Youth Pathways

Youth Leaders Program
*click heading for more info & to book
Developed to complement SLSWA’s Youth Program, the Youth Leaders Program (YLP) offers youth members the opportunity to formally record their experiences and service and receive recognition for doing so.
The YLP entails three levels – Bronze, Silver, and Gold – for youth members to work towards achieving. Each level stipulates certain requirements and experiencing of various roles associated with surf lifesaving.
By creating well-rounded members with broad experiences across a range of disciplines, we will ensure that surf life saving offers ‘something for everyone’ and lifelong participation pathways for all.
The 2024/25 Youth Pathways Course Calendar is now available to download.
YOUTH PATHWAYS COURSES
For more information and to book, click the Course heading below!
Youth Official
Like in many other sports, officials play a vital role in our movement. SLSWA youth members have the opportunity to officiate at SLSWA and Club events.
Hours accrued in this role can go towards the SLSWA Youth Leaders Program.
Youth Coach
Youth coaches can work in a range of coaching roles at Clubs. Youth Coaches are mentored/supervised at Club training sessions by component, accredited/club endorsed, Foundation level (or above) coaches.
Hours accrued in this role can go towards the SLSWA Youth Leaders Program.
Youth Age Manager
The Youth Age Manager provides an introduction to the pathway of an Age Manager. Youth are able to assist and develop their skills in delivering the SLSWA Woodside Nippers Program.
Hours accrued in this role can go towards the SLSWA Youth Leaders Program.
Youth Trainer
The Youth Trainer provides an introduction to the pathway of Education Training. Youth are able to assist and develop their skills in delivering components of the SLSA/SLSWA Education courses.
Hours accrued in this role can go towards to SLSWA Youth Leaders Program.
Surf Sports
Participation in Surf Sports activities develop fitness and skills, which therefore improves a youth member’s lifesaving abilities.
Surf Life Saving offers pathways and opportunities for youth lifesavers who wish to further develop their surf sports skills such as board riding, swimming, beach sprints etc. in a competitive sporting environment. Competitions can be held at local, state, national and even international level.
A list of the various competitions and events can be viewed in the Surf Sports area of this website.
Lifesaving
A key outcome of the youth program is to produce skilled and proficient lifesavers. Youth will develop the necessary skills through gaining either a Surf Rescue Certificate at 13 years or Bronze Medallion at 15 years. They can then contribute to Surf Life Saving’s core business of lifesaving through patrolling and ensuring our beaches and community stay safe.
The lifesaving pathway can lead to other Lifesaving Services such as drone patrol, lifeguarding and jet ski operations. Check out our Lifeguard Academy for information about Lifesaving pathways, including the Rookie Lifeguard Program.