FAQ's

What qualifications do I need to become a lifeguard with the Australian Lifeguard Service?

The ALS has strict qualification requirements to ensure every employee is trained to the exact standards for a professional lifeguard. These qualifications are set out in the ALS Lifeguard Qualifications Framework here.

What level of fitness is required for a lifeguard?

Generally, lifeguards require a high level of fitness to competently undertake their duties. The specific level of fitness will ultimately be determined by the environment in which you work in (i.e. ocean, lagoon or pool). For more information on lifeguard assessments click here.

I'm not from Australia, but I want to work as a lifeguard in Australia.

The ALS welcomes international lifeguards to apply for jobs as a lifeguard like any other Australian resident. You will need to ensure you have the relevant qualifications and visa to work in Australia. If you have qualifications from your home country you may be able to have these recognised by the ALS through the Australian Lifesaving Academy. You will need to undertake a process called a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). You should have the correct qualifications and visa before applying for a job with the ALS.

For more information on your particular situation please contact the ALS in the state you wish to work. State contact details can be found in the State Operations section or you can email a state directly through the contact page.

I want to work in Sydney or the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast

The Australian Lifeguard Service does not operate lifeguard contracts for the beaches in the Sydney metro, Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast. These services are operated by the relevant local government. For information on working at these beaches visit the websites of the council you are interested in. The ALS (NSW) operates the lifeguard service in Pittwater Council which is located at the northen most part of the Sydney northern beaches, and in the Royal National Park located south of the Sutherland Shire.

For more information on where the ALS operates click here.

When do applications close for summer lifeguard jobs?

Application closing dates differ from state to state. Seasonal jobs are usually advertised any time from late July and may close at any time after that. Casual jobs can be advertised at any time and usually have later close off times closer to the start of the season. Full time positions and lifeguard supervisor roles can be advertised at any time. To keep on top of available lifeguard jobs sign up to a Jobs RSS feed from the Jobs homepage.