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Pool lifeguarding is a fun, flexible, and dynamic job — and often the first step toward a career in the aquatics industry. The Royal Life Saving Pool Lifeguard course is nationally recognised and develops the skills needed to supervise patron safety, respond to aquatic emergencies, and manage water-based rescues.
Please note: Royal Life Saving NSW is not a CRICOS provider and cannot deliver nationally recognised training to overseas students holding a student visa.
Key content includes:
Patron surveillance and supervision techniques
Single and complex water rescues
Oxygen resuscitation and therapy in aquatic environments
First aid and CPR skills
Emergency response and incident management
This course is designed for individuals seeking employment as a pool lifeguard or those wishing to start a career in the aquatics industry. It is also suitable for anyone who wants to build their skills in aquatic supervision, rescue, and emergency management.
The course takes approximately 36 hours in total, comprising:
8 hours of online learning and assessment
16 hours of face-to-face supervised instruction and assessment (2-day workshop)
12 hours of workplace induction and licence application activities
The HLTAID011 Provide First Aid unit is included in this course delivery and does not need to be obtained separately. Candidates must:
Have proficient swimming skills, including the ability to perform survival strokes such as lifesaving backstroke and sidestroke.
Be able to perform at least two minutes of uninterrupted CPR on a resuscitation manikin placed on the floor.
Meet a medium to high level of aquatic fitness requirements for certain practical components.
Demonstrate ACSF Level 3 in reading and oral communication, and Level 2/3 in writing and numeracy.
Minimum age: 16 years, or turning 16 in the calendar year in which the course is undertaken.
- Candidates must complete all online modules prior to attending the practical workshop. The face-to-face component involves two days of supervised instruction where participants demonstrate their aquatic rescue, surveillance, oxygen therapy, and first aid skills. Following successful completion of the course, candidates must then complete a Pool Lifeguard Licence Application Workbook in their workplace. This workbook includes an induction checklist, supervisor sign-off, and evidence of on-the-job supervision, which are required to issue the Pool Lifeguard Licence.
On successful completion of this course you will be issued a Statement of Attainment in:
HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid
HLTAID009 – Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
SISCAQU019 – Supervise patron safety in aquatic locations
SISCAQU020 – Perform water rescues
SISCAQU021 – Perform complex water rescues
SISCAQU022 – Provide oxygen resuscitation and therapy in an aquatic environment
Achievement of these units provides credit toward SIS30122 Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation.
The Safe Work Australia model Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace and the Australian Resuscitation Council recommend that first aid skills are renewed every three years, and resuscitation skills (HLTAID009/HLTAID015) are renewed every 12 months. Please also refer to specific industry standards and guidelines.
Course Calendar
There are currently no scheduled courses for
Pool Lifeguard
“Thanks for your interest in our courses. While we don’t currently have sessions scheduled, we are planning our next round soon. If you’d like, we can add you to our priority list so you’ll be the first to know when new dates open.”