepared participants. Participants will be allowed to attempt the swim again after a 10-minute rest. In most cases, participants complete the swim successfully on the second attempt after warming up. If a participant is unable to complete the swim on the second attempt, they will not be able to continue the course. Course fees will be refunded, less an administrative cost.
What happens if I miss one or two sessions?
We understand that Members may have work, study, family, or other commitments. Participants who miss one or two sessions may be able to catch up; however, they must discuss this with the Lead Trainers, particularly if their attendance may affect assessment eligibility.
I was injured during training. What happens now?
Although every effort is made to manage risk, accidents and injuries can occur. Before each training session, trainers will conduct a risk assessment. If a participant is injured during training, trainers qualified in First Aid will help. The Lead Trainer must be informed of all incidents. If further assistance is required, the Lead Trainer will provide guidance.
Do I have to complete the online learning before the course starts?
No, during the first training session, the Lead Trainers will provide guidance on when each online learning module needs to be completed by.
What happens if I fail my final assessment?
While not common, this can happen. Participants will be given another opportunity to pass the final assessment. This will usually be the following weekend. Lead Trainers will discuss with the participant.
I just want to compete. Do I have to do the Bronze Medallion course?
Yes, all competitors must hold a Bronze Medallion award. There are three key requirements that need to be covered each year. These are: be proficient (have a current Bronze Medallion award); pay membership fees and competition levy; and complete the required patrol hours. More information can be found on the Surf Sports page of this website.
I want to compete. Can I start competition training before the Bronze Medallion course begins?
Unfortunately, you cannot begin competition training until you have attained the Bronze Medallion award.
I want to drive the IRB’s. Can I just do that?
The IRB Crew or Drivers awards are advanced awards that build on the fundamentals of the Bronze Medallion. The Bronze Medallion award must be completed and remain current to be eligible to participate in the IRB courses.
What is a season?
Our season begins each year on 1st July and runs for a year. Memberships are renewed from 1st July to mid-September. We patrol Coogee Beach from late September through to the end of April.
What about patrol?
Once you have attained the Bronze Medallion award, you will be allocated to one of 17 patrol teams. During the course, trainers will discuss participants' preferred patrol teams. Patrol shifts are roughly half a day, once a month, rotating between morning or afternoon, Saturday, Sunday, or public holidays. If you cannot make a patrol shift, you must find someone to take your place and let your Patrol Captain know. All this information will be provided during the course and is available on the Club website.
Have more questions? Come to one of our information sessions (see our courses page) or contact our education team via email.
