4.12. SLSQ MARINE STINGER AWARD (Northern Clubs only)

COURSE SUMMARY
The aim of this course is to provide essential skills and knowledge to our Surf Lifesavers and Lifeguards who work in environments where the presence of marine stingers may may result in serious injury or death.

UNITS OF COMPETENCY
This award is currently not aligned to any nationally recognised units of competency.

PRE-REQUISITES
To participate in assessment for the QLD Marine Stinger Award, you must meet the following course prerequisites:

• Have completed the SLSQ Marine Stinger Award online theory assessment
• Participants must be a minimum of 15 years of age on the date of final assessment
• Participants must meet the following SLSA requirements:
  • Hold a current SLSA Bronze Medallion OR;
  • Surf Rescue Certificate (CPR Endorsed)

COURSE OUTCOMES

• Understand stinger health risks and first aid procedures.
• Understand and identify correct stinger PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) including donning and doffing the equipment.
• Understand the complete stinger drag process: pre-operation checks, checking and maintaining drag net kits, conducting the stinger net drag, storing, and collecting specimens.
• Complete a stinger risk assessment and appropriately setting up the beach using the appropriate control measures based on the risk rating.
  

WHO CAN TRAIN and ASSESS?
Members that hold the “QLD Training Officer Marine Stinger” endorsement are eligible to train and assess the award.

To become a Trainer for this award, members are required to:

• Hold the respective TAE qualifications (Trainer Skill Set or Cert IV TAE)
• Be a current “Training Officer Bronze Medallion”
• Hold a proficient “QLD Marine Stinger Award”
• Completed the probationary process
  

ASSESSMENT
The assessment process includes:

• Online theory assessment
• Completion of a risk assessment
• Completion of practical scenarios including but not limited to:
  • Pre-patrol checks
  • Box jellyfish drag
  • Irukandji jellyfish drag
  • Donning & doffing PPE
  • Risk assessment and control measures
  • Marine stinger first aid, safety, collection and storage

SKILLS MAINTENANCE/PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

• For this award to remain current, candidates must perform an annual skills maintenance activity at a Queensland Club between 1 July and 31 December of each year.
• Please note that if you gain your award after 1 July then you are not required to attend a proficiency until the following year.
• Members should contact their club and/or Branch for proficiency dates in their region.
• Please note that it is recommended that Queensland members do not attend a proficiency outside of the state. Those that do, will require written pre-approval from their Branch Director of Lifesaving. Upon returning to Queensland, members will be required to complete any additional Queensland requirements before patrolling in Queensland.
  

WHO NEEDS TO COMPLETE THIS AWARD
The State Lifesaving Committee determined that all active patrolling Surf Lifesaver with a Bronze Medallion or SRC, who are 15 years of age or above, and completing patrols in clubs north of Bustard Head (Tannum Sands SLSC – Port Douglas SLSC) must complete this award by the end of the 2023/24 patrolling season.
The State Lifesaving Committee also determined that due to the number and nature of the changes all members in this region who hold the old “Marine Stinger Management” award, must be updated to the new “QLD Marine Stinger Award” by the end of 23/24 patrolling season. This will mean completing the online theory and completing a practical assessment.

LEARNING RESOURCES

1. SLSQ Marine Stinger Award – PowerPoint
2. SLSQ Marine Stinger Award – Delivery and Assessment guide, includes the following:

• Attendance and assessment results sheet
• Practical observation checklist
• Session plan
• Course overview

Clubs and Chief Training Officers have access to all the necessary resources via the SLSA Members Area – Library. Please ensure that you are using the SLSQ resources by filtering the Organisation to ‘Surf Life Saving QLD’.