SAR Education

On this SAR (Search and Rescue) Education Delivery page you will find information on:


SAR Education Framework - Delivery

Surf Life Saving New Zealand has developed a new Search and Rescue Education Framework. The aim is to make SAR training more consistent and accessible for SAR members across New Zealand.

The framework outlines the courses and modules available to SLSNZ SAR members, and the pathway for completion.

The framework also outlines the new Minimum Training Standards that apply to all SAR members. This ensures consistency within SAR Squads across NZ and will provide assurance to our tasking authorities, that our members comply with a unified minimum level of training.

As endorsed by the National SAR Committee (September 2025), SAR members are required to meet the new minimum training standards by 1 July, 2026.

Click the image below to see the new SAR Education Framework.


 

SAR Minimum Training

SAR MINIMUM TRAINING STANDARDS

Prerequisites:

  • Surf Lifeguard Award or Patrol Support Award

All SAR members will be required to hold either their Surf Lifeguard Award or their Patrol Support Award. Both require annual refreshing.

To be an SAR Operational Member (wet member) the SLA is required. Those holding their Patrol Support Award can participate in a SAR response as a SAR Support Member.

SAR Support Members can access all SAR training that doesn’t require being ‘on the water’. This includes all SAR Leadership and Subject Matter Expert Training.

  • Surf First Aid Course

All SAR members (Operational and Support Members) are required to hold their Surf First Aid certificate.

Surf First Aid courses are delivered nationwide by a network of approved external providers.

Click here for further information on Surf First Aid

  • Radio Communications Module

The Radio Communications Module will provide SAR members with the fundamental knowledge required to operate SLSNZ radios appropriately. This includes information regarding radio channels, radio maintenance and general guidelines for use. The module is available on the SLSNZ Etrainu online learning platform in the member Portal.

Click here to access the Member Portal

  • SurfCom Module

The SurfCom module will provide SAR members with a fundamental understanding of how SurfCom works.

The module provides information on what SurfCom is, how it works, and how lifeguards, or SAR members can use SurfCom to provide assistance on patrol or at a SAR response.

Click here to access the Member Portal

  • SAR Induction

The SAR Induction for SAR Squad members is done in two parts.

Part 1: SAR Induction Module (Online module)
Part 2: Local Squad Induction (Briefing – In person)

Both parts need to be completed to be signed off as “SAR Inducted”.

Inductions only need to be completed once. SAR members should complete Part 1 online, then Part 2 is to be done in person, with their SAR Squad Coordinator, or another designated senior member who can deliver the Local Induction.

The SAR Induction - Online Module (Part 1), is a nationally consistent online module that will provide members the knowledge required to operate in a SAR Squad. Topics covered include (but are not limited to):

    • SAR Framework and Support Systems
    • Tasking authorities and support agencies
    • Readiness
    • Response
    • Health and Safety Considerations
    • Post Incident Procedures
    • Cultural Awareness

The Local Squad Induction (Part 2) is centred around providing SAR members with knowledge, that is specific to their club/area squad.

Topics covered include (but are not limited to):

    • Roles and responsibilities within the Squad
    • Technology and local comms
    • Personal issue PPE and equipment
    • Responding to SAROPs and club access
    • Arriving and set up
    • Local SAR support agencies
    • Area familiarisation

Note: The SAR Induction Module content is specifically aimed at those who are joining a SAR Squad for the first time.

However, ALL existing SAR members are required to complete this training, to ensure all members across the country have a common understanding of the SLSNZ SAR operating processes.

Members only need to do this induction once.

SAR Team Leaders can use the following documents to aid in the development of their Local Squad Induction. Talk to your local SAR Support Officer for more help.

    1. SAR Induction – Instructions for SAR Team Leaders
    2. SAR Induction – Assessor Manual
    3. SAR Induction – Part 2 (Local Squad Induction) List of Topics
    4. SAR Induction – Part 2 (Local Squad Induction) PowerPoint Template (FULL VERSION)
    5. SAR Induction – Part 2 (Local Squad Induction) PowerPoint Template (LITE VERSION)
  • Wellbeing Module

The SAR Wellbeing Module will help give SAR members the knowledge they need, to look after themselves, their fellow SAR Squad members, and the public through a SAR response. It provides information on what services and support is available when normal and out of the ordinary situations occur.

The module is available on the SLSNZ Etrainu online learning platform in the member Portal.

Click here to access the Member Portal

SAR Skills Development


SAR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Coordinated Incident Management Systems (CIMS 3) – Online Module

CIMS is the common operating system that all emergency services in New Zealand use. Upon completion of this online module, SAR members will have an understanding of what CIMS is, how the command, control and coordination system works and how SAR Squads operate within it for multi-agency SAR Operations.

Search Methods – Mini Course

The search methods course is a combined theory/practical course where SAR members learn about and then get to practice, different on water search methods.

The course will cover the commonly used search methods for inshore, offshore and coastline searching and will discuss the factors that help dictate which method is best for any given SAR situation.

Patient Management (Body Recovery and Stretchers) Mini Course

The patient management course will prepare SAR members to be able to assist tasking authorities and partner agencies with transport or retrieval of incapacitated patients.

The course looks at both land and ocean-based patient management techniques and considerations.

There is a theoretical and practical component to this course.

Resource Library

The SAR Resource Library is the place to go for SAR Squad Coordinators/Team Leaders to find resources to use for delivering training.

