Vice Patrol Captain

Course Overview

The Vice Patrol Captain Award will prepare Surf Lifeguards to support the Patrol Captain and their duties throughout a patrol. The Vice Patrol Captain Award will empower surf lifeguards to grow their leadership skills and knowledge in routine supported situations. This award prepares candidates for the Patrol Captain Award

Course Information 

Prerequisites: 

  • Current member of a SLS club
  • Min 16 years of age
  • Surf Lifeguard Award (refreshed or Patrol Support Award (refreshed) having already held a Surf Lifeguard Award. 
  • Min 1 season active patrolling experience 

Note: For those members already in Vice Patrol Captain roles, they can apply for recognition of prior learning here. 

Duration: Approx. 20hrs of patrol

Delivered by: On job training at patrol

Training Information:

1. Complete 8 Online Pre-Learning Modules 

  • Be Safer – Risk Management
  • Intro to Surf Com Module
  • Radio Communication Module
  • VPC Duty Module
  • VPC Grow Module
  • VPC Record Module
  • VPC Maintain Module
  • VPC Care Module

Fully self-paced and accessible via etrainu, they can be completed before or alongside practical patrol tasks and their workbook.

Each module should take approximately 15 minutes to complete, with the full suite totalling around 2 hours. This allows flexibility while maintaining a structured learning journey.

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. Complete Vice Patrol Captain Workbook & Practical Patrol Experience. 

The Workbook and Practical Patrol Tasks are designed to be completed over approximately 3 to 4 full patrols (around 20 hours – minimum patrolling requirement) but can also be worked through at the candidate’s own pace.

Who should complete the award: 
Anyone who is interested in becoming a key leadership figure that helps strengthen the patrol team, enhances operations and supports the Patrol Captain and the development of lifeguards.

Mentored by: Club Patrol Captains

Outcomes

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

  1. Explain the purpose of the Vice Patrol Captain and the leadership support the role provides.
  2. Develop awareness of own leadership, skills and techniques.
  3. Understand SLSNZ risk management policies, procedures and technology.
  4. Understand the support systems that SLSNZ have available to support patrols.
  5. Understand NSOPs/CSOPs and their significance.  
  6. Support the set-up, maintenance and close down patrol.
  7. Build own leadership and patrol management skills in a variety of supported situations using reflective practice.  

Award currency: No expiry

 

 

Workbook

 

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