Today, Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) has members across 129 Surf Life Saving Clubs (SLSCs) and 11 Branches who perform thousands of rescues, preventative actions and first aid treatments each year. Now boasting over 75,000 members in NSW alone it can rightfully claim to be one of the largest volunteer organisations of its type in Australia.
Operating as an Enterprise Registered Training Organisation, training and education services are delivered to the volunteer workforce of surf lifesavers through over 1200 Trainers, Assessors and Facilitators (TAFs) at more than 129 locations across NSW. Our role is critical in ensuring all our surf lifesavers are always rescue-ready.
In becoming an accredited TAF with SLSNSW, you will be entrusted by your fellow members to deliver high-quality accredited and non-accredited training programs to the Surf Life Saving movement and the community.
Flexible Learning
When balancing family, life, work and hobbies, we know flexibility is important to you and it also applies to your learning.
Whether you are an early riser or a night owl, you can access your course content when it suits you. The ability to study at any time means your learning experience is flexible and can fit around your work or family commitments.
In response to member feedback SLSNSW has developed a learning program specifically targeted and suited to our members busy lifestyles.
The aim of this course is to provide participants with the skills and knowledge to confidently deliver Surf Life Saving awards to new and existing members.
The course will be highly interactive, providing participants with the opportunity to practice their own skills in session planning, training delivery and course evaluation in a safe and supportive learning environment.
How to Register
- Seek an endorsement from your Club Chief Training Officer and/or Branch Director of Education
- If your nomination is supported, you will be offered an opportunity to complete an EOI process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course right for me?
At SLSNSW, we endeavor to make our online learning interactive, engaging, and practical.
We ensure you are not just reading theory but also practising the relevant skills, engaging in peer-to-peer-learning, and participating in interactive virtual classroom sessions with your facilitators.
What is the course fee?
$799.
If your application is successful, SLSNSW will fully subsidise this for members.
How long do I need to spend each week on this program?
We recommend you allocate four (4) to five (5) hours per week. The advantage of studying through Canvas is that it allows you to log in at any time during the week to access weekly released modules and complete the assigned tasks. This time estimate is a conservative approximation if you participate in it fully including completing all module readings and supplementary learning.
Do I need access to a laptop or desktop computer?
Most of the learning and assessments can be completed through the Canvas app which can be accessed through any handheld device (such as your phone and tablet).
Indeed, many students have successfully completed the bulk of the course through a handheld device, the only time you really need access to your laptop is when you prepare your session plans.
What if I have a busy week at work or family life?
The main advantage of this Canvas enabled format is that the learning content is curated in “bite-size” pieces and released through modules on a weekly basis.
This means that you can access the course when it is most convenient for you. You can complete the module tasks at any stage during that week, so your work/life/family balance is completely autonomous.
Will I receive additional support if needed? I have not studied online before.
This program has been tailored to promote successful student outcomes. We at SLSNSW have invested a considerable amount of time and resources to ensure every student is supported to succeed.
Additional support services include access to your own Dedicated Facilitator, 1:1 Assessment Consultation support during Week 3 and Week 4 as well as an Induction session and Virtual Classroom – both of which have an opportunity for Q&As. At any stage of the course, assistance is only at arm’s reach away!
What qualification will I receive on completion, am I then a qualified trainer?
On successful completion of this program, you will be awarded a minimum qualification for becoming a trainer with SLSNSW.
The final step for you is to complete the co-delivery process before training/assessing independently.
You will be supported in the delivery and/or assessment by a current endorsed TAF. The aim of this process is to ensure that you are comfortable with the training resources, the assessment criteria, and with the administrative processes required.
During this period, you will be deemed as a ‘Probationary TAF’. This will also be recorded in SurfGuard allowing you access to training resources in the Document Library within the SLS Members Area.
