Become a Lifesaver

When you first register as a patrolling member, you’ll be asked to book in and get your Bronze Medallion. You must be appropriately qualified and up to date before you can patrol.

If you don’t already have one, a current Working With Children Check is needed for all patrolling members and volunteers. Visit the office for a form.

You’ll also need to nominate for a patrol team, keep an eye on your inbox for patrol team nominations (usually in September) or visit our Patrol Teams page.

Once you’re qualified and enrolled, you’re ready to go!

If you are unable to make a patrol, please give your Patrol Captain as much notice as possible so they can ensure they are covered for that patrol.

If you are unable to attend more than one patrol, you’ll need to sign up for an extra patrol to make up your hours. You can do this by contacting the Patrol Captain of the patrol you wish to join in advance.

Absolutely! But please, don’t just show up to a random patrol. Reach out to the Patrol Captain of the patrol you’d like to join first, with at least a few days notice. If you don’t, you’ll likely be turned away/not have your hours recorded. If you’re unsure who to reach out to, ask your Patrol Captain for direction.

All Cadet, Active Junior (15-18) and Active Senior (18+) members must earn a minimum of 16 hours per season.

Failure to achieve the minimum number of hours may result in termination, suspension or the imposition of probationary membership status.

If the member is joining once the season is already commenced then only 8 hours are required for the members first season.

If a member is unable to patrol or fulfill their volunteer obligations, they must apply for an exemption before the start of the season, or as near to the start of the season as is possible. The Chair of Lifesaving will assess these requests and determine approval on a case-by-case basis.

Please note: repeated exemption requests will be subject to closer review, as all active members are expected to contribute to the club's operations in some capacity.

You can view your awards, patrol hours and more by logging in to your SLS Hub. If you believe that your hours have been recorded incorrectly, contact us with details of the discrepancy and we can look into it. It is your responsibility to make sure you sign on for your patrol, and that your record is reflected accurately.

Your exemption will be put to the Chair of Lifesaving for their consideration. Please remember that this process is volunteer led, so patience is appreciated. If you haven’t heard anything back after some time, please contact us and reference your request.

Service Hours are different to Patrol Hours, they are usually non-lifesaving and patrol related.

For the minimum patrol hour requirement (16 hours), at least 4 hours must be active patrol hours.

Members can earn an unlimited number of service hours by carrying out other volunteering at the Club. This could be general maintenance, cleaning, coaching services or other work as agreed.

All Service Hours must be approved by a Board Member or the General Manager.

If you have other questions, please contact your Patrol Captain directly, or email us at enquiries@ncslsc.com.au.