Pool Lifeguard (FROM 1ST MAY 2025)

Overview
Pool Lifeguarding is a fun, flexible and dynamic job. It is also a point of entry for a career in the aquatics industry. The first step in becoming a Pool Lifeguard is getting qualified.

Royal Life Saving Pool Lifeguard is a nationally recognised course that focuses on developing skills to supervise the safety of participants in aquatic recreation facilities and manage water-based rescues and emergencies.

Please note: Royal Life Saving Society NSW is not a CRICOS provider; it is unable to provide national training to overseas students holding a student visa.

Delivery Mode
This course is delivered in a blended format; below are the steps and candidates journey.


 

Step 1 Book a Pool Lifeguard Course. Course schedules can be found in the "How to enrol" section below. Candidates must have access to a computer and the internet to access the pre-course online modules.

Step 2 Complete online modules. Online learning is provided upon successful enrolment. Candidates will be required to complete a self-paced online knowledge and theory component before being practically assessed across the two-day workshop.  Both HLTAID011 Provide first aid online and Pool Lifeguard Online must be completed prior to attending the course. Only those who have completed the online modules in full will be able to attend the practical component of this course.

Step 3 Attend and complete face-to-face two (2) day course.  Upon successful completion of Step 2 (online learning) and Step 3 (2-day course) candidates are issued with a SISS00133 – Pool Lifeguard Skillset Statement of Attainment and a Pool Lifeguard Completion Letter.

Step 4 Complete and submit Pool Lifeguard Licence Application. In addition to the successful completion of the course and when you have gained employment within an Aquatic Facility, candidates are required to complete the Pool Lifeguard Licence Application Workbook. This application contains a workplace induction checklist, individual declarations and evidence of practical supervision that need to be completed “on the job” to apply for your Pool Lifeguard Licence for a specific facility. The workbook needs to be signed off by a Workplace Supervisor. Completed applications can be emailed to your closest Royal Life Saving Office.
 
The amount of training is approximately 36 hours, comprising of:
·        Online learning and assessment: 8 hours (Step 2)
·        Face-to-Face assessment/supervised Instruction: 16 hours (Step 3)
·        Licencing and Workplace Induction: 12 hours (Step 4)

 
Prerequisites
The HLTAID011 - Provide First Aid unit is included in the course delivery. You will not be required to seek this qualification prior as a pre-requisite.
A medium to high level of aquatic fitness is required for some practical components of the course.
Candidates are required to have proficient swimming skills including the ability to perform survival strokes such as lifesaving backstroke and sidestroke.
Candidates must also be able to perform at least 2 minutes of uninterrupted CPR on a resuscitation manikin placed on the floor. 
  
There is a moderate to high level of reading and writing in this course. ACSF 3 language and reading level required. Candidates who experience language and/or literacy difficulties may identify and request additional learning support through the enrolment process. 

Age Requirement
Participants wishing to complete this training are to be 16 years of age or turning 16 in the calendar within which the course is to be held.

Outcomes
Upon successful course completion of the Pool Lifeguard course, candidates will be issued with a Statement of Attainment, for the SISSS00133 - Pool Lifeguard Skillset.
·       HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid (no longer a pre-requisite to enrolling)
·       SISCAQU019 – Supervise patron safety in aquatic locations
·       SISCAQU020 – Perform water rescues
·       SISCAQU021 – Perform complex water rescues
·       SISCAQU022 – Provide oxygen resuscitation and therapy in an aquatic environment
 
In addition to the following unit:
·       HLTAID009 - Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Achievement of these units provides credit towards SIS30122 - Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation.

Please note: Lifeguards are required to complete an annual re-accreditation to remain qualified. For existing Lifeguards looking to renew their qualifications, please see Pool Lifeguard Update course.