how to become a lifeguard

This may appear to be a 'dream job', spending your working hours on some of the world's most beautiful beaches, but there's more to being an ALS NSW lifeguard. You must hold and maintain the valid qualifications, pass regular fitness and competency tests and be willing and able to take on the responsibility of keeping hundreds and perhaps thousands of beachgoers safe.

Where possible, lifeguards are recruited through the volunteer base Surf Life Saving provides, ensuring in most cases, selected employees have extensive experience in aquatic public safety and local knowledge. We continue to build strong relationships and partnerships with volunteer surf clubs across NSW and this in turn delivers a better community service outcome to local Government authorities and land managers.

The ALS NSW provides a variety of employment opportunities for prospective lifeguards including full time, seasonal and casual employment. Our lifeguards must uphold the values of the ALS and always deliver a professional, helpful and courteous service to the public.

QUALIFICATIONS AND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

To be part of our industry leading world-class organisation, our lifeguards must be 17 years or over and demonstrate high levels of fitness, excellent rescue and people skills, and hold the following qualifications:

Surf Life Saving Bronze Medallion/Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue)
HLTAID003 or HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid
HLTAID007 or HLTAID015 – Provide Advanced Resuscitation Techniques
Silver Medallion Beach Management (including components PUATAE002B, PUAOPE027A, BSBFLM312C)
Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue
Current Motor Car Drivers Licence (Provisional or higher

FITNESS COMPONENT

All lifeguards must pass the following fitness component

A minimum 400m swim, 800m run, 400m rescue board paddle and 800m run in the surf in under 25 minutes
800 metre pool swim continuously (in a pool no less than 25 metres in length) in under 14 minutes
Rescue scenarios utilising a Rescue Board and Rescue Tube

ALS TESTING DETAILS

Due to COVID conditions please contact the assigned Supervisor regarding revised testing dates.

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HOW TO APPLY

The ALS are always striving to improve our processes and services. We have therefore made changes to our application process, not only will it be easier and more streamlined this season but also in the future.

Please ensure you READ the following before you apply:

RETURNING 2020/21 LIFEGUARDS MUST REAPPLY ONLINE WITH THEIR USER NUMBER AND PASSWORD.

IF YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN YOUR USER NO AND PASSWORD GO ONLINE:

https://userlogin.com.au/australianlifeguards/login.php
Enter your email and reset password

YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING OTHERWISE YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE REGISTERED (ensure you read each question and double check your answers are correct):

Complete the 2021/22 Induction Course (must be completed otherwise your application will not be registered)
Update your personal details:

Enter Date of Application
2021/22 Testing Details select which testing date you wish to attend

Update personal details if there are changes to your:

Area of Employment
Address
Mobile Number
Emergency Contact
Renewed Drivers Licence
Maiden Name
Bank Details
Superannuation Details (HESTA is the default fund used by Surf Life Saving Service)
Uniform Size

Complete the 2021/22 Tax Declaration Form (this is compulsory every season)
Complete the 2021/22 U18 Parental Permission Form (if applicable)
Upload your Current Surfguard Awards
Sign & Date the 2021/22 Acknowledgement Statutory Declarations (this must be completed every season)

NEW LIFEGUARDS:

Before you apply, you will need to have the following information at hand:

Personal and emergency details
Financial details – Bank/Superannuation/Tax File Number
Uniform size
Drivers' licence
Copies of your qualifications or SurfGuard award report – if you are unsure visit the SLSA Member Portal here.
Awards and Qualifications Chart – If you need to know the awards criteria download the Awards and Qualifications Chart.
2021/22 Course Calendar – if you are missing a pre requisite award please visit the 2021/22 Course Calendar or ALA Courses in your region.

To apply you will need to register with our online application and induction process using your name and email.

Complete the 2021/22 online induction
Complete the personal details section
Complete all financial details
Attach all other relevant documentation (Under 18 Parental Consent Form, Working Visa etc.), if applicable
Attach all qualifications and/or SurfGuard report
Complete and sign the online Acknowledgement Statutory Declarations