The next Bronze Medallion course has been set down for 12,13,14 February and 20,21,27 February, with the final exam on the 28 February. Those interested in doing this course should contact Michele, phone 64953375. Club Trainers and Assessors, and active members, who can offer assistance in conducting this course should contact Michele as soon as possible to enable her to set up her training roster. All help will be much appreciated. Bronze Medallion Timetable.

Advanced Resuscitation Course. Thursday, 25th (6:00-9:30), Saturday, 27th (2:30-6:00) & Tuesday, 30th (6:00-9:30) of March. No Cost. Trainer Peter Bootes.

Defib Course. Monday, 29th (6:00-9:30) & Tuesday, 30th (6:00-9:30) of March. No cost. Trainer Michele Bootes.

Doing both these courses will allow participants to qualify for the new Advanced Rescuscitation Techniques Certificate. Updates will be offered to holders of old ARC in the near future.

The last Bronze squad for the season commenced on the 12th February. Fourteen enthusiastic candidates are undertaking the 40 hour course to gain the Bronze/ Aquatic Rescue Cert. On Saturday the squad was introduced to rescue techniques at the Pambula Community Pool. Thanks to Karen Griffiths and Jo Thorpe who assisted Michele with this session. On Sunday candidates received instruction on boards by long serving club member, Dave Prowse. It was great to see some very talented board riders amongst the squad. The rest of the day was spent on CPR and basic oxygen skills.
Assessment for the Bronze is now completely scenario based so it should be an interesting day at Pambula Beach on the 28th February, the day candidates complete their final assessments. If any proficient member would like to assist please contact Michele.

The next Senior First Aid class is expected to run early March. Cost to financial members is $65, non members $140. This course is nationally recognised qualification which remains current for 3 years. Please contact Michele at fsceducation@bigpond.com if inteThis course is nationally recognised qualification which remains current for 3 years. Please contact Michele at fsceducation@bigpond.com if interested.

Peter Bootes and Nigel Ayling will be running the theory sections required for IRB Crew and driver on both Thursday 18th and Saturday 20th. Please contact Peter for more information at pbootes3@bigpond.com

Bronze Medallion

The SLSA Bronze Medallion (Certificate II Aquatic Rescue) course is for people who wish to become qualified lifesavers. It is part of the Australian Qualification Framework and is therefore a Nationally recognised qualification.
Pre requisites
To begin this course you must be 15 years of age and be able to complete a 400m pool swim in the time of 9 minutes or less. You can arrange a convenient time with Brett Osborne at the Pambula Community Pool to do this swim. On completion, Brett will provide you with a signed slip of paper stating your swim time which you will give to your instructor. Many people find the swim challenging at first but are surprised at how quickly they can reach the requirement with regular training.
The Course
The course covers areas such as surf awareness, first aid, resuscitation, radio communications, rescue techniques, carries and patrol duties. Candidates will receive instruction in all areas before undergoing practical assessment of their skills. The course is run over 3 weekends plus one night a week over the same period.
Cost
As all trainers are volunteers, the price of this course is set at $150 which just covers the membership, certificate and medallion, equipment and manual.
Maintaining your qualification
Each year active lifesavers must complete their proficiency which checks they are competent to perform their duties. This update includes resuscitation, signals, first aid, a run swim run and test of rescue techniques. The emphasis on proficiencies is to offer help members refresh their skills and to ensure any changes are covered.
Why complete your Bronze
Whilst most people find completing their Bronze a considerable challenge they also find it fun and gain an enormous sense of pride in achieving their goal. It is a great way to make friends as there is a great deal of team work required throughout the course.
Apart from taking your place in regular patrols, once qualified, you will also be able to assist with Nippers, the junior activities held on Sunday mornings from November through to March and also Special Nippers, a program where lifesavers run activities for disabled children and adults. Special Nippers runs from 1 to 2pm on Saturdays from mid January through to the end of March.
Younger members will also find having their SLSA Bronze Medallion listed in their CV is looked on favourably by employers. The qualification can also be used to gain Recognition of Prior Learning as many of the units of competency in the course are requirements for other courses in related fields.
Qualified members also have access to club equipment such as boards and skis whenever they wish to use them at Pambula Beach. A Bronze member may also supervise a Nipper who wishes to practice board skills using the nipper boards. Gaining your Bronze also enables you to participate in surf boat rowing.
For those wishing to improve their skills in lifesaving there are further courses which can be completed including Spinal Care, Advanced Resuscitation, IRB Crew and or Driver, Silver Medallion Beach Management, and Senior First Aid. If you want to get into the surf sports side of lifesaving you will have the opportunity to learn and train with fellow clubbies and to compete at regular senior surf carnivals.
Who to contact
If you are interested in enrolling in this course or if you just want more information please contact PSLSC Chief Training Officer Michele Bootes on 64953375 or 0416 649 315 training@pambulasurf.org