Courses

New and returning members to our Club can undertake a range of courses to obtain the skills necessary to be involved in patrols on our beach, or to help out at Nippers or during carnivals.

Below is a list of our most popular courses & awards. For further information please contact the club surf.admin@cairnssurfclub.com.au 

Click on the 2026 Courses button for dates, details & how to enrol onto our 2026 courses

2026 Courses

Bronze Medallion (BM)

Become a qualified patrolling lifesaver and assist with water safety at Nippers and training.

Prerequisites:

  • Financial member

  • Minimum 15 years old (by final assessment)

  • Members portal access

  • Valid Blue Card & Child Safety Modules (if 18+)

  • Unique Student Identifier (USI)

  • 400m pool swim in 9 minutes or less

Next Step:

  • Enrol via SLSQ Hub in your members portal

 

Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC)

Learn basic patrolling skills and surf awareness to support lifesaving operations.

Prerequisites:

  • Financial member

  • Minimum 13 years old (by assessment)

  • Members portal access

  • LUI number

  • Blue Card & Child Safety Modules (if 18+)

  • 200m swim in 5 minutes or less

Next Step:

  • Enrol via SLSQ Hub in your members portal

Radio Operators Certificate

Operate radios during patrols and emergency situations.

Prerequisites:

  • Minimum 14 years old

Next Step:

  • Enrol via SLSQ Hub in your members portal

First Aid Certificate

Learn essential lifesaving skills including CPR, wound care, and emergency response.

Prerequisites:

  • Financial member

  • Minimum 14 years old

  • Blue Card, CSA & CYRMS (if 18+)

Observers Course

Learn to read the surf, identify hazards, and spot people in difficulty.

Next Step:

    • Enrol via SLSQ Hub in your members portal

Advanced Resuscitation Certificate

Develop advanced skills to respond to life-threatening emergencies like cardiac arrest.

Prerequisites:

  • Bronze Medallion

  • First Aid (HLTAID011)

  • Minimum 15 years old

  • Blue Card & Child Safety Modules (if 18+)

Marine Licence

Required before completing the IRB Driver course or RWC (JetSki) course. This is a course run by private third party operators, and enables you to apply for a Queensland Government Marine Licence. 

    IRB Crew & Driver Certificate

    Operate and crew Inflatable Rescue Boats (IRBs), essential for patrols and carnivals.

    Prerequisites:

    • Financial member

    • Bronze Medallion

    • Blue Card & Child Safety Modules (if 18+)

    Additional Requirements:

    • IRB Crew is required before IRB Driver

    • Marine licence must be recorded in members portal before IRB Driver course

    Rescue Water Craft (Jetski)

    Operate and crew the RWC, essential for patrols and carnivals.

    Prerequisites:

    • Financial member

    • Bronze Medallion

    • Blue Card & Child Safety Modules (if 18+)

    Additional Requirements:

    • Marine licence must be recorded in members portal before RWC course

    Patrol Captain Course (Silver Medallion)

    Step into a leadership role as a Patrol Captain.

    Prerequisites:

    • Bronze Medallion

    • Minimum 2 years patrolling experience

    SSV Induction

    Get qualified to operate the Support Operations Vehicle (SSV).

    Prerequisites:

    • Minimum 17 years old

    • P or Open driver’s licence

    • Proficient award holder

    Officials Course

    Support surf sports and carnivals as an official—great way to stay involved.

    More Info:

    • See Officials Course document

    Advanced Lifesaving Development Program Recap from Club Captain James

    Advanced Lifesaving Development Program_SLSQ Approved

    There are many additional awards available. For more information, please contact the Chief Training Officer, Club Captain, or Club Administrator.

    Developing the skills to become the best lifesaver you can be is a key focus across the movement. Our club, in partnership with the North Queensland Branch, regularly delivers training courses to support members in becoming active and confident lifesavers.