Lifesaving & Lifeguarding

	“I’ve always enjoyed aquatic activity so the opportunity to become a professional Pool Lifeguard really appealed to me. A lifeguard needs to be able to think quickly and respond in emergencies. I undertake Lifeguard training annually to ensure my skills and knowledge are to date. I strongly recommend Lifeguarding to all active people.” GRANT TOMU – SENIOR LIFEGUARD

The professionally trained lifeguard is the cornerstone of any aquatic facility. Lifeguarding is both rewarding and challenging and is an entry point to a career in the aquatics industry.

In NSW it is recommended by Royal Life Saving and the NSW Government that all pool lifeguards possess a Pool Lifeguard Licence. The training delivered by Royal Life Saving ensures that every lifeguard possesses the skills and knowledge to handle a wide variety of incidents that occur on a day to day basis at aquatic centres around NSW and Australia.

To obtain a Pool Lifeguard Licence, candidates are required to complete a Bronze Medallion and First Aid Certificate (NSW WorkCover recognised) prior to undertaking the Pool Lifeguard training course. Alternatively candidates can enrol in an intensive 4 day Pool Lifeguard Package.

Lifeguards from overseas possessing Royal Life Saving Lifeguard awards from other countries will need to contact Royal Life Saving on 1300 737 763 to obtain a training pathway for accreditation.

BRONZE MEDALLION – Community Lifesaving

The Bronze Medallion is a pre-requisite to the RLSSA Pool Lifeguard Licence.

Lifesaving in its broadest context implies the saving of life through prevention of accidents, personal survival and rescue of others. The majority of drowning accidents occur inland in places such as rivers, dams and home swimming pools. Such places are rarely patrolled by qualified lifeguards.

It is important that all members of the community learn some lifesaving techniques. The thoughtful application of the knowledge and skill provided within this program will save lives, ensure the rescuer’s safety and prevent a possible double drowning.

The RLSSA Bronze Medallion is recognised as the minimum standard for a qualified lifesaver.

For further information visit http://www.royallifesaving.com.au/www/html/402-bronze-medallion.asp

POOL LIFEGUARD LICENCE – Professional lifeguarding

A mature and professional attitude towards the role and responsibilities of the job is an essential characteristic of the effective lifeguard. The lifeguard’s primary function is accident prevention. When prevention fails, the lifeguard must be ready to respond to a rescue.

Those wishing to become lifeguards should first undergo the relevant training to become qualified lifesavers, learning a wide range of water safety, swimming, lifesaving and resuscitation skills. It is now recognised that those who are responsible for patrolling at a venue – be it a pool, lake or river – require additional skills and knowledge over and above those required by the qualified lifesaver. The Pool Lifeguard Licence course is the right place to start.

The current industry requirement for employment as a Pool Lifeguard in a Swimming Pool is the RLSSA Pool Lifeguard Licence Award.

The Pool Lifeguard Licence Award conducted by Royal Life Saving is recognised throughout Australia and in many countries around the world. This is an entry-level qualification that can lead to an exciting career in the aquatic and recreation industry.

For further information visit http://www.royallifesaving.com.au/www/html/403-pool-lifeguard.asp

POOL LIFEGUARD LICENCE PACKAGE - Combination Course (First Aid / Bronze Medallion / Pool Lifeguard Licence)

The Pool Lifeguard Licence Package will provide participants with all necessary industry qualifications required to work as a Pool Lifeguard in an aquatic centre in New South Wales. This is an entry-level qualification that can lead to an exciting career in the aquatic and recreation industry.

For further information visit: http://www.royallifesaving.com.au/www/html/433-pool-lifeguard-package.asp

POOL LIFEGUARD RE-ACCREDITATION

A lifeguard’s job requires a high degree of judgement, skill and fitness in both day – to – day lifeguarding and in the stress of an emergency. Re-accreditation training helps sustain the lifeguard’s confidence in their ability to prevent accidents and to respond competently when they do occur.

Both lifeguards and employers must recognise the need for and encourage regular ongoing lifeguard training and development opportunities. Physical and mental preparation is equally important. Lifeguards should be able to demonstrate at any time that their ability has remained at an appropriate standard and that they have stayed abreast of any changes in policy or procedure. Current competence is vital to any lifeguard employee and is required to be assessed annually as identified in NSW Department of Local Government Practice Note No. 15 “Water Safety”.

For further information visit: http://www.royallifesaving.com.au/www/html/435-pool-lifeguard-licence-re-accreditation.asp

LINK to ENROLMENT & COURSE DETAILS

Click here for upcoming Lifesaving and Lifeguarding Courses at the ASTA and other convenient locations.