The primary role of any Surf Life Saving Club is the protection of the beachgoing public, and to save lives. The lifesaving duties of a club are carried out by surf patrols, consisting of mostly Active Members.
Patrol dates and hours are set down by agreement with Surf Life Saving NSW – the traditional patrolling season is from the start of the September school holidays through to the ANZAC Day holiday. Patrols are rostered every Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday throughout this period. There are generally 2 patrols per day, expanding to 3 over the busy Christmas/January holiday period.
The Director of Lifesaving is the person whose role it is to coordinate and oversee all lifesaving responsibilities of the club, including patrol rostering, proficiencies and record of attendance. They are contactable by email lifesaving@terrigalsurfclub.com.au or through the office 4385 6933.
Patrol Captains and Vice Captains lead each patrol team, which is made up of between 10 and 20 members at Terrigal. The minimum requirement of personnel for each patrol is:
3 x Volunteer Bronze Medallion (Cert II in Public Safety, Aquatic Rescue) qualified Patrol Members, including:
o 1 x Current ART (Advanced Resusciation Techniques) Operator
o 1 x Current Silver Medallion Inflateable Rescue Boat Driver
o 1 x Current Inflatable Rescue Boat Crew
o 1 x Silver Medallion Beach Management
o One of these members will also act as a Radio Operator, this is usually taken on by the Patrol Captain.
The current roster and Patrol Captain & Vice Captain list can be found here.
On a beach as busy as Terrigal, this minimum requirement is always exceeded, in order to meet our duty of care to the public. We are lucky to have many highly experienced patrol members.
Your patrol team relies on your attendance at your rostered patrol, teams are formed with a mix of skills, qualifications and experience to best manage any situation that could arise. Terrigal SLSC supports the upskilling and professional development of its members, patrol members are encouraged to explore roles and opportunities to upskill here: SLS Pathways
Talk to your Patrol Captain about pathways you are interested in, and our Director of Education who is able to assist you in achieving the relevant qualifications for that role.
Terrigal SLSC beach patrols are also supported by Support Operations teams in the event of a beach emergency, including Duty Officers, RWC Operators and SMAR Personnel, all of which are specially trained in Search & Rescue and other specialised aquatic rescue skills.