If you want to become a lifeguard, you’ll need to be fit and have a few qualifications.
To get a job as a Wollongong City Council lifeguard, you will need:
- Surf lifesaving skills and experience, or to be a professional lifeguard. Many of our lifeguards are members of the Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association (APOLA).
- Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search and Rescue) (PUA30322). We sometimes also make entry-level roles available for people with a Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue) (PUA20119).
- A current Provide First Aid qualification (HLTAID011).
- A current Advanced Resuscitation and Oxygen Therapy qualification (HLTAID015).
As part of the recruitment process, we test potential lifeguards to make sure they're fit and know their stuff. Lifeguard testing usually includes:
- An 800m pool swim which needs to be finished in under 14 minutes.
- An ‘M’ shaped mission including a 600m swim, 500m run, 600m board paddle, and another 500m run. This needs to be finished in less than 25 minutes.
- A surf rescue using a rescue board to return a patient to shore over 250 metres.
- A written theory test.
- A pre-employment medical assessment.
Training providers
You can search the Department of Education and Training’s website for a full list of courses to get lifeguard qualifications.
Some of the training providers who can assist you with qualifications include: