Course Overview
This nationally recognised Pool Lifeguard qualification provides the skills and knowledge required to supervise patron safety, prevent drowning, and respond to aquatic emergencies in swimming pools and aquatic recreation facilities.
The primary role of a Pool Lifeguard is to actively supervise patrons in the aquatic environment and respond quickly to water-based incidents, rescues, and medical emergencies. This course applies to individuals working, or intending to work, as pool lifeguards in community or workplace settings and is delivered in line with Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) Guidelines and national aquatic safety
standards.
Both new lifeguard training and annual refresher courses are available.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll develop the practical skills and decision-making ability to manage safety and
emergencies in an aquatic environment, including how to:
Supervise patron safety and enforce aquatic facility rules
Identify unsafe patron behaviour and at-risk persons
Recognise signs of distress, drowning, or medical emergencies
Perform water rescues (non-contact, contact, spinal, and deep-water rescues)
Perform CPR on adults, children, and infants
Use oxygen resuscitation equipment and bag-valve-mask (BVM)
Extract casualties from shallow and deep water using rescue equipment
Manage complex aquatic rescue scenarios
Provide immediate first aid until emergency services arrive
Communicate with patrons, emergency services, and aquatic facility staff
Complete incident reports and equipment fault logs
Follow workplace procedures and aquatic safety standards
Refresher entry requirement:
• Existing Pool Lifeguard certificate or Statement of Attainment (current or within 30 days of expiry)
⚠️ Many workplaces also require HLTAID015 – Provide Advanced Resuscitation and Oxygen Therapy (book separately if required).
How the Course Works
Pre-Course Learning (Online)
- Online theory modules and assessments via the student portal
- Approx. 3–6 hours to complete
- Completed before attending practical training
Practical Session (Face-to-Face)
- Pool-based rescue training and simulations
- CPR, oxygen therapy, spinal rescues, and casualty extractions
- Delivered by experienced aquatic trainers
Duration – Online Pre-Course Learning & Practical
- Online learning: Approx. 3–6 hours
- New course: 2 full practical training days
- Refresher course: 1 practical training day
Assessment
Students must complete both theory and practical assessments, including:
- Online: Multiple-choice exam
- Practical assessments
- Infant CPR
- Child CPR and BVM use
- Maintain resuscitation and oxygen equipment
- Recognise and respond to:
- Unsafe patron behaviour
- At-risk persons with additional needs
- Emergency situations requiring pool closure
- Aquatic rescues:
- Two non-swim rescues (reach and throw)
- 25m swim + 25m non-contact tow (plus oxygen therapy for shock)
- 10m swim + 10m contact tow of a conscious casualty
- Suspected spinal injury rescue using immobilisation equipment
- Deep-water retrieval (up to 2m) + 25m contact tow of an unconscious casualty
- Participate in safety discussions with an aquatic industry leader
- Documentation
- Complete an Incident Report
- Complete an Equipment Fault Log
- Student Declaration
There is no longer a timed swim.
Certificate Validity & Renewal
Valid for 12 months (annual renewal required)
Entry Requirements (Including Prerequisites)
To enrol, participants must:
- Hold a current HLTAID011 Provide First Aid certificate (mandatory prerequisite), can be added onto training
- Be physically capable of completing all practical rescue tasks, including:
- Swimming and towing casualties
- Spinal rescues
- CPR performed on the floor with rescue breathing on manikins
- Have adequate vision and hearing to recognise distress signals
- Have access to a computer, smartphone, or tablet with internet access
⚠️ Important notes:
- NSW lifeguards may require an additional Pool Lifeguard Licence (check with employer)
- Lifeguards must meet health and fitness requirements outlined in the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations (GSPO)
Cost & Payment
New course - $365
Refresher course - $185
Pay online via Visa/Mastercard or PayPal to secure a place, or request an invoice to your employer after the practical session.
Who This Course Is For
Book your onsite training
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Units of Competency
On successful completion, you’ll receive a recognised Statement of Attainment issued by Allens Training Pty Ltd (RTO 90909) for:
HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
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
Training and assessment delivered on behalf of Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909