Course Overview
The Advanced Lifeguard Award is gained by completing all the prerequisites and successfully completing a National Lifeguard School (NLS). NLS combines dynamic theory sessions with a number of intensive practical and scenario based activities. Candidates will be extended both physically and mentally and a good level of fitness is required.
If a candidate can achieve their Advanced Lifeguard Award, they are among the fittest and most capable lifeguards on the beach. They will have demonstrated highly competent skills in all lifeguarding aspects in a patrol setting.
National Lifeguard School Course Information
Prerequisites:
- Current member of a SLS club
- 18 years of age
- Surf Lifeguard Award (refreshed)
- Senior Lifeguard Award - IRB Driver (refreshed + minimum 2 full seasons of driving experience)
- Surf First Aid (refreshed)
- Radio Communication Module or Marine VHF Radio Operators Certificate
- Senior Lifeguard Award - Patrol Captain
- Rock Training & Rescue Module (introduced for 24-25 season)
- Swim 800 metres sub 14 minutes
- Run 3km in under 20 minutes
- Club Endorsement to attend
- Minimum 4 seasons patrolling experience
Topics covered
- Leadership and teamwork
- Advanced first aid, patient treatment and care
- Crisis management and scene management
- Advanced IRB skill development
- Rock rescues and navigation
- IRB Rock rescues
- Search and rescue
- Patrol and first aid scenarios
- Stages of drowning and scanning
Duration: NLS 3 1/2 days (Thurs-Sun)
Delivered by: SLSNZ appointed instructors
Who should complete it: Anyone interested in gaining the highest Surf Lifeguard qualification
Candidate requirements:
- Obtain all NLS prerequisites
- Complete the NLS pre-learning modules
- Fully participate and successfully complete the NLS
Candidates who successfully complete all National Lifeguard School candidate requirements to required standards will be awarded the Advanced Lifeguard Award.
Award currency: No expiry
NATIONAL LIFEGUARD SCHOOL DETAILS
2025/2026
- Date: Thurs 4 December - Sun 7 December 2025
- Venue: Mt Maunganui, Bay of Plenty
- Applications open: 25 August 2025
- Applications close: 21 September 2025
Download the 800m Swim Time Form.
For further event information please check out the event flyer here.
Further Information
Poppy Crouch, Member Development & Engagement Officer
027 537 7233 | poppy.crouch@surflifesaving.org.nz
THE ROLE OF AN ADVANCED LIFEGUARD
An Advanced Lifeguard should be able to demonstrate leadership, capability and skills, specifically:
- Cope with a variety of complex situations and scenarios
- Demonstrate good communication and leadership skills
- Knowledge of stakeholders and other search and rescue partner agencies
- Attain a high standard of physical fitness and mental fortitude
- Adaptability and ability to fulfil the role of Patrol Captain at any beach
- Demonstrate and utilise advanced lifeguarding skills appropriately, specifically; IRB skills, rock rescues, advanced first aid & patient care & basic search and rescue skills.
- Effective delegation and ability to use team strengths for best patient outcomes
- An ability to draw on personal and other expert experience during times of crisis.
- Provide professional advice to other agencies where required.
Objective
- To clearly outline the process and criteria to be used by SLSNZ in selecting instructors and mentors for National Lifeguard School (NLS).
- To outline a clear and transparent selection process for members.
Selection Criteria
To be eligible for section as an head instructor, instructor or mentor you must meet the following pre-requisites:
PREREQUISTES - MENTOR
- Current member of a SLS club
- Min 20 years of age
- Surf Lifeguard Award (refreshed)
- Senior Lifeguard Award - IRB Driver (refreshed)
- Surf First Aid (current)
- Rock Training & Rescue Module
- Advanced Lifeguard Award
- Have a genuine interest in mentoring and developing the next generation of our senior lifeguards
PREREQUISTES - INSTRUCTOR
- Current member of a SLS club
- Min 20 years of age
- Surf Lifeguard Award (refreshed)
- Senior Lifeguard Award - IRB Driver (refreshed)
- Surf First Aid (current)
- Rock Training & Rescue Module
- Advanced Lifeguard Award
- Demonstrated experience in instructing or facilitating training
- Have a genuine interest in developing our senior lifeguards
- Head Instructor: All of the above plus minimum of 2-3 seasons as a NLS instructor
General information
Mentors
- National Lifeguard School mentors act as a guide, drawing on their experience to offer advice and direction; to share alternative perspectives and insights to enable the candidate to develop their own skills to apply in the lifeguarding environment
- Four mentors are selected for the school to mentor a group of five selected candidates. Mentors will be paired with select candidates to ensure the ‘right mix’ of skills and regional locations while setting up the best possible learning environment
- Mentors will be expected to participate in all activities so a high level of swimming and running fitness is required
Desirable mentor attributes
- Be able to develop relationships with your allocated candidates quickly and have enthusiasm to enable them to reach their potential during the school
- Set a good example as a positive role model during all sessions
- Be an open and an active listener for your candidates
- Builds trust and confidence with their candidate group
- Time management of self and able to motivate others to be timely
- Refined observation skills to be able to provide useful feedback on candidates and the effectiveness of sessions from the perspective of a learner
- Remain engaged, but independent
- While you are there to support assigned candidates, you are not a candidate yourself and may need to leave room or step back from the session for them to connect with each other, the instructor or make their own decisions
Instructors
- Six-Seven instructors will be selected for a minimum three season term. The three season term came into effect for any new instructors selected for the 2020/2021 season
- Instructors must mentor at least one school before instructing SLSNZ may on a case by case basis, consider applications from experienced instructors/facilitators who have not filled the mentor role in the past
- Due to our instructor openings for 2025/2026, one - two new instructors will be selected
Selection process
- All interested instructors and mentors to complete the application form
- SLSNZ checks relevant eligibility for selection and collates all applications
- SLSNZ selects instructors and mentors for the season
2025/2026
- Date: Thurs 4 Dec - Sun 7 December 2025
- Venue: Mt Maunganui, Bay of Plenty
- Instructor and Mentor applications open from: 1 August 2025 - 24 August 2025
Further Information
Poppy Crouch, Member Development & Engagement Officer
027 537 7233 | poppy.crouch@surflifesaving.org.nz