The Library will include the following:

  • Desktop and On Water scenarios
  • SAREX scenarios/templates
  • Tech Tools Instructions and Guidelines

SAR Leaders can also provide documents they have developed, which can be shared with other SLSNZ SAR Leaders.

CIMS 3 will soon be available as an online module within SLSNZ's Etrainu platform.

The Coordinated Incident Management Systems (CIMS) Manual (version 3) can be downloaded here:

CIMS-3rd-edition-FINAL-Aug-2019-1.pdf

SAR Specific Training


SAR SPECIFIC TRAINING

Maritime VHF Operator’s Certificate

SLSNZ SAR members that are frequently operating on the Marine VHF radio band, outside of the SLSNZ radio network, should look to complete this certificate. It can be done as an online study course, or in a classroom as a one day course, through Coastguard NZ.

Under the Radiocommunications Act 1989, it is a legal requirement that anyone wishing to operate a marine VHF radio on the international marine VHF radio band holds an appropriate operator’s certificate.

Note: If you solely operate on the SLSNZ radio network and associated licenced channels, you do not need to complete this certificate. The SLSNZ Radio Communication Module will suffice.

Flood Response – Swift Water Rescue Technician Course

SLSNZ SAR Squads that provide Flood Response capability for their community need to complete this course as the first step to operating safely in flooded areas.

The SRT course provides rescuers with the fundamentals of survival in moving water and is recommended for anyone who may be called upon to effect in-water rescues. Students gain knowledge in hydrology and river classifications, size-up, flood related hazards and scene management. Practical skills include self-rescue, swift water swimming and the fundamentals of shore, boat and in-water rescues.

The Swift Water and Flood Rescue Technician (SRT) course is run by Rescue 3 NZ.

Flood Response – Flood Boat Operator Training Course

The Flood Boat Operator Training Course is designed to build on SAR members’ existing knowledge of operating IRBs in surf, and combine it with the flood and swift water knowledge gained on the SRT course.

This combination will give operators the skills required to successfully (and safely) navigate in flood water to affect a rescue. This is a hands-on practical course using the river environment to simulate flood/swift water conditions.


Night Operations Mini Course

This course will prepare members for SAR operations at night.

The main focus is on whether the tasking requested is within our scope of training, and how to make the decision as to whether to accept a night/low light tasking or not.

The theoretical component delves into the added risks of operating at night, versus the benefits, the decreased probability of detection and SLSNZ policies on Night Operation.

Maritime law including vessel lighting requirements are also covered.

For the practical component, crews will set up an IRB for Night Operations and will practice night searching in enclosed waters.

SAR Leadership & Subject Matter Expert Training


SAR LEADERSHIP & SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT TRAINING

SLSNZ SAR On Scene Coordinator Course

The On Scene Coordinators Course will help prepare senior SAR members for leading Surf Life Saving assets during a SAR Operation.

Participants will learn:

  • Effective communication skills
  • Managing reflex vs planned taskings
  • How to provide briefings and debriefs
  • Gaining situational awareness
  • Decision-making to ensure a safe and efficient operation.
  • …and more

NZSAR – Coordinated Incident Management Systems Course (CIMS 4 SAR)

New Zealand's Coordinated Incident Management System (CIMS) is the framework for consistent principles, structures, functions, processes and terminology for SAR agencies to apply in an operation.

In this two-day course, Surf SAR members will learn gain more in depth knowledge about CIMS and will have the opportunity to work in multi- agency Incident Management Teams to deliver SAR scenarios based on real life SAR Operations.

The Coordinated Incident Management Systems (CIMS) Manual (version 3) can be downloaded here:

CIMS-3rd-edition-FINAL-Aug-2019-1.pdf

NZSAR – SAR Leadership Course

This leadership course develops general leadership ability for budding SAR leaders.

Activities are based around generic leadership principals and the course is not SAR specific. Many practical leadership activities are included. The course is multi-agency and provides an excellent opportunity for interagency relationship growth. It is an excellent course for those that are currently (or want to be become) SLSNZ SAR Coordinators/Team Leaders or Surf SAR On Scene Coordinators.

Skills learnt will bode well for workplace leadership roles and general life.

NZSAR – Marine SAR Technical Course

This is a multi-agency course that delves into the technical knowledge of maritime rescues. It is worthwhile learning for SAR members who wish to develop Subject Matter Expert knowledge in the marine environment.

Topics covered include:

  • Tide and current calculations
  • Understanding marine charts
  • Plotting positions and courses
  • Determining search areas
  • Probability of Detection
  • …and more

This course is a prerequisite for moving on to the Marine Manage the Response Course. See Marine SAR Technical Course resources.


NZSAR – Marine Manage the Response Course

The MTMR course is a 3-day multi agency course which brings together knowledge acquired as a Surf Life Saving Subject Matter Expert, as well as previous courses including CIMS, and Marine SAR Technical.

The course covers:

  • Search urgency assessment process
  • Defining the initial search area
  • Risk assessment
  • Developing an incident action plan following initial response
  • …and more

This course is a prerequisite for attending the SAR Manager Course.

NZSAR – SAR Manager Course

The SAR Managers course is a one week live in course held at RNZ Police Collage, once a year.

It is intended for those who are capable of operating within an Incident Management Team.

It is the culmination of all NZSAR course and combines this with the participants knowledge of CIMs and IMT processes.

The course is focused on higher level incident management and participants will spend time building relationship with SME’s from other support agencies, and will then work together within an IMT to deliver both land and marine scenarios.


CONTACT

For more information on SLSNZ Search and Rescue Education, please contact: