Patrol Captain

Course Overview

The Aon Patrol Captain Course will prepare experienced senior Surf Lifeguards to lead and manage routine and non-routine surf lifesaving situations including managing patrols, incidents, rescues and actively manage the health, safety and wellbeing of all patrol members. The course focusses on building skills and knowledge related to leadership, resource management, decision making and compliance with National and Club requirements.

1. Complete 6 Online Pre-Learning Modules 

• PC Duty Module
• PC Lead Module
• PC Coordinate Module
• PC Decide Module
• PC Record Module
• PC Care Module

This suite of online learning modules is a core component of the training pathway and a pre-requisite to the one-day practical Patrol Captains Course. It is important that the online modules are completed in a thorough and considered manner, rather than rushed. Each module should take approximately 15 minutes to complete, with the full suite totaling around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Taking the time to fully engage with the content, scenarios, activities, and reflection points will ensure that candidates gain the most value from the learning setting them up for success for the face-to-face course.

This can be accessed via the Member Portal here and you can log in by following these steps: watch here. Once logged in, you can self-enrol by clicking on “Training Library”, then into the “Lifesaving – Surf Lifeguard” Course Category.

2. Attend Aon Patrol Captains Course (1 day) 

During the course candidates will contribute and reflect through being engaged in scenario desktop activities. Candidates can apply their knowledge, problem-solve, and make decisions without the pressures of a live patrol setting. New scenario desktop activities help reinforce key concepts, encourage critical thinking, and promote teamwork and communication.

The Patrol Captain Course creates a learning environment that mirrors ‘kapa kotahi’. This strengthens the feeling of being ‘one team’ right from the training course to our beaches. The one-day course helps develop leadership styles that are inclusive and humble and highlights that Patrol Captains will continue learning from their teams, junior guards, club members and the public.

All candidates will be required to complete a workbook during the course. The workbook connects the learning they have completed in the online pre-learning modules with the practical, scenario-based experiences delivered during the one-day course.

Who should complete it: Anyone who is interested in leading and guiding a patrol team and playing a crucial role in upholding SLSNZ’s commitment to saving lives, developing people, and strengthening communities.

Candidate requirements: Fully participate in the course and complete the workbook 

Outcomes

At the completion of the qualification candidates will be able to:

1. Explain the purpose of the Patrol Captain in a leadership role.
2. Develop team leadership skills and techniques that can be applied to a range of situations in an SLSNZ context.
3. Utilise skills and techniques to contribute to the development of a high performing, engaged and motivated team on patrol.
4. Utilise SLSNZ policies, procedures and technology to effectively manage risk.
5. Utilise SLSNZ support systems in your role.
6. Apply NSOPs and CSOPs to patrol situations.
7. Manage patrol capability, resources and other factors in a variety of different situations.
8. Make complex decisions that follow SLSNZ policy, procedure and guidelines that considers the situation and patrol capability.
9. Co-ordinate and manage overall responses to minor and major incidents.

This refreshed Patrol Captain training pathway is designed to create well-prepared leaders, equipped not just with knowledge, but with the practical skills and judgement needed to manage people, respond to incidents, and deliver safe effective patrols in today’s dynamic NZ beach environments.

Award currency: No expiry

To begin training for this qualification contact your club or local Club Support Lead.

Online Resource

Check out the background to the new Aon Patrol Captain Pathway: Vice Patrol Captain & Aon Patrol Captain New Training Pathway & Course Overview - Update: 1 September 2025