The Bronze Medallion, introduced in 1910, was first trained in 1933 at Bribie.  It is the core award to be a Surf Lifesaver.  With a series of surf swimming, board paddling, first aid and resuscitation and rescue equipment skills, candidates aged 15 or over may apply to participate in the course.

​

Since Lifesaving began in Australia, various resuscitation methods have been utilised to revive people rescued from the surf. The Schafer method was developed in 1903 and used by clubs and it required the patient to be placed face downwards, with pressure applied to the back.

​

Various other methods came in and out over the years until finally in 1960, the expired air resuscitation method (EAR - mouth to mouth) was adopted, which involves the operator breath directly into the patient’s mouth or nose to inflate the lungs, using a rate per minute. At about the same time lifesavers started using cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which combined direct air expiration with application of pressure to the chest. EAR and CPR are still used today by lifesavers, together with oxygen and defibrillators.

​

Our volunteer lifesavers utilise these skills and volunteer their time to patrol every weekend and public holidays from September to May each year on a roster system.  They also complete an annual skill maintenance exam to continue with the patrol and competition activities. Those who hold this Award can then apply to obtain First Aid, Advanced Resuscitation, IRB crew, IRB driver, Drone operator and many other awards.

​

Skills for a lifetime.

Many of our members have found the skills and experience obtained in surf lifesaving have carried on throughout their lives, whether it could be a first aid officer, paramedic, fire fighter or in the armed forces. It is always seen as an excellent quality to possess on any resume by any employer. Volunteer time and effort invested into developing lifesaving skills and working with others to attain common goals builds good work ethics and reveals great character traits in which everyone benefits.

​