The recruitment process

The ALS lifeguard recruitment and application process has been designed to enable the ALS to consider an applicant’s ability to meet the requirements for employment.

The process includes a number of stages:

• Recognition of Current Competence (qualifications)
• Health, Fitness and Functional Assessment (lifeguard assessment)
• Working with Children Consent Check*
• Interview
• Selection and Notification

This page outlines the national ALS standard application process; however, each state service may have additional standards which also need to be met.

Lifeguard qualifications

The ALS lifeguard qualifications framework outlines the requirements for lifeguards as employees of the Australian Lifeguard Service. The framework is based on attaining specific units of competency from the Public Safety training package which is part of the Australian Qualifications Framework as well as lifesaving industry awards/certificates. The units of competency required are grouped together into awards and certificates also, which make it easy for potential employees to attain the units through industry training providers, i.e. the Australian Lifesaving Academy.

For more information regarding lifeguard qualifications click here.

Lifeguard Assessments

The Australian Lifeguard Service has specific fitness and skills assessments based on the requirements for each role and environment.

Assessments may include, but are not limited to: fitness and skills testing, rescue demonstrations and knowledge tests. These assessments will be required as part of the recruitment process and will take place at regular times throughout employment, they may also be used to rank potential employees for the process of selection. The ALS uses assessments based on science through evidence-based research which may change at any time.

The most current lifeguard assessment requirementscan be found here.

Working With Children Consent*

Some states/territories will require a working with children background check (each state has a different name for this check) as a prerequisite to employment. A summary of the requirements that need to be met within the relevant legislation in relation to screening processes and working with children checks is set out in Annexure 1 of the SLSA Member Safety and Wellbeing Policy.

These requirements are set out by each state government and are therefore different for lifeguards in different states. Specific requirements for your state can be found on the respective state service profile surf life saving website.

For more information on a working with children background check consult the SLSA Member Safety and Wellbeing Policy or contact your state Lifeguard Manager.

*The name of this type of check varies by state.

Interview

During the recruitment process you may go through an interview process. The interview is an important assessment tool in the ALS recruitment and selection process.

The interview will consist of a series of questions and will take approximately 45 minutes. Response to the questions will be assessed against the key criteria in the ALS lifeguard position description for the role you are applying for.

To prepare for the interview, applicants should revise the applicable position descriptions, relevant training manuals and be prepared to answer questions relating to the role of a lifeguard or senior lifeguard and the selection criteria.

Selection & Notification

Based off the job application form and the relevant assessments lifeguards will be selected as suitable or unsuitable for employment.

Those suitable will be prioritised for the applicable available positions and notified in writing. It may be the case where not all suitable lifeguards will be employed. This decision rests with the lifeguard supervisor and/or the lifeguard manager.