Open Lifeguard Award
The Openwater Lifeguard Award (OLA), previously referred to as the Freshwater Proficiency Award (FPA), is the standard qualification required to perform rivers, lakes and dams lifeguard duties, be those in a voluntary or professional role.
The training is structured to provide the candidates with the relevant skills needed to execute rescues in the open water environment and if required, deliver basic first aid and resuscitation assistance.
Course Entry Requirements
- Minimum age 16 years
- Reasonable education level
- Physical fitness and swimming evaluation
- 400m pool swim in less than 8 minutes
Physical Requirements
Successful candidates will need to be able to complete the following open water swimming and rescue simulation evaluation activities, displaying a fair level of fitness and ability.
- 400m pool swim in under 8 minutes
- Run / Swim / Run (200m / 300m / 200m) under 10 min
- Lifeline swim (100m)
- Torpedo buoy rescue
- Rescue board rescue
Course Content
- Lifeguard accountability and professionalism
- Radio and signal communication
- Rescue prevention and recognition
- Lifesaving rescue techniques
- Rescue equipment maintenance
- Scene management i.e. drowning, aquatic trauma, medical conditions
- Basic anatomy and physiology
- First Aid
- Expired Air and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Supplementary Oxygen therapy
- Aquatic spinal injury management
Course Duration
A minimum period of 45 hours (7 - 9 days) of instruction is required per course.
Candidate Evaluation and Certification
Successful candidates are certified by Lifesaving S.A. Certification is valid for a period of 3 years, pending the successful completion of an annual fitness and resuscitation assessment.
