Youth
On any given weekend during our summer season our youth are spread across our beaches patrolling, competing, participating in our club swims and Sunday sessions; helping with Juniors as age manager assistants, trainers, assistant coaches, officials; training for competitions, training for fitness, volunteering on fundraising activities and just using the chance to catch up and hang out with their friends.
Youth are vital to the future of our club. Our culture is based on inclusivity across our youth age groups, respect, mateship, and participation at all levels. We seek to provide an environment that is safe and supports our youth, challenges them no matter what their skill, competency or fitness level is.
Objectives of our Youth Program
Lifesaving
Transition our nippers into patrolling lifesaver members, as well as retaining and developing Youth into more competent and capable lifesavers as they move from SRC to Bronze qualifications as well as other more advanced qualifications.
Surf Sports /
Competition
The development of surf sports skills necessary for lifesaving and the lifeguard pathway; To encourage competition, build greater numbers competing, work towards more competition success and team spirit.
Camaraderie
Provide the opportunity for the Youth to develop and continue friendships within the Sorrento Youth community in a safe environment and to continue involvement with the Club and the broader community.
Youth U14 to U17 Pathways
There are many ways you can get involved in the SLSWA Youth Program. Find the best fit for you by following the below link to SLSWA’s Youth Pathways page.
Here you will find Links to:
- Youth Leaders Program
- 2023/24 Youth Pathways Program Calendar
- Youth Official Course
- Youth Coach Course
- Youth Age Manager Course
- Youth Trainer Course
- Surf Sports
- Lifesaving
A key outcome of the youth program is to produce skilled and proficient lifesavers. Youth will develop the necessary skills through gaining either a Surf Rescue Certificate at 13 years or Bronze Medallion at 15 years. They can then contribute to Surf Life Saving’s core business of lifesaving through patrolling and ensuring our beaches and community stay safe.
The lifesaving pathway can lead to other Lifesaving Services such as drone patrol, lifeguarding and jet ski operations. Check out our Lifeguard Academy for information about Lifesaving pathways, including the Rookie Lifeguard Program.
For more details on a specific pathway, give us a call on 08 9448 1431 or contact the office on admin@sorrentoslsc.org.au.
TOAD and Rise-Up Camp
SLSWA Annual Youth Camp Opportunities:
Run over the summer school holidays, SLSWA’s hugely successful Rise-Up and T.O.A.D. camps are important in building inter-club youth friendships. They also provide opportunities for participants to develop leadership and interpersonal skills, essential to not only their success in surf lifesaving but also in day-to-day life. Sorrento SLSC funds sending its selected participants to these camps.
Rise-Up Camp:
Rise-Up Camp caters for U17 youth members (those aged 15 and 16-years). This camp provides an opportunity for members to participate in a wide range of physical and social activities that will develop personal leadership skills.
Date: Wednesday 3 January – Saturday 6 January 2024
Location: At The New SLSWA Development Centre, Margaret River
Teamwork, Opportunities and Development (T.O.A.D.) Camp:
T.O.A.D. Camp is a development program open to U14 & U15 youth members. The camp is designed to expose participants to a variety of skills and activities that will enhance and encourage their development within our organisation.
Date: Monday 8 January – Thursday 11 January 2024
Location: At The New SLSWA Development Centre, Margaret River
More information: https://www.mybeach.com.au/news-events/annual-youth-camps/
Sorrento Youth can apply to be considered for the relevant camp by submitting a written/email including: Name / Age Group; What personal leadership attributes you bring to Sorrento SLSC and SLSWA; Include examples of leadership or team participation you have displayed around the club over the last 12 months; Include any courses, competition, patrols or volunteering you did; Discuss the leadership opportunities you will be delivering over the next 12 months;
** There is a 300-word limit. We will be sending out a request for Applications in October once the season starts.
SLSA eLearning Opportunities for Youth U14 – U19
Once Youth have attained their SRC / Bronze certificate and become a CADET (SRC) or ACTIVE (Bronze) member they will have access to the SLSA eLearning portal.
Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) has several online courses available to support members in completing their SLSA education awards in a more flexible manner. The courses are designed to provide interactive learning opportunities at a time and pace to suit you, as well as allow for more hands-on practical experience during face-to-face training sessions. As an active member of a Surf Life Saving club, you can access online courses at any time to reinforce the theory components of your training. These courses can also be completed multiple times should you choose to do so.
Online Course Examples:
Coaching: SLS – Foundation Coach; SLS – Development Coach;
Aquatic Rescue: SRC; Bronze; Silver Medallion; SLS – Radio Operators Certificate
Officiating: SLS – Core Official; SLS – Technical Official Age Managers: SLS – Child Safe Awareness; SLS – Age Managers
Start your learning journey!
Sunday Sessions
The youth Sunday Sessions are the chance for all youth / all age groups to get together and participate in team, skills, and fun activities.
Sundays kick off early for the youth ski development, surf boats, Lifesaving groups and beachies with a 7.15am training session. This is wrapped up by 8.15am, just in time for the Club Swim.
We meet and sign in for the Sunday Session by 8.30am so that we can kick off the swim at 8.30am sharp. This is a 200m – 400m fun ocean swim that brings together our senior members, parents, U13’s and youth.
Throughout the season the Sunday sessions will also feature “Have-A-Go” days (dependent on coaches, weather, beach and craft availability) on Ski’s, IRB’s, Surf Boats. Providing you with the opportunity to try the other surf sport options available to you.
Your typical Sunday Session:
8.15am: Meet @ Youth Flag on Sorrento Main Beach and Sign-In with Age Managers & Briefing on days Activities.
8.30am: Club Swim (varied courses and distances depending upon conditions). All Youth are encouraged to participate. This club swim is open to Seniors, Masters, Parents and U13 Juniors. 9.00am: Post swim team activity & warm up, emphasis on team and leadership.
9.20am: Skills & Rescue Session eg., tube rescues, board rescues, carrys and relays. Involving leadership and working together as teams.
10.00am: Activities and games sessions held over two arena’s: Beach & Surf.
10.45am: Finish and gear wash down, pack away.
** Sunday sessions are about inclusion, fitness, teamwork and having fun. By challenging yourself it will make you a more competent and confident lifesaver.
