Voluntary lifesaving is the core service of Strand Surf Lifesaving Club, providing safety and minor first-aid not only in the ocean but on the beach as well. Each lifeguard must do a written and practical test to make sure that he/she is capable of saving anothers life and not endangering the patient and himself/herself.
Voluntary duties generally begins the first weekend of November and ends after Easter weekend, and will occur every Saturday and Sunday from 13:45 till 18:00 and 09:45 till 18:00 respectively.
Voluntary Lifeguard Agreement to be signed by all qualified Lifeguards volunteering their services during the season. Please download the relevant document, sign and email to our Chairman, Gregor Wille on gregorw@mweb.co.za

NEW MEMBERS

 So you are interested in becoming a lifeguard? For more information on when our next course is running please contact us at strandslc@gmail.com or check on the Events Calendar. If you are 14 or older you will join as a lifeguard.  You will need to pass your  Junior Lifeguard Award or Senior Lifeguard Award before you can join our volunteers on the beach.
  • Junior Lifeguard: 14-16yrs – Junior Lifeguard Award (JLA) (Performs lifeguard duty under supervision)
  • Senior Lifeguard: 16+ yrs – Senior Lifeguard Award (LA) (Can work professionally)
The duration of the course +- 15 weeks ( 2 hour sessions per week) the length and time of each course is dependant on how many candidates there are, the age of the candidates and how well everyone works together as a team. Most training sessions take place on a Sunday and the times are confirmed at the start of each course to ensure everyone is available.  
STEP 1: JOIN STRAND SURF LIFESAVING CLUB

Our training courses will normally take place just before the start of the new season (September). Each course needs a minimum of 8 candidates to start.  The following documentation needs to be handed in to the instructor on the first day of the course so be sure to be 100% committed to joining the club!  If you are under 21 you will need one of your parents to help you sign up.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED:

Apply for Lifesaver Membership

What Cost is involved?

Examination including your handbook: R 450.00
Once off admin fee:  R350.00
Subs for the year: R 450.00
New Lifeguard Kit and Accessories on completion of course:   R300 (includes t-shirt, shorts, wide-brimmed hat, whistle and CPR device)
Total: R 1550.00
 STEP 2: GET QUALIFIED
JUNIOR LIFEGUARD AWARD
Prerequisites:
– 14 years old on the day of examination
– 400m pool swim in under 9 minutes
LIFEGUARD AWARD
Prerequisites:
– 16 years old on the day of examination
– 400m pool swim in under 8 minutes

COURSE CONTENT

Theory Work (+- 10 hours)

Duties of a Lifeguard – Recognition of potential victims, Site management and preparation, Public Relations, Environment management, Natural and Man-made hazards.

Signals including Helicopter signals

Anatomy and Physiology

Emergency Care – Level 2 First aid, Rescue Breathing, 1 and 2-man CPR, child and infant CPR protocols, recovery position and vomit drill, Jaw Thrust Manoevure

Life Orientation: HIV, AIDS and disabilities

 

Practical Work ( +-20 Hours )

200m Run/200m Surf Swim/200m Run ( 10 minute time limit to complete)

Surf Awareness, As a lifeguard, you have to be familiar with your surroundings and potential risks to the community in which you serve.

How to perform a basic water Rescue – Torpedo buoy rescue and deep water resuscitation using fins including placement on dry land through 1 man drag & 2-man carry

Emergency Rescue releases – Drowning clutch, push-up and wrist grip releases, front and back strangle holds

Malibu / Craft rescue – Learning how to use rescue equipment.

Box Line swim (maximum distance 100m)

Spinal Injury management – Working with a spinal board in knee deep water and on land to minimise spinal injuries

The lifesaving award Certificate is valid for 3 years subject to an annual retest which includes re-examination on a minimum of CPR, Run/Swim/Run and signals.

QUALIFYING CERTIFICATE: As per LA without the practical water work. This certificate is for those who are not swimming fit YET, but would like to get involved in the lifesaving community. QC Award holders can form part of the lifesaving squad, they can assist with first aid and keeping the beach safe but don’t perform the physical water rescues.

 STEP 3: GET INVOLVED

Once you are a qualified lifeguard the learning doesn’t stop! You will be added to a squad for voluntary duty and form part of the many volunteers you see working during the summer season. If you are over 16 you can start training towards your Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) Crewman’s and Drivers certificates. If you prefer the thrill of the first Aid Room then join up for one of our seasonal Level 3 First aid courses.

EXISTING MEMBERS

 Remember that all lifeguards must do a Refresher Course and a Retest at the beginning of each season before they will be allowed to perform duty on the beach.  The instructors set up different dates, venues and times for these courses.  Please check on the Events Calendar for these dates and confirm your preferred time via email to strandslc@gmail.com.

View the Events Calendar for dates of Refresher Courses, Retests, competitions and exams.