Bronze Medallion Course
Become a lifesaver at Bondi
Join Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club (BSBLSC) and become part of a proud tradition of keeping our beaches safe. To become a patrolling member, you’ll need to complete either the SLSA Bronze Medallion (Certificate II in Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue) or the Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC).
BRONZE MEDALLION COURSE OVERVIEW
Course requirements
To participate in the Bronze Medallion course, you must:
- Swim 400m freestyle in under 9 minutes in a pool
- Attend all sessions (missing more than one session may impact your ability to continue)
- Be 15 years or older
- Commit to patrolling one half-day approximately every three weeks during the lifesaving season (September–April)
- Be swim and run fit, able to lift/carry gear and patients with a team
- Be able to perform CPR and roll a patient into recovery position
- Hold a Working with Children Check if you’re 18+
What You’ll Learn
- Surf safety and identifying rips and currents
- Surf rescue techniques and scenarios
- First aid and resuscitation
- Radio communications
- Teamwork and leadership
Course Structure
Our Bronze Medallion courses run over eight weeks. Each course is made up of the following components:
- Induction session & timed swim
- One mid-week evening (Tues or Weds, 6.30pm start)*
- One weekend morning (Sat or Sun, 7am start)*
- Shadow patrols – one morning and one afternoon patrol – between weeks 3 & 7 of BM course
- Part A assessment – theory
- Part B assessment – practical
*check course dates here for details of days and times
Attendance Policy
Missing more than one session may prevent you from continuing. Much of the assessment is team-based, and your participation affects the whole group. Trainers will assess eligibility on a case-by-case basis if attendance is insufficient.Expectations & Etiquette
Before enrolling, please ensure you are ready to commit to:2025/26 Course fees
Bronze Medallion (adult) $585
Bronze Medallion (15 – 17yrs) $380
Current Nippers parents are offered a 20% discount – please contact info@bondisurfclub.com.au for the discount code.
Fees include:
* full course training & materials
* patrol uniform and Club access fob
* membership fees for two seasons (current + following)
Note places are limited for under 18s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does passing the 400m swim guarantee course entry?
No. We assess candidates based on club needs including age, gender, and commitment to patrol.
Q: I’m scared of sharks and ocean swimming. Can I still do the course?
No. You must be confident and capable in ocean conditions.
Q: If I start the course then change my mind, will my course fee be refunded?
No. Course fees are non-refundable once the course has commenced. We are happy to process a full course fee refund if you notify us and withdraw prior to the course start date.
Q: Can I do the course just for fun?
No. We are a volunteer lifesaving club. All candidates are expected to join a patrol team and volunteer approx. 36 hours per season post-course.
Q. I have held a Bronze Medallion in the past, do I need to complete the course again to become a Lifesaver at Bondi?
If you have been proficient within the past five years, you do not need to complete the full Bronze Medallion course again. Please speak with our Education team, who can arrange a skills gap analysis and an extended skills maintenance session for you.
If you have not been proficient in the past five years, you will need to complete the full course again.
Q: What’s next after the Bronze?
You can gain further qualifications in IRB Crew/Driver, Beach Management, or Aquatic Rescue to continue building your lifesaving skills.
It is our aim to cater for the special needs of all our participants. If you feel you have additional
learning needs or may require extra assistance, please speak with your trainer before the first
day of your course or at your induction session.
Please note that Surf Life Saving NSW is exempt from certain national reporting requirements,
including those relating to the Unique Student Identifier (USI) scheme. As a result, this training
will not appear on your authenticated VET transcript available from the Student Identifiers
Agency.