Lifeguard qualifications

Lifeguard qualification framework

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.

Download the ALS Qualifications Brochure:

Pool/Lagoon Lifeguard

The Australian Lifeguard Service provides lifeguard services to a number of pools and lagoons around Australia. The qualification requirements for lifeguards who only work in these environments slightly differs from those in the ocean environment. The ALS requires all lifeguards working within a pool and lagoon environment to have as a minimum, the Pool Lifeguard Award and a Senior First Aid certificate (or similar).

POOL/LAGOON LIFEGUARD AWARD*

*In some cases a Cert II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue) maybe supplemented with additional pool lifeguard training to reach this level.

SENIOR FIRST AID

ADVANCED RESUSCITATION TECHNIQUES^

Ocean Lifeguard

The Ocean Lifeguard qualification includes units of competency that significantly enhance the skills and knowledge and ultimately the effectiveness of the lifeguard. This allows the lifeguard to be able to respond to a broad range of incidents in the challenging and dynamic ocean environment. Many of these units make up the Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search & Rescue) which can be completed through achieving the Advanced Ocean Lifeguard level.

PUA21004 CERTIFICATE II IN PUBLIC SAFETY (AQUATIC RESCUE) aka Bronze Medallion

SENIOR FIRST AID

ADVANCED RESUSCITATION TECHNIQUES^

BASIC BEACH MANAGEMENT

SPINAL MANAGEMENT

Advanced Ocean Lifeguard

The Advanced Ocean Lifeguard is designed for lifeguards who wish to be employed in roles such as a Team Leader or Supervisor. Lifeguards who reach this level will hold a Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search & Rescue). The additional units of competency that complete the Cert III focus on team management, beach safety & risk management, community relations and beach operations management.

All the requirements of the Ocean Lifeguard plus:

ADVANCED EMERGENCY CARE#

#In some instances this award may be required as part of the Ocean Lifeguard requirements.

BEACH MANAGEMENT

^Formally known as Advanced Resuscitation Certificate and Defibrillation Certificate

Rescue Craft Awards

Some lifeguard environments are boosted by the operation of specialist rescue craft, i.e. IRB’s, RWC’s and ATV’s. To operate these rescue craft requires the attainment of specific awards through specialist training. Lifeguards are only required to hold these awards in locations where they are used operationally.

IRB DRIVER*

*May require completion of IRB Crewperson training

RWC DRIVER

ATV OPERATOR

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Australian Lifeguard Service is able to offer an RPL process to prospective employees who wish to gain recognition of qualifications and experience from another country or that are similar to what is required in the Lifeguard Qualifications Framework. For more information contact the Australian Lifesaving Academy.

Lifeguard Assessments

The role of a lifeguard is challenging and the aquatic environments lifeguards are required to work in can differ dramatically from day to day, location to location. To recognise this, the Australian Lifeguard Service has specific fitness and skills assessments based on the requirements for each role and environment. These assessments are designed to ensure the lifeguard is physically and mentally prepared for their role, for the safety of the public and themselves.

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. For the current lifeguard assessment requirements click here.

Additional Info

Proficiencies: Many of the units of competency require lifeguards to perform annual or biennial proficiencies in order to remain current in that competency.

Prerequisites: Some units of competency may require the completion of other supporting units.

Training: Training is delivered through a number of providers. Check with your state, or at lifeguards.com.au for more information.

Gold Medallion: By achieving the qualifications that make up the Ocean Lifeguard, and completing the Lifeguard Assessment you will meet the requirements of the surf life saving Gold Medallion. If you are a member of surf life saving you can enquire about being awarded the Gold Medallion. Check with your club/state for more information.

For information on how to Become A Lifeguard click here.