10.3. FAQs

I’m currently in my 15th eligible season, can I apply?
If you are in your 15th eligible season, your application must be submitted after the 30th of June, as this date marks the end of your 15th season.

I have patrolled more seasons than what is listed in Surfguard, can I still apply?
We understand that Surfguard may not list a member’s full patrol history. For any season not recorded in Surfguard, you are required to provide supporting documentation for the missing seasons. This documentation can include patrol logs, annual reports or a letter from the club/service that confirms your patrol hours for each season that you patrolled but is not shown in Surfguard. All supporting documentation can be easily uploaded via the SLS Members Area online submission form.

I have patrolled seasons prior to 1986, are these seasons eligible for the National Medal?
No, service prior to 18 September 1986 is not eligible for the National Medal. This marks the commencement date for calculating eligible service at SLSA, as outlined by the Commonwealth of Australia for National Medals. This is not negotiable.

I am an Honorary/Service member, can I apply for the National Medal?
Yes, you are eligible to apply, provided you meet the criteria of having completed a minimum of 30 patrol hours each season, for a minimum period of 15 full years, from 18th September 1986. If you have not met proficiency requirements and patrolled minimum 30 hours for your seasons as an honorary/service member, these seasons will not eligible.

I am an Award Holder, can I apply for the National Medal?
Yes, if you hold an award for one of the eligible SLSA services* (e.g. Surf Rescue Certificate, Radio Operator Certificate, Drone Operator) you are eligible to apply, provided you meet the criteria of having completed a minimum of 30 patrol hours each season, for a minimum period of 15 full years, from 18th September 1986. If you have not met the proficiency requirements for your award and patrolled minimum 30 hours, these seasons will not eligible.
*Refer to the National Medal Essential Criteria for a full list of eligible SLSA services.

I did not patrol 30 hours for one season due to approved leave, is this season eligible?
Absences from the club/service for approved leave of absence or other exemption from patrol duty cannot be credited towards the National Medal. However, the credit of years of service can be recommenced when resuming full patrol duty, following the leave/absence.

I currently patrol at multiple clubs, are my accrued hours for all clubs eligible?
Yes, provided they are correctly documented and can be verified by the appropriate officer of these clubs, then years of full patrol duty with one or more clubs can be accumulated to arrive at the total of years for the National Medal.

I have a patrolling history with a club other than the one I currently patrol at. Will this impact my application?
Not at all. Patrolling at different clubs will not impact your application, provided your patrol hours are listed in Surfguard. If your patrol hours at your previous club are not listed in Surfguard, supporting documentation from the club not listed will need to be included in your application. This supporting documentation can be annual reports, patrol logs or a letter from the club that confirms your patrol hours for each season that you patrolled.

I have served in another organisation (e.g. Australian Army Reserves), can this service be included?
Yes, service in other approved organisations can be aggregated with your SLSA service, in order to meet the 15-year National Medal requirement. Supporting documentation for additional organisations will need to be uploaded with your National Medal Application. This supporting documentation should include a letter from the organisation that clearly states the entry and exit date of your service.

I submitted an application via the SLS Members Area, do I need to raise an ‘Assessment Request’ in Surfguard as well?
No, as you have submitted the application via the SLS Members Area, an ‘Assessment Request’ in Surfguard is not required. An ‘Assessment Request’ is only required if the National Medal application is submitted via the manual form (linked here).

My application is ‘waiting on national’, what does this mean?
This means one of two things:

1. SLSA are reviewing your application and preparing for its submission to the Governor General.
2. Your application has been submitted to the Governor General and SLSA are waiting for them to process and award your National Medal.
   If any additional information or supporting documentation is required, the nominator and club/service will be notified via email by SLSA.
   

How long does it take for the National Medal to be processed?
Applications to SLSA close 30 March and 30 August, annually. Once SLSA has submitted the application to the Governor General, it can take a further two – six months for the award to be processed and for the medallion to be distributed to the member’s club/service.

I have been approved for a National Medal; how do I get my medallion?
All medallions are posted to the nominated member’s club/service for presentation. If you have not received your medallion, please contact your club/service.