The Patrol Captain Award is the leadership qualification for experienced SLSGB members ready to take command of a volunteer patrol.
- Enables you to manage volunteer members as part of a patrol in line with the National Lifeguard Framework guidance
- Covers everything from risk management and Normal Operational Procedures to Emergency Action Plans and incident command
- 20 hours of guided learning including 4 hours of prior learning and a 16-hour course
- Trained and assessed by SLSGB National Officers
Who is this award for?
Valid SLSGB members aged 18 or over who have been nominated and interviewed for the Patrol Captain role. The award is valid for 24 months, with a 12-month annual proficiency required to maintain validity.
What is covered during the award?
The Patrol Captain Award develops the knowledge and skills needed to lead and manage a volunteer patrol safely and effectively in line with SLSGB and national frameworks. At its core is a focus on:
- Understanding the role and responsibilities of a Patrol Captain, the SLSGB Patrol Framework, and how SLSGB fits into UK Search and Rescue
- The difference between Patrol Captain and Incident Commander, and when each role applies
- Completing risk assessments — including analytical, dynamic and standard risk assessments — and understanding umbrella legislation
- Normal Operational Procedures, patrol structure, levels of competency and the documents used within SLSGB operations
- Health and safety considerations for a patrol, covering equipment, team welfare, surveillance, PPE, environmental and climatic factors, and ongoing evaluation
- Emergency Action Plans, incident build-up, command and control using JESIP, JDM and METHANE, hot debrief, kit repatriation, incident recording and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder awareness
- The roles and responsibilities of emergency services and how they support a Patrol Captain during an incident
How is the assessment completed?
You will be assessed by an additional SLSGB National Officer. Assessment covers all unit learning outcomes and criteria across the following topics:
- The Patrol Captain role and SLSGB Patrol Framework
- Incident command and the distinction from Patrol Captain responsibilities
- Risk management processes – Normal Operational Procedures
- Health and safety considerations for patrol
- Emergency Action Plans and incident management
- Statutory and non-statutory services and their roles
Is prior experience required for this award?
To complete the Patrol Captain Award you will need to:
- Be a valid member of SLSGB
- Be nominated and interviewed for the Patrol Captain role prior to undertaking the course
- Complete 4 hours of prior learning before attending the 16-hour course
Following qualification, ongoing CPD requires completion of a 6-hour CPD review under a National Manager.
