How Do I Become a Pool Lifeguard?
Becoming a pool lifeguard will not only equip you with the skills to save lives, but will also provide you with opportunities to work in a variety of locations, begin a career in the aquatic and recreation industry or it can just be a great way to fund your studies.
The current minimum industry requirement for employment as a pool lifeguard at a swimming pool or aquatic facility in Australia is the Royal Life Saving Society SISSS00133 Pool Lifeguard Skill Set.
Australian lifeguards are world-renowned for their high levels of skill and knowledge in accident prevention and rescue response. Royal Life Saving was the first organisation in Australia to start training pool lifeguards specifically and have been doing so for over 30 years.
The Pool Lifeguard (4-day course) is currently available for free to eligible students under the WA Government Skills Ready program. Those who are not eligible for Skills Ready are able to enrol in the course for $500.
The Pool Lifeguard (2-day) is available for $355 and has a pre-requisite of the HLTAID011 Provide first aid. Evidence of this course must be supplied upon enrolment.
Step 1: Enrol in a Pool Lifeguard course
Royal Life Saving WA offers both a 4-day and a 2-day Pool Lifeguard course.
Use the table below to determine which course is best for you.
| Pool Lifeguard Course Comparison | 4 Day | 2 Day |
|---|---|---|
| HLTAID011 Provide First Aid (this is a prerequisite unit for the 2-day course) | ✅ | |
| 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 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Eligible for WA Skills Ready free course funding | ✅ |
Step 2: Complete online learning and assessment
Allow yourself 12.5 hours for online theory for the 2-day course, and 16 hours for the 4-day course (as it includes first aid).
Step 3: Attend the course
The face-to-face learning involves classroom and pool training. Full course details can be found at the links below:
Step 4: Send final information to Royal Life Saving WA
Return a passport-style photo (can be a selfie) and proof of current HLTAID011 Provide First Aid to training@royallifesavingwa.com.au for review in order to be awarded your certificate and licence.
Royal Life Saving WA is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO code: 0854). You can find our RTO details on the National Training Register.
