Lifeguard Education

Whether setting up patrol areas or rescuing in heavy surf, every Lifeguard knows the powerful motivation of saving or protecting a life.  It is a motivation that marks Surf Life Saving as more than just 'something to do' at the weekend.

When you turn 14 you can sit your Surf Lifeguard Award and once you have your award there are a range of programmes and other awards you can participate in to develop your skills further.  Click on an award below to access additional information, such as pre-requisites, length of course, and who to contact. 

 

 

The Patrol Support certifies that the holder has the basic skills and knowledge to be a Patrol Support Member.  Click here for more information...

 

The Surf Lifeguard Award certifies that the holder has the basic skills and knowledge to be a Surf Lifeguard. This is the entry level qualification for members to be a patrolling member. Click here for more information...

 

The Board Rescue Module (BRM) has been designed to help Surf Lifeguards develop their rescue skills with a rescue board. The BRM covers both conscious and unconscious rescues with a rescue board.  Click here for more information...

 

The Rock Training & Rescue Module (RTM) is the starting point for training lifeguards in rock activities and operations. The RTM gives Surf Lifeguards the knowledge and skill required to perform rock entries, exits and rescues.  Click here for more information...

 

The Marine VHF Radio Operators Certificate is designed to give Surf Lifeguards the knowledge and skill needed to be able to use a VHF radio while on patrol including emergency situations. It is a legal requirement for members to have this qualification to use a marine VHF radio.  Click here for more information...

 

Intermediate Lifeguard School is designed to provide junior lifeguards with the skill skill development, knowledge and further understanding to develop as a lifeguard. The school is a dynamic combination of theory and practical based sessions to enhance the candidate's learning through a variety of situations.  Click here for more information...

 

The Senior Lifeguard Award - Patrol Captain provides information on what you need to know and be able to do as a patrol captain. The qualification also covers theory on leadership topics which are then put into practice during scenarios. This prepares Surf Lifeguards for the leadership role that is essential to being a successful patrol captain. Click here for more information...

 

The Advanced Lifeguard Award (ALA) is gained by completing all of the prerequisites and successfully completing a National Lifeguard School (NLS). The NLS combines dynamic theory sessions with a number of intensive practical and scenario based activities.  Click here for more information...
Recognition of prior learning describes a process used to evaluate skills and knowledge gained outside the classroom.  These skills and knowledge are then recognised against a set of standards or learning objectives.   Click here for more information...

 

Find when courses are happening in your local area by clicking here.

 

Lifesaving Resources

First Aid Course

Click here

How to book on a Course

With the introduction of our new course booking system all members now need to contact their club contact to register their interest for any SLSNZ course.

Examination Registration Form (word, 94kb) - for instructors registering candidates for SLA or IRB examinations. 
Course Booking Form (word, 191kb)

Course & Award Processing

A member will not be officially accredited with any course, award or refresher until SLSNZ has processed it and loaded it on the membership database. Processing by SLSNZ may take a minimum of 2 weeks.  

Course Costs

It is important to note there will be a user pays component for most of the courses on offer. This is necessary to allow us to deliver the training opportunities for our members and is consistent across the country. SLSNZ will invoice clubs according to how many members register and are accepted on to the course. It is then up to each club to decide if you will pass this cost on to your members.

If a member is accepted on to a course and fails to attend or complete the requirements of that course, SLSNZ will invoice the club for the full cost of the course.

If a club would like to apply for funding to cover the user pays component, SLSNZ can supply quotes to support your funding application.