Skills Development Programs

Surf Life Saving NSW hosts multiple Skills Development Programs every year at clubs across the state.  

Each program is designed to develop and individual’s skill and experience in the s urf to increase capability and confidence during patrol.  

All dates, availabilities and your chance to register for any of the 2026/2027 season programs will be available soon on the Eventbrite website. 

The Advanced IRB Skills Development Program 

The Advanced IRB Skills Development Program is open to financial & proficient members who hold an IRB Crew and/or Silver Medallion IRB Driver Award.

The Program aims to enhance the skills and experiences of surf lifesavers in power craft operations through collaborative and consistent training, utilizing a mix of drill-based activities, dedicated coaching, and scenario-based training. Training may include swimming & mounting rock shelves depending on location. 

Times:
Start: 7:30am (Saturday and Sunday) 
Finish: approx. 3:30pm (Saturday) 
Finish: approx. 11:30am (Sunday) 

The Lifesaving Skills Development Program 

The Lifesaving Skills Development Program is open to members who hold their Bronze Medallion and at least one additional lifesaving award (eg First Aid, Advanced Resuscitation Techniques, IRB Crew and/or Driver awards), who are interested in developing and enhancing their lifesaving skills and gaining a greater understanding of the additional lifesaving awards and pathways in SLSNSW (specifically PC, Call Out Teams, Rescue Services, UAVs). 

The program will offer skill development both in the water and on the beach and aims to build the capability and confidence of lifesavers across the state through fun scenario-based training and hands on learning. 

Times:
Start: 7:30am (Saturday) 
Finish: approx. 4:30pm (Saturday)