Patrol

Elwood Life Saving Club’s volunteer lifesavers patrol Elwood foreshore on weekends and public holidays between November and April.

What does it take to become a lifesaver?

Patrollers are assigned to a team and typically cover about nine shifts each season lasting between five and six hours each.  Prospective patrollers can gain their surf rescue certificate or bronze medallion through the club.  Members undertaking the surf rescue certificate are required to complete a 200m swim in five minutes or less and must be at least 13 years of age on the date of their final assessment.  Those undertaking the bronze medallion are required to complete a 400m swim in nine minutes or less and must be aged at least 15 years on the date of the final assessment.

Each award also requires successful completion of theory components covering areas such as surf awareness and skills, resuscitation, first aid, radio operations, communication and rescue techniques.  Regular training programs are provided to update and improve lifesaving skills.

All patrolling members must complete an annual proficiency assessment, called skills maintenance, which keeps their lifesaving awards current.  This includes the successful completion of a theory component prior to attending a practical assessment.

If you have a question about patrolling at Elwood, including becoming a patrol member, please see our membership page or contact the club captain via clubcaptain@elwoodlsc.com.au. Our latest lifesaving courses are listed on the Training/Courses page.

When are lifesaving patrols?

Patrol times for the season are split up into three different patrol periods.

Period	Starts	Ends	Patrol Times
Pre	November 15, 2025	December 21, 2025	12pm-5pm
Peak	December 22, 2025	February 22, 2026	12pm-6pm
Post	February 23, 2026	April 19, 2026	12pm-5pm

Patrol roster

The patrol roster outlines each member’s patrol team and their rostered days on duty.  It is vital members check the roster carefully.  Members who cannot attend on their rostered day must find a replacement and notify their patrol captain or vice captain in advance.

The Elwood Life Saving Club Member’s Facebook page may assist in helping find a patroller to fill in a shift.

All patrollers must arrive at the clubhouse a half hour before their rostered shift to assist with set up and allow a half hour after the end of patrol for pack up.

Members who have gained their surf rescue certificate or bronze medallion and are interested in being assigned a patrol team are urged to contact the club captain via clubcaptain@elwoodlsc.com.au.