Become a Surf Lifeguard

Qualifying as a Surf Lifeguard

To be a qualified lifeguard you must be 14 years or older and pass your Surf Lifeguard Award exam. The exam comprises:

• 400m pool swim in under 9 minutes
• run/swim/run in the surf
• resuscitation test
• rescue test
• theory questions
• practical surf knowledge test.

Each season active Surf Lifeguards must perform a refresher test. This includes a swim, resuscitation test and first aid questions. It is not designed to fail people but to ensure their fitness and knowledge is up to the required standard.

Benefits of Surf Life Saving Membership

Surf Life Saving offers a range of activities in a great environment. As a member of a club you are entitled to use the clubs facilities and appropriate equipment. Surf Life Saving also offers a range of awards, training and courses through your club or region to increase your skills and knowledge.

You are eligible as a surf lifeguard to compete in Surf Sports events and enjoy access to regular coaching programmes. Regions have representative teams and development squads are actively seeking new talent.

Membership Categories

•  Junior Surf  (7-13 yrs of age)
•  Qualifying Active (14 yrs and over)
•  Active U19 (14 to 18 years)
•  Active Open (19 years and over)
•  Associate   

*Age as at 30 September  

Rookie Lifeguard Programme

Course Overview

The Rookie Lifeguard Programme has been designed to help junior surf members prepare to be a Surf Lifeguard. The Rookie Lifeguard Programme aims to promote "practical lifeguarding" to the younger members and develop strong ties between senior and junior members as a result of involvement.

The target audience for this programme is 13 year old junior surf members wishing to become Surf Lifeguards next season.

Course Information 

Pre requistes

Be 13 years of age by the 1st October Be able to swim 200 meters in a pool in under 4:30mins and a current member of a SLS club

Duration

Variable depending on competence and instruction structure 2-8 weeks

Delivered by

Club Rookie Lifeguard coordinators

Who should complete it

Anyone interested in becoming a Surf Lifeguard in years to come

Candidate requirements

Participate in four patrols (no less than 12 hours in total) Complete all Rookie Surf Lifeguard Log Book Modules

Topics covered

1. Health, sun smart & conservation

2.  Surf & swimming skills

3. Role of a surf lifeguard and patrolling

4. Signals, flags & radio operations

5. Rescue, releases & tube rescue

6. First aid & emergency care

7. Primary survey & CPR

8. Practical surf skills

9. Patrol equipment & clubhouse

10. Surf Life Saving Club structure and culture

Outcomes

At the completion of the qualification candidates will be able to:

1. Identify the role of a Surf Lifeguard

2. Demonstrate a range of Surf Lifeguard skills