PROFICIENCY CHECK
Proficiency Checks will be conducted for “Sandpipers” from Under 6 to Under 14 by way of pool and open water swims, as per the requirements set out by SLSA in the chart below.
PRELIMINARY EVALUATION
Every junior member is required to participate in this evaluation, conducted by the club in either Corrimal heated pool or Towradgi ocean pool, prior to any junior activity being undertaken each season.
COMPETITION SKILLS EVALUATION
The competition skills evaluation (open water swim) must be achieved before members are eligible to compete in any event.
The open water swim replicates the junior swim distances specified in the 34th Edition of the Surf Sports Manual. This is a minimum standard proficiency requirement.
HIGH VISIBILITY VESTS
For all junior activities and members training, it is a requirement that aquatic activity participants in SLSA water events be clearly identified with a standardised high visibility vest as a means of easy identification. These can be purchased at the club for $15. The purpose of using high visibility garments is to increase the ability to identify/locate participants above the water by water safety personnel during daylight hours.
SURF EDUCATION
All “Sandpipers” will undergo the Surf Education Program. This will be conducted during Sunday morning nippers. The levels of education are also in table below.
| Age group | Preliminary evaluation | Competition evaluation | Surf education awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | From a standing position in waist-deep water, perform a front glide and recover to a secure position. Perform a back or front float holding a buoyant aid and recover to a secure position. |
Surf Play 1 | |
| Under 7 | From a standing position in waist-deep water, perform a front glide, kick for 3 m and recover to a secure position. Perform a back or front float for a few seconds and recover to a secure position. | Surf Play 2 | |
| Under 8 | 25-m swim (any stroke) 1-minute survival float | Nil (no water competition, except for wade which takes place in waist-deep water) | Surf Aware 1 |
| Under 9 | 25-m swim (any stroke) 1-minute survival float | Minimum 150-m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual) | Surf Aware 2 |
| Under 10 | 25-m swim (front crawl) 1.5-minute survival float | Minimum 150-m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual) | Surf Safe 1 |
| Under 11 | 50-m swim (front crawl) 2-minute survival float | Minimum 200-m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual) | Surf Safe 2 |
| Under 12 | 100-m swim (front crawl) 2-minute survival float | Minimum 200-m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual) | Surf Smart 1 |
| Under 13 | 150-m swim (front crawl) 3-minute survival float | Minimum 200-m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual) | Surf Smart 2 |
| Under 14 | 200-m swim (front crawl, in less than 5 minutes) 3-minute survival float |
Minimum 200-m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual) | Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) |
| Assessors | Delegated authority as per the SLSA Circular 108/15–16 | ||
| Notes | Every junior member is required to participate in this evaluation, conducted by the club, prior to any junior water activity training or competition being undertaken. Any child that does not meet the required evaluation level will require a higher level of supervision when involved in water- based activities at the discretion of the club. |
The competition evaluation must be achieved before any members are eligible to compete. | Every junior member should achieve the relevant Surf Education Award appropriate to their age group. |
Competition Requirements
- Achievement of the Junior Preliminary Evaluation
- Achievement of the Junior Competition Evaluation
Branch & State Competition Requirements
- Achievement of the Junior Preliminary Evaluation
- Achievement of the Junior Competition Evaluation
- Completion of the relevant Surf Education Award appropriate to their age group
