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A Pool Lifeguard ensure public safety at a swimming pool facility. You’ll conduct patrols around the pool area and monitor the water for people experiencing difficulties. You may have to come to the aid of people having problems in the water and might have to provide first aid. Pool Lifeguards may educate visitors on water safety issues and speak with people about unsafe behaviour in a pool environment.
Pool Lifeguards should have excellent observational skills and be able to focus for long periods of time. It’s important that you are physically fit and have a knowledge of first aid. Pool Lifeguards must be able to make safety a priority at all times. Depending on your workplace, you might have to work irregular hours including weekends and holidays.
There are 5 courses available for people who want to become a Pool Lifeguard.
Possible job outcomes:
The SIS20122 Certificate II in Sport and Recreation is an entry level qualification, great for students wanting to work at fitness centres, sporting grounds, or recreation centres. With a strong emphasis on safety, students learn how to plan and conduct sport and recreation sessions and then choose their own speciality area; administration, grounds, recreation, retail, coaching, or events. Note: students must hold a current First Aid Certificate + CPR to enrol in this course. The SIS20122 Certificate II in Sport and Recreation is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package..
Average duration: 12 months.
Get the skills you need to rescue people from drowning with the PUA20119 Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue). This nationally recognised qualification is for lifesavers and anyone who needs the first aid and rescue skills to respond to public emergencies in oceans, rivers, swimming pools and coastal vessels. The course covers: providing emergency life support, surf awareness and rescue skills, teamwork and communication, performing water rescues, supervising swimmers, assisting disabled swimmers, and much more. Enquire now for upcoming enrolment dates, graduation competencies, and employment outcomes..
Average duration: 2 days.
The SIS30122 Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation prepares individuals for roles in maintaining grounds, providing customer service, and offering administrative support within the industry. This qualification equips learners with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver recreational services independently under limited supervision, following established plans and procedures. Specialisations in customer service, recreation, lifeguarding, and swim teaching are optional but enhance career prospects in diverse sport, aquatic, and recreation organisations, including commercial, non-profit, community, and government sectors. Enquire now for the full list of elective choices, entry requirements, and available enrolment dates..
Average duration: 6 months.
The PUA30319 Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search and Rescue) is designed for individuals involved in aquatic search and rescue operations. Participants are trained to conduct searches for missing persons in water or on nearby land. Aquatic search and rescue team members prepare for operations, identify when a rescue is necessary, execute complex rescues, and manage recovery and stand-down procedures. This qualification equips personnel with essential skills for responding to incidents and conducting recovery operations, typically as part of a team under supervision. Enquire now for the full list of elective choices, entry requirements, and available enrolment dates. .
Get an operational role at a public swimming pool or aquatic centre with the SIS31015 Certificate III in Aquatics and Community Recreation. This nationally recognised qualification will teach you how to work effectively in a sport, fitness and recreation workplace — running group sessions and providing quality service. The course covers: risk management, first aid, emergency responses, life saving, pool maintenance, instructing clients on basic swimming and water safety. Enquire now for the list of study units, elective choice availability, and upcoming enrolment dates..
In Australia, a full time Pool Lifeguard generally earns $960 per week ($49,920 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
There has been an increase in worker numbers in this industry in recent years. There are currently 4,400 people working as a Pool Lifeguard in Australia compared to 3,500 five years ago. Pool Lifeguards may find work across all regions of Australia where large public pools are located.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If you’d like to work as a Pool Lifeguard, consider enrolling in a Certificate II in Sport and Recreation. This course will give you the skills to work in places such as fitness centres or recreation centres. You could also consider a Certificate III in Sport and Recreation.
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Here are some potential career pathways within community recreation. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Community Recreation
Community Coach
$1,050 weekly pay
Pool Lifeguard
$960 weekly pay
Sport and Recreation Officer
Sport and Recreation Trainee
$865 weekly pay
Swimming Instructor
Club Manager
$1,150 weekly pay
Sports Administrator
$1,250 weekly pay
Sports Coordinator
$1,620 weekly pay
Sports Development Officer
Sports Facility Manager
Sports Event Manager
$1,538 weekly pay
Sports Manager
$1,540 weekly pay
Sports Marketer
$1,758 weekly pay
Sports Marketing Manager
$2,260 weekly pay
Learn more about Pool Lifeguard courses in your area.