Member HandbookPatrols & Lifesaving/Patrol Roles & Award Requirements
Chapter 5.2
Patrol Roles & Award Requirements
Updated 15 Aug 2026 · Content
The award you hold determines the role you can perform on patrol. Each patrol is led by a Patrol Captain, supported by the team below.
| Role | Minimum award |
|---|---|
| Patrol Captain | Bronze + Silver Medallion Patrol Captain (18 years+) |
| Patrol Vice Captain | Bronze Medallion (Silver Medallion recommended) |
| Patrolling Lifesaver | Bronze Medallion |
| Patrolling Cadet | Surf Rescue Certificate (U13–U15), under supervision |
| Award Member | Relevant award, e.g. Radio, First Aid |
| IRB Driver | Silver Medallion IRB Driver + current driver's licence |
| IRB Crew | IRB Crew award + current proficient patrolling award |
| Observer | Observer Award — supervised, no independent duties |
Patrol Captain's authority
During patrol, the Patrol Captain has full operational authority over all members and activities in the patrolling area. Every member must follow the Patrol Captain's (or Vice Captain's) lawful and reasonable directions — this authority is non-negotiable during a patrol, and any disagreement or concern is raised afterwards through the appropriate channel, not on the spot.