Silver Camp takes you further. You’ll build on what you learned at Bronze, and come away with your IRB Crew Certificate, training you to safely operate inflatable rescue boats, perform rescues in different surf conditions, and work as part of a team with an IRB driver. It’s an essential step if you want to help on patrols and provide water safety using IRBs.

REGISTRATIONS CLOSED

PROGRAM DATES

THE 2026 SILVER CAMP RUNS:
  • Sunday 27 September 2026
  • Monday 28 September 2026
  • Tuesday 29 September 2026
  • Wednesday 30 September 2026

It’s a live-in camp at Portsea SLSC.

REGISTRATION DATES AND PROCESS

Application links are posted to members via e-Boomer and Portsea SLSC socials.

  • Applications open: Sunday 2 August 2026
  • Applications close: Sunday 16 August 2026

THE SILVER TICKET (PRIORITY ENTRY)

The Silver Ticket rewards members who’ve shown commitment to the club by confirming their place on Silver Camp ahead of time. It’s based on your patrol hours and event volunteering from the previous season. Not getting a Silver Ticket doesn’t mean you’ve missed out. You can still apply, your application will go to our panel of instructors for review.

To qualify for a Silver Ticket, you’ll need:

  1. 24 hours of volunteering, made up of at least 16 hours patrolling Portsea Back Beach, with the remaining 8 hours from general volunteering (Nippers, Education Programs, Major Events) or additional patrolling
  2. At least one day volunteering at a major event: Swim Classic, Pier to Perignon, or Bay to Surf
  3. A completed Silver Camp application

The 16 patrol hours are non-negotiable, you won’t be eligible regardless of other contributions without them. Your application should outline why you want to attend and your contribution to the club so far, instructors will weigh this alongside the minimum requirements, your character, and your dedication to Portsea SLSC.

If you believe you were disadvantaged in some way and couldn’t meet the minimum requirements, you can apply for special consideration.

ELIGIBILITY

To take part in Silver Camp, you must:

  • Be a current financial member of Portsea SLSC
  • Hold a proficient Bronze Medallion (recorded in the SLSA/LSV database)
  • Be in good standing with the club
  • Complete and submit a Silver Camp application

FEES

Silver Camp costs $395 per candidate.

If your family is facing financial hardship, please contact the Education Director directly to discuss support options.

ENQUIRIES

For anything Silver Camp / Silver Ticket related, contact the Education Administrator: education@portseasurf.com.au

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Silver Camp centres on the IRB Crew Certificate, training you to:

  • Safely operate an inflatable rescue boat
  • Perform rescues in a range of surf conditions
  • Work effectively as part of a team alongside an IRB driver

This builds directly on the skills you developed at Bronze Camp.

FAQS

I DIDN’T GET A SILVER TICKET, DOES THAT MEAN I’M NOT GETTING INTO SILVER CAMP?

No. Not receiving a Silver Ticket simply means you’ll go through the standard application process instead of priority registration. Your application will still be reviewed by our panel of instructors.

WHAT IF SOMETHING OUTSIDE MY CONTROL STOPPED ME MEETING THE SILVER TICKET REQUIREMENTS?

You can apply for special consideration, explain your situation when you apply and it’ll be taken into account.

DO MY NIPPERS OR SRC INSTRUCTING HOURS COUNT TOWARD THE 24 HOURS?

Yes, but only after you’ve met the 16 patrol hour minimum. Instructing hours and water safety hours can make up the remaining 8 hours, they can’t substitute for patrol hours.