DECS Programs

The DECS Surf Education Program is a curriculum based program that provides the opportunity for all students to develop essential water safety and confidence skills and knowledge.

Government schools can access the program through the Sport, Swimming and Aquatic Unit on 8226 1302 to get an allocation of hours. A nominal participation fee is charged per student. 

Non Government schools can ring the Surf Education Coordinator direct on 8354 6900.

Surf Education is a comprehensive curriculum designed by Surf Life Saving Australia and mapped into the Health and Physical Education Learning Area to develop student understanding, skills and values relative to aquatic safety and management. Sessions are conducted at the beach or other aquatic venues and may include a classroom lesson.

The DECS Surf Education program consists of the following six modules:

Surf Safety 2

(up to 7 1/2hrs) - self-survival concepts, basic airway management, first aid, and running, wading, swimming, paddling and wave catching. This program provides workbooks and certificates.

Surf Smart 1

(up to 7 1/2hrs) - functions of lifesaving services, beach characteristics, basic rescue skills, and running, wading, swimming, paddling and wave catching. This program provides workbooks and certificates.

Surf Smart 2

(up to 7 1/2hrs) - first aid, CPR, rescue skills, and running, wading, swimming, paddling and wave catching. This program provides workbooks and certificates.

Mini Beach Safety Day

(2 hrs) - The Mini Beach Safety Day is a fun introductory program designed to provide students with activities and information on beach safety and general aquatic awareness. The program includes an introduction to safety services, dangers at aquatic venues, signalling for help, sun safety and basic swimming, wave catching, wading and running.

Beach Safety Day

(4hrs) - The Beach Safety Day expands on much of the content of the Mini Beach Safety Day and provides students with knowledge and experiences relating to safety and surf awareness. The program covers basic first aid, safety services, dangers at aquatic venues, signalling for help, sun safety, swimming, wave catching, wading and running.

SACE

This 18 hour module is designed to extend and consolidate students' knowledge and understanding of surf safety, as well as their skills and proficiency. On completion of this module, students will have satisfied the requirements of Surf Life Saving Australia's Surf Rescue Certificate, and met some of the requirements for the Surf Bronze Medallion (Certificate II in Public Safety - Aquatic Rescue).