WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO TODAY?

Want to become a qualified surf lifesaver? At Narrabeen Beach, we will train you for your Surf Life Saving Bronze Medallion.

Bronze Medallion - the basic qualification for all volunteer surf life savers. You'll learn how to read the surf conditions and patterns, the dangers and the signs. You'll also learn how to perform rescues, resuscitation and cpr (heart massage); communications skills involving radio and flag signals You need to be physically fit because you'll also have to run 200m on the sand, swim 200 metres in the surf then run a further 200m on the sand - all in 8 minutes as part of the Bronze Medallion examination. You also need to demonstrate all of the skills you've learned during your training as well as achieve an 85% mark in a written (multiple-choice) exam paper. Having done all that, you'll be asked to participate in a "scenario" examination where all of those skills are put to a practical test.

If it sounds daunting, it's not. But the Bronze Medallion is earned, not given lightly.

Once you have qualified with your "Bronze" you can immediately join a patrol on the beach. But that's just the start of what you can do in Surf Life Saving. Here's a sample:

First Aid Certificate - goes beyond the bronze to give you extra life-saving skills.

Advanced Resuscitation Certificate - techniques not taught in the bronze course such as airbag resuscitation, spinal injury collars, etc.

IRB Crew Certificate - A good crewman can make even an ordinary driver look good. A bad crewman should like swimming!

IRB Driver's Certificate - It's the most-used rescue device in Surf Life Saving. And it's a lot of fun to drive, too!

Training Officer's Certificate - Help others to earn their awards by putting them through their training and exams

Examiner's Certificate - Examine in the discipline of your choice - bronze medallion, IRB driving, first aid, resucscitation - or all of them!

Coaching Certificate - If you want to coach any sport these days you need a coaching certificate.

Competition Official's Accreditation - Want to officiate at carnivals? We'll help you get your accreditation.

Of course, there's another side to Surf Life Saving - competition. You can compete in any of the following areas:

Surf Boats (rowing) - we have crews for all levels, both male and female

IRB's - Fast and furious action in inshore rescue boats - compete as driver, crew or patient

Boards & Skis - Riding a rescue board or surf ski is a real skill - if you're good enough, it's also a real thrill!

Iron Man - The test of the toughest combining beach and water event skills

Beach sprints - Running on the sand is a lot more difficult than hard-surface running!

Beach flags - How quickly can you get up off the sand, run 15 metres and dive for that rubber "flag" in the sand?

March Past - The traditional surf life saving event where the tiniest error can cost your team points

R&R - Another traditional event involving precision rescue and resuscitation drills.

First Aid - How would you cope when presented with a victim with their hand chopped off?

Patrol Competition - Vigilance and Service is the motto - can your patrol be the best?