Pool Lifeguard Award
The Pool Lifeguard award is the standard qualification required to provide voluntary or professional lifeguard patrols in a swimming pool environment.
The award covers all the various aspects of pool lifeguarding techniques, first aid and theoretical knowledge.
It is also the minimum requirement for lifeguards to enter both local and international lifesaving competitions.
Candidate Requirements
- Minimum age 16 years
- Reasonable education level
- Physical fitness and swimming evaluation
- 100m swim in under 2 minutes
- 2 minutes water treading
Course Content
- Rescue prevention and recognition
- Pool rescue techniques
- Release and defence methods
- Management of emergency situations
- Resuscitation for adults, children and infants
- First aid level one
- Basic anatomy and physiology
- Swimming and rescue evaluations
- Spinal injury management
Course Duration – 30hrs of instruction plus 24hrs patrol experience
Candidate Evaluation and Certification
Candidates are evaluated by an independent examiner, who has not been involved with their instruction. The candidates are examined on all aspects of the award.
Successful candidates are certified by Lifesaving South Africa. Certification is valid for a period of 3 years from the date of issue pending the successful completion of an annual reassessment.
