Course Overview

The Surf Lifeguard Award (SLA), previously referred to as the Surf Proficiency Award (SPA), is the standard qualification required to perform coastal lifeguard duties, be those in a voluntary or professional role.

The training is structured to provide the candidates with the relevant skills needed to execute rescues in the ocean or surf environment and if required, deliver basic first aid and resuscitation assistance.

Course Entry Requirements

• Minimum age 16 years


• Reasonable education level


• Physical fitness and swimming evaluation


• 400m pool swim in less than 8 minutes


• Basic surf swimming experience


• Course Entry Requirements

Successful candidates will need to be able to complete the following surf swimming and rescue simulation evaluation activities, displaying a fair level of fitness and ability in the ocean environment.

• 400m pool swim in under 8 minutes


• Beach run / Surf swim / Beach run (200m / 300m / 200m) under 10 min


• 100m Lifeline swim


• 50m Torpedo buoy rescue


• 150m Rescue board rescue

Course Content

• Lifeguard accountability and professionalism


• Radio and signal communication


• Rescue prevention and recognition


• Surf lifesaving rescue techniques


• Rescue equipment maintenance


• Emergency scene management


• Basic anatomy and physiology


• First Aid