Volunteer. Patrol. Protect.

About our patrols

Cairns Surf Life Saving Club patrols Palm Cove Beach on weekends and public holidays from April through to November each year. Our patrolling members are trained to the highest standards, and our club has maintained an outstanding safety record across our patrol history.

Joining a patrol team means being part of a tight-knit group of volunteers who train together, respond to emergencies together, and look out for each other and the community. It’s demanding, rewarding, and one of the most meaningful things you can do with your time.

Become a lifesaver

Getting Started — The Bronze Medallion

The Bronze Medallion is the foundational award for all volunteer surf lifesavers in Australia. It’s one of the main entry points to patrolling and competition, and one of the most respected qualifications in Australian beach safety.

Prerequisites

  • Minimum age: 15 years
  • Ability to swim 400m in a pool in under 9 minutes

What the course covers

  • Open water swimming and surf rescue techniques
  • First aid and CPR/resuscitation
  • Radio communications
  • Patrol operations and lifesaving methodology
  • Practical assessments in both pool and surf environments

Course duration

The Bronze Medallion course typically takes 4 weeks to complete over some evening or weekend sessions, combining classroom theory, pool sessions, and open water assessments.

Annual Skills Maintenance

All patrolling members must complete an annual Skills Maintenance (proficiency) assessment each season to remain active on the patrol roster and eligible to compete in carnivals.

Enquire About the Bronze Medallion
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Courses — SLSQ Learning Pathways

Beyond the Bronze Medallion, there are many further awards and pathways available through Surf Life Saving Queensland. The club regularly delivers courses in partnership with the North Queensland Branch.

Available Awards (summary)

  • Age 13+: Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC)
  • Age 14+: Radio Operators Certificate
  • Age 15+: Advanced Resuscitation Certificate
  • Age 15+: First Aid Certificate
  • Age 15+, Bronze Medallion required: IRB Crew Certificate
  • Age 16–17+, Bronze Medallion required: Silver Medallion (IRB Driver, Beach Management, Advanced Lifesaving)
  • Age 18+, multiple awards required: Gold Medallion — Advanced Lifesaving

    Patrolling Member Information

    All patrolling members are expected to uphold the club’s standards and the Surf Life Saving movement’s values. Key reminders:

    • Attend all rostered patrols on time. Patrol setup begins before your listed start time — arrive 10–15 minutes early.
    • Share responsibility for setting up and packing away patrol equipment, including the IRB.
    • Wear full patrol uniform: patrol cap, patrol shorts, patrol shirt. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and water.
    • Sign on and off in the patrol log at every patrol.
    • Complete your Skills Maintenance proficiency by 31 December each year.
    • If you cannot attend a rostered patrol, arrange a swap with another member or contact your patrol captain as early as possible.
    • If you need to leave a patrol early, advise your patrol captain before departing.