A highlight of this season is how supportive and proactive our patrol captains have been this season in fostering skill development.

They consistently include focused training and development activities before, during, and after patrols. This approach strengthens member capability and engagement, enhancing both safety and community within the club.

Training

I want to extend sincere thanks to our training team for their time, commitment, and care across all courses and camps. A particular congratulations goes to Ellie Ryan, who stepped into the role of Chief Instructor this season and delivered an exceptional performance. Ellie coordinated training across all levels of the club, from school programs to advanced IRB courses, and brought structure, clear communication, and unwavering energy to the role.

This 2024/25 season, I was unable to fully take on the Director of Member Development role to the extent I would have liked. The transition into the role happened quite quickly, and balancing work alongside a demanding university schedule limited my capacity to contribute as much as intended. Due to these factors, I have decided not to continue in this role next season.

Thank you again for your support this season, see you on the beach soon!

Phoebe Clark - Director of Member Development

From the Chief Instructor: Ellie Ryan

Thank you to all the TAFs and support system for this season, you all put in your time over and over again to put on such wonderful camps and training for our members. I will be sending out a feedback form and getting in touch soon to try and keep improving our training space.

Next season, we are always looking for more passionate members to join our training team, and all the information on how to do so can be found on the Woolamai website under TAF hub. This website provides endless information on how to become a trainer, assessor or facilitator in any award, and how to progress as a current TAF.

There is also plenty of information for members on how training and assessment works. I want to continue to spread education and training processes in lifesaving and it is important to me that people read and utilise the resources which have been created to answer frequently asked questions and provide clarity.

I am looking forward to the season ahead and am planning to expand the training leadership team in coming months. 

Key Courses and Achievements

Skills Maintenance

Our requalification weekend was held November 30th – December 1st.

Huge numbers again this year, communication went out early and the weekend was run well with large support from our training team.

Trainer Recruitment and TAF Upskilling

The club ran an IRB trainer upskill in October and continues to prioritise TAF development. We are seeking more members to complete Cert IV in Training & Assessment. A call-out to the wider membership is recommended.

More details on becoming a TAF can be found at our TAF Hub.

Bronze Camp

Our Bronze Camp filled within 45 minutes of registration opening, showing strong demand. The camp continues to be a major highlight of the training calendar.

Adult Bronze Medallion

We expanded our Adult Bronze Medallion Course, running two weekends in November. With strong collaboration from Cape Paterson and Waratah, we welcomed 20 adult candidates. We aim to continue growing this initiative to include more Bass Coast clubs.

SRC Camp

Our SRC camp ran 27th–30th December, coordinated by Ava Close and Sophia Hungerford, delivering a fantastic program.

Bass Coast Secondary College SRC

This February initiative trained 24 candidates and 2 staff. Moving the course earlier improved trainer availability. Most candidates go on to complete their Bronze at Wonthaggi SLSC. We'd like to develop a strategy to retain these members at Woolamai.

Newhaven College

Newhaven College ran a semester-long in-school Bronze program with assessment of 13 candidates in June. Trainers included Erin Close and Jordan Kuerschner. Plans are underway to introduce ARTFA into next year’s course.

IRB Training

Over 50 members expressed interest in IRB Crew and Driver courses, but due to new SLSA ratio regulations, only 30 could be selected based on patrol hours, service, and application quality. We ran a Labour Day course for 13 crews and 3 drivers with 10 trainers. A second course was postponed due to trainer unavailability.

A pre-season course is under consideration.

SEALS Program

Led by Christos, SEALS has grown into a multi-club development initiative. Sixteen 17-19 y/o candidates were selected. Sessions included a Westpac helicopter base visit, board training with coach Sonia Kinsey, and first aid skills extension with Ella Arnold. SMPC, SSV, and SMAR courses are either completed or in development.

We are grateful for Christos’ efforts and the support of trainers, including Zane Smith and Campbell Smart.

LSV camps

The 2024/25 season offered some incredible development opportunities through Lifesaving Victoria’s state camps. These camps provide members with valuable experience and training beyond the club level.

Willow Goodger-McGrath participated in the Under 15 Development Camp.

Jasmine Quinton attended the Under 18 Development Camp, which was supported by Michael Butler as a trainer.

These experiences help members build skills, confidence, and leadership that benefit both their personal growth and the club.

Ellie Ryan - Chief Instructor

Member Development - Phoebe Clark