Career Guides
Pool/Recreational Lifeguards
Lifeguards look after the safety of people where aquatic activities are taking place. Their main job is to prevent accidents from happening in aquatic areas and to rescue those who need help.
Where you Might Work
- Pools
- Bodies of water where recreational activities are taking place (lakes, rivers, lagoons).
Key Responsibilities
Being a lifeguard is a very rewarding job due to the responsibilities you must undergo every day. These responsibilities could include:
- Promoting water safety awareness.
- Running participants through safety precautions such as how to put on a life jacket, how to effectively call for help etc.
- Moving swimmers away from dangerous parts of a body of water.
- Rescuing or assisting swimmers who are having difficulties in the water.
The Attributes and Skills You Will Need
Lifeguards must hold themselves to a high standard, so they are always ready for the worst scenario. The skills or attributes good lifeguards display include:
- Good physical and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to shout loud and clear.
- Excellent knowledge of first aid and CPR.
- A high level of physical fitness.
- Good coordination and a high level of swimming ability.
Market Insights
Market Insights
Market Insights
Market Insights
Market Insights
Retrieved from: Labour Market Insights
Salary: the average full-time salary for a pool lifeguard is $63,660, according to seek.com.au.
Qualifications
Please note every lifeguard is REQUIRED to have a First Aid and CPR Certificate.
| Course | Potential Career Outcomes | Further Qualifications | Course Duration and number of elements/units |
| SISSS00133 – Pool Lifeguard | Allows students to work as a lifeguard in public and private swimming pools | n/a Training must be updated every 12 months. | Covers 5 units of competency recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework |
| Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue) and Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search and Rescue) (PUA30322) | VET courses that will equip jobseekers with the tools necessary to become introductory-level lifeguards. | n/a | Cert II: 8 units of competency recognised by the Australian Qualifications Framework Cert III: 11 units of competency recognised by the Australian Qualifications Framework |
Bronze Medallion Course (HLTAID009 and SISCAQU020) | The minimum standard for a qualified lifeguard.
| n/a | Course Length: 11 hours Contains 2 units of competency recognised by the Australian Qualifications Framework
|
Note: This career guide does not promote careers or courses in beach lifeguarding.
Already qualified? Head to the Sportspeople jobs board for the best selection of positions currently available in the industry.
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