The SMC assists with:

Maintaining the standards of knowledge of volunteers in positions within the Club.

Maintaining and reinforcing our service commitment to the community and public attending the beach.

Satisfying legal and statutory requirements.

Providing up to date training which in turn aids in confidence building.

Updating volunteers and members of changes in policy or procedure.

Bronze Medallion – annually (3 hours)

Surf Rescue Certificate – annually (2 hours)

ART – annually (2 hours)

Nipper Rescue Certificate - annually (1 hour)

IRB Driver or Crew – annually (0.5-1 hour)

Gold Medallion – annually (1 hour)

First Aid – every 3 years

Trainer and/or Assessor – every two years

*SRC award holders can complete their SMC in any Bronze SMC - please select an SRC ticket and let the assessor on the day know about your SRC status.

*IRB award holders will be contacted by email and dates also advertised in the newsletter to schedule SMCs

*Completion of the ART course or assessment day can be used to complete your SMC requirement (contact assessment@ncslsc.com for more information)

It’s okay – life happens! Ensure you make time to reschedule your SMC to ensure you are proficient before 31st December.

You will be asked to explain your non-attendance – if you do not have a reasonable explanation, you may be asked to pay No-Show penalty fee of up to a $50 to discourage this behaviour.

Expired 1-4 years = Standard SMC

For members whose award(s) have lapsed for a period of greater than one year, a gap analysis needs to be completed and the member may need to complete additional training/updates to ensure they are current with the latest techniques and information.

Please click here to enrol in a Standard SMC.

Expired 5+ years = Extended SMC

The SLSA Education Committee has produced a guideline that, for a period of five or more years, a member needs to complete a full assessment for that award to regain their currency. Exemptions to this guideline are possible if a member can show due to: experience, other qualifications, current work; that they retain the appropriate skill set and are current. This may be applied to either the whole award or elements of it.

Please click here to enrol in an Extended SMC

A new exemption category has been created for long service members that are 65+ years old and those that have a permanent impairment that does not allow them to participate in an SMC. If you think you qualify please contact the office and await approval.

To maintain your SLSA awards, all active and long service members must complete a Skills Maintenance Check (SMC) prior to the 31st of December as per SLSA Policy and NCSLSC by-laws.

If you believe you have a valid reason to be exempt from completing an SMC and Patrols, you are encouraged to apply for an exemption. This is subject to approval by the Chair of Lifesaving or Chair of Education. You will need to apply for an exemption annually via the NCSLSC office. Separate exemptions apply for:

Medical Illness or Personal circumstances (these may include injury preventing safe participation, hospitalisation, pregnancy, relocation overseas, full-time carer status). You must apply for an exemption annually.

Expatriate Members are automatically exempt. If you are away for the entire season you can contact the Requal officer who may be able to assist you with completing your SMC.

Members with a permanent impairment or Long Service 65+ years old You will only need to apply for this exemption once. If your circumstances change and you wish to participate in an SMC you will need to contact the Chair of Education.