Save lives. Build confidence. Be part of something bigger.

About Surf Lifesaving

Surf lifesaving at Dixon Park Beach isn't about dramatic rescues or elite athleticism. It's about a team of volunteers showing up — staying alert, looking out for each other, and being there when someone needs help. It has been that way on this stretch of coastline since 1932.

Surf lifesaving at Dixon Park isn't about dramatic rescues or elite athleticism. It's about awareness, communication, prevention, and presence. It's showing up, staying alert, and being there when someone needs help.

Most of the time, being a lifesaver means spotting potential problems early, helping people make safe choices, and working as part of a team. Occasionally, it means responding to an emergency with skills you've trained for.

❋ Whether you're 15 or 75, new to the surf or a lifelong ocean swimmer, there's a pathway for you.

What Lifesavers Actually Do

Dixon Park SLSC is entirely volunteer-driven.

Lifesavers patrol Dixon Park Beach in rostered teams from early October to late April, keeping beachgoers safe through prevention, observation, and response.

On patrol, you’ll:

Monitor beach conditions and identify hazards (rips, marine life, changing surf)
Set up and maintain safe swimming areas with flags
Communicate with the public about beach safety
Respond to incidents and provide first aid when needed
Work as part of a patrol team using radios, rescue boards, and other equipment
Support each other and make decisions together

Patrols run on weekends and public holidays, with shifts either 9am-1pm or 1pm-5pm. You'll patrol on a 5-week cycle, rotating between morning and afternoon shifts.

❋ It's practical, hands-on, and shared. You're never on your own.

Purpose and contribution — Your time makes a real difference to beach safety
Confidence in and around the ocean — Built progressively through training and experience
Practical skills you'll carry for life — Rescue, first aid, teamwork, leadership, decision-making under pressure
Strong friendships and community — Patrol teams become tight-knit groups
Challenge and growth — Physical, mental, and personal development
Time outdoors doing something that matters — Beach, surf, sunshine, and service

Why People Become Lifesavers

People join for all kinds of reasons—but many stay for the same ones.

Being a lifesaver offers:

For many members, the club becomes a second home—a place to belong, contribute, and be part of a legacy that stretches back over 90 years.

How to become a Lifesaver

Becoming a lifesaver starts with training, then leads to patrolling and ongoing skill development.

Step 1: Bronze Medallion

The Bronze Medallion is the entry-level qualification for surf lifesavers aged 15 and over.

You don't need prior surf experience—we build your capability progressively through training.

- Surf awareness and reading beach conditions
- Rescue techniques (board rescues, tube rescues, patient recovery)
- First Aid and CPR (nationally recognised HLTAID011 certification)
- Radio operations and patrol procedures
- Communication and teamwork under pressure
- Self-paced online theory modules
- Weekly practical sessions at Dixon Park (beach and clubrooms)
- Assessment covering rescue scenarios, CPR, radio comms, and theory
- Minimum age 15 on day of final assessment
- Complete 400m pool swim in 9 minutes or less (unaided, goggles permitted)
- Be a financial member of Dixon Park SLSC
- Active membership: $100
- Bronze Medallion course fee: $50 (includes First Aid qualification)Item description

Step 2: Join a Patrol Team

Once qualified, you'll join a patrol team and start contributing to beach safety at Dixon Park.

Patrols run on a 5-week cycle—you'll patrol the same day each cycle (e.g., every 5th Sunday, then the following Saturday). Shifts are either 9am-1pm or 1pm-5pm, rotating between morning and afternoon.

You're rostered with your team, trained alongside experienced lifesavers, and supported every step of the way.

Step 3: Build Skills (If you want to)

From there, you choose your own path.

Many members patrol happily for years without pursuing further qualifications. Others expand their skills with advanced training.

Pathways include:

Advanced Resuscitation Techniques (ART) — Oxygen therapy, suction, advanced airway management
IRB Crew Certificate — Crewing inflatable rescue boats for faster, more capable rescues
IRB Driver — Commanding and driving IRB operations
Patrol Captain — Leading patrol teams and managing beach operations
Surf sports competition — Racing, board events, IRB racing at club, state, and national level

Training for younger members

Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) — Ages 13-15

The SRC is the foundation surf rescue qualification for teenagers aged 13-15.

It teaches basic rescue skills, surf awareness, CPR, radio communications, and teamwork—preparing young members to support patrol teams and progress toward their Bronze Medallion when they turn 15.

What you'll learn:

Basic rescue techniques and surf awareness
CPR and emergency response
Radio operations and beach signals
Patrol support and teamwork

Entry requirements:

Minimum age 13 on day of final assessment
Be a financial member of Dixon Park SLSC

Once qualified, SRC holders become Cadet Surf Lifesavers and can assist with patrols under supervision

Ready to start?

If you're curious about becoming a lifesaver, the first step is simple: register your interest.

We'll let you know when the next Bronze Medallion or SRC course is scheduled, answer your questions, and help you work out whether it's right for you.