Member training and education are categorised into different pathways for members to choose from, depending on the volunteer role they wish to perform within the SLSC. At present, the five member education pathways are:
- Aquatic Rescue
- Courses within the aquatic rescue pathway allow SLSC members to participate on patrol as a lifesaving cadet or lifesaver or assist with water safety provisions for SLS activities and special events. It includes advanced lifesaving courses that cover aquatic search and rescue operations. Existing and potential new members who like being in the water should be encouraged to engage in this pathway.
- Powercraft
- Courses within the powercraft pathway allow SLSC members to perform patrol duties and rescues that include the use of powercraft such as inflatable rescue boats, rescue watercraft (jet skis) and offshore rescue boats. Existing and potential new members who like being on the water should be encouraged to engage in this pathway.
- Emergency Care
- Courses within the emergency care pathway allow SLSC members to participate on patrol as first responders trained in resuscitation and/or the use of first aid equipment. Emergency care includes advanced training courses covering specialised emergency care equipment such as medical oxygen cylinders within resuscitation kits for oxygen-aided resuscitation or methoxyflurane (green whistle) for pain management. Existing and potential new members who like staying on the beach should be encouraged to engage in this pathway.
- Beach Management
- Courses within the beach management pathway allow SLSC members to participate on patrol as Radio Operators or Patrol Captains. Encourage existing and potential new members to follow this pathway if they exhibit good leadership skills.
- Training and Education
- Courses within the training and education pathway allows SLSC members to train and/or assess SLS courses within the pathways listed above, in addition to participation awards such as Age Manager and Nipper Age Awards.
Encourage existing and potential new members to follow this pathway if they like teaching others valuable lifesaving skills.
Refer to the SLS pathways website for information on the different member education pathways.