Life Saving

First Aid

First Aid falls under the “Lifesaving Events” category, and is designed to test surf lifesavers’ ability to respond to and provide first aid in emergency situations. First Aiders compete in teams of two, and are required to walk into an unseen scenario where they must diagnose and treat patients within a set time limit.

City of Perth has an outstanding track record in First Aid, with numerous Australian Medals coming from the event. As recently as 2018, the Club secured the Tess Crammond AO, OBE Perpetual Shield which is awarded to the winners of the Open Mixed First Aid Event at the Australian Championships.

Champion Lifesaver

Champion Lifesaver combines all the skills of a surf lifesaver into a competitive event, challenging your fitness, practical life saving skills and life saving knowledge.

It is a great event to be involved in as it keeps you on your toes and up to date with all aspects of life saving which is important as a patrolling member. 

As well as being a great way to meet new people around the club. In the past, City of Perth SLSC has had great success in this event and it would be great to see this success continue with future generations.

R&R

The Rescue and Resuscitation (R & R) Competition provides the opportunity to demonstrate in a competitive manner some traditional R & R techniques used in Lifesaving.

Although the reel, line and belt have been replaced in our beach patrols in recent times, the event continues to provide a valuable contribution to teamwork, patient care and handling, resuscitation skills, and surf awareness.

R&R has a longstanding history at City of Perth SLSC and has had much success with teams at State and Australian Titles.

For more information contact surfsports@cityofperthslsc.com.au

FAQ – First Aid

What is the training schedule like for First Aid?
The First Aid Team trains once a week during the competition season (September to April). This usually increases to twice a week in the lead up to big competitions.
How do you ‘train’ for First Aid?
Training is practical rather than theoretical. We might start training by reviewing select injuries and their treatments, before moving on to practice scenarios. First Aid training has a heavy focus on diagnosis and treatment, but also encompasses emergency response skills such as ambulance calls, danger de-escalation, and people management.
Who trains with the Squad?
The First Aid Squad consists of around 20 competitors across U15s to Opens. Most of the competitors are from City, but we are regularly joined by teams from other clubs as well.
Who can compete?
There are four events in First Aid (U15, U17, U19 and Opens), all of which are mixed gender. You must be in or above U14s to compete, but anyone is welcome to train regardless of age or intent to compete.
Do I need to have a first aid qualification to compete?
No! U14s and U15s must have their SRC whilst U17s and above must have either a Bronze Medallion, ARTC, or current Provide First Aid certificate. All competitors must have fulfilled their patrolling requirements.
Do I get a first aid qualification if I join the team?
No, you can only obtain a first aid qualification from doing a certified first aid course.
Why should I compete in First Aid?
First and foremost, First Aid training is the best way to keep your first aid and emergency management skills up-to-date – you never know when you might need them! But the First Aid comp is also a great way to stay involved in club life. Training is as social as it is competitive, and the Squad attends club events together as well as holding its own catch-ups. Plus, City of Perth SLSC’ First Aid Team is highly successful, so you might just win a few States and Aussies medals whilst you’re at it.

FAQ – Champion Lifesaver

What is Champion Lifesaver?
Champion Lifesaver consists of three components:

  1. Practical – swim race, board race, tube race with fins, and a beach sprint
  2. Patient Scenario – perform DRSABCD on a live patient and CPR on a manikin
  3. Theory Paper – 40 question multiple choice paper that tests you on your knowledge of the Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue textbook used in the Bronze Medallion and SRC courses.
Who can get involved?
The Champion Lifesaver competition ranges from U15’s to Masters. U15’s are required to have their SRC, and U17’s – Masters require their Bronze Medallion. However, U14’s are more than welcome to attend training if they are keen to compete the following season.
What does Champion Lifesaver training include?
Training sessions are run one afternoon per week where we practice DRSABCD live patient assessments and CPR technique. During this session we also challenge each other in quizzes to prepare for the theory paper, with rewards for those who perform the best! Some study will have to be completed at home and it is greatly encouraged that you attend some swim and board training. Please see the board and swim web pages for information on the training schedules.
How does the competition point system work?
All three components are run on the same day and a point score is tallied from each of the events. At the end of the day the total point scores are announced, the competitor with the highest score is crowned the victor!
Is Champion Lifesaver a States and Aussies event?
Champion Lifesaver is a State Championship event and is usually held in February. If you win your respective age group at the States, you will qualify to compete at the Australian Championships as the Western Australian representative.

FAQ – R&R

What events can you do in R&R?

Events range from 2, 5 or 6 persons and can be a combination of mixed teams.

In 2 persons, 1 acts as a patient and the other as a rescuer.

In 5 persons, 1 acts as a patient, 1 as a belt man and rescuer and the other 3 as reel and line operators.

In 6 persons, similar to 5 Person, with the sixth competitor utilising the rescue tube as an assistant to the beltman in the rescue.

Competitors are required to perform different roles depending on their position within the team. Participation in the event requires swimmers to have moderate to strong swimming ability while non-swimmers need to have moderate fitness levels.

Competitors in the 2 person and 5 person events (U12 – U15s) are not required to swim.

Who can get involved?

2 Person R&R competition ranges from U10’s to U13’s – mixed sexes.  

5 person (mixed for ages U12 –U14, U15, U17, U19 & Open Mixed), Open Women & Open Men

6 person (Open Mixed).

What does R&R training include?

Training demands for each event, i.e. 2 Person or 5/6 Person, vary, you can expect to train at least once per week for 1 to 1 ½ hours. As championship carnivals approach, you can expect this training commitment to increase to twice a week.

The focus for training is to work as a team and understand the skills required for each position.  Perfecting the marching and resuscitation skills is key for all 3 events. For 6 Person R&R, the Swimmers would need to undertake their swimming training separately to any team training.

Is R&R a States and Aussies event?

2 Person R&R is a State Championship event for Nippers.  5 Person and 6 Person R&R are State Championship and Aussie Championship events.

Why should I compete in R&Rt?

You might feel that you are not a strong competitor in some of the water and land based surf sports, but you are keen on being part of the Surf Life Saving community and wish to compete in carnivals.  If this is you, then R&R can be a great avenue for you.  You will certainly make great friendships and team bonds, plus also get fit.