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Do I have to do a Bronze Medallion?If you’re 15+ and wanting to join as an ‘Active’ (patrolling) member the most common way to do this is by completing a Bronze Medallion. Please also contact our Club Administrator so that we can get you on the contact list for the next Bronze Medallion course
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Do I (and my child) need to be a member to participate in Nippers?At least one parent / caregiver must also join Swanny to be present and assist during the Nipper program as required. It is preferable that both parents join because firstly, it’d be great to have the whole family involved but secondly it also provides the parents / caregivers with attendance flexibility and ensures you are all covered by our insurance when on the beach. For those parents with no SLSA award, you can elect to join as an Associate Member or even better sign up to complete your Bronze Medallion and become a lifesaver! Generally, new families will register in the Junior Activity Member (Nippers) and Associate Member (Nipper parents) categories.
Patrol Obligations For Life & Long Service Members (Voluntary Patrols)
Our Long Service Members are ones who have achieved 16 hours or more on patrol each year, for ten years. Whilst under no obligation to patrol, the experience and contribution of our Long Servce and Life Members is always welcome and valued on patrol. Should you wish to patrol there are two options (normal proficiency requirements apply in either case):
Volunteer for patrols when you are able
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Request to go on the patrol roster. (Please be aware you will be expected to fulfill all patrols or arrange a suitable substitution like all other members if you elect to be on the roster). Contact the Patrol Officer if you are a Life or Long service member and would like to be added to the patrol roster.
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Patrol Obligations For Active Members
Members (SRC, Bronze and Award holders) will be placed on patrol and perform duties as required by the club (SNSLSC Constitution Clause 8) these include:
Be financial: Members must be financial to patrol. Renew your membership via the SLSA members area and pay the membership fees to avoid losing access to club facilities and training.
Be proficient: Proficiency dates and details are available on the Training Timetable and Facebook pages.
Have and maintain a current Working with Children Check if 18 or older
Complete six patrols of 3.25hrs duration (either your rostered patrols or prearranged swaps) to avoid membership and competition restrictions.
A reminder that each member must complete a minimum of 16 patrol hours each patrol season (July – June) to count towards Swanny 5 and 10-year (long service) service awards. Additionally, each member (excluding Life and Long service members) must complete a minimum of 16 patrol hours each calendar year to be eligible to compete in SLSWA and SLSA competitions the following calendar year as per SLSA policy 5.04.
It is each member’s responsibility to ensure they meet these obligations (regularly check the SLSA members area to ensure your hours are up to date) and be careful swapping patrols that are before and after Jan 1st.
When Are Patrols?
SNSLSC's patrol season kicks off in October, and typically runs through to the Easter long weekend in April. Our volunteers typically patrol Swanbourne Beach from 8:00am - 2:15pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays during this period. When we are on patrol the red and yellow flags will be up on the beach, identifying the best area to swim between.
Active Members of the club are assigned to a patrol, rostered to complete six patrols during the season as part of a patrol team (including one public holiday). Our patrols are split into morning (8:00am - 11:15am) and afternoon (11:00am - 2:15pm) shifts, each 3.25 hours in length.
How will I find Out When To Patrol?
If you are a current member, the SLSA Members Area shows you upcoming patrols and patrol hours.
The patrol roster is also available through the link on this page, emailed to members at the start of the season and on the SNSLSC Patrol Swaps Facebook page. Your rostered patrols are also uploaded into the SLSA Members Area, which you.
If you have friends or family you’d like to team up with, email our Patrol Officer. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request when setting the patrol roster but please understand this may not always be possible.
What if I Can't make my Rostered Patrol?
It is your responsibility to check the patrol roster and ensure you complete your rostered patrols. If you are unable to attend a patrol it is easy to arrange a swap in the SLS Members Area. The SNSLSC Patrol Swaps Facebook page can also be used to put a shout out for a patrol swap.
Are there Any Special Requirements or Obligations?
Regardless of your member status, if you’re over 18 years of age, you’ll need to provide us with a valid Working With Children Check (WWC) to be eligible to patrol and receive FOB access to the club. If you already have a WWC, email a copy of your card our Club Administrator. To obtain a WWC, grab a form from our administrator and lodge, along with a passport photo, at any post office.
Swanbourne Nedlands Surf Life Saving Club's core function is to provide lifesaving services and public education on beach safety. Our dedicated team of volunteer surf life savers promote a safe and enjoyable environment for all who visit Swanbourne Beach through our life saving patrols.
Our patrol members are highly visible and identifiable in yellow and red uniforms. Patrols are typically based at the lifesaving tower at Swanbourne Beach, but we can also be found in the shelter on the beach, or roving north and south by foot or in the ATV.
We're always happy to help with any questions you have around current beach conditions, hazards, sun safety, or anything else that may help keep you safe at the beach. Please swim between the red and yellow flags when at the beach (the main patrol area). If in need of assistance, please wave your arm above your head to attract our attention.
Patrols For Parents
In the interest of retaining and supporting our members who are starting and growing families, the Committee is super proud to continue to support the Swanny Primary Caregiver & Parental Leave Policy. For full details and to request access to this arrangement, email the Lifesaving Manager.
Additionally, for those members who already have families where both parents are active patrol members, we offer four roster choices (to limit the number of swaps needed):
Be in the same patrol team.
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AM and PM patrols on the same day
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Different days on the same weekend
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Different weekends
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These arrangements must be applied for through the patrol officer prior the patrol roster being created at the start of the season/prior to completing your bronze medallion if joining part way through the season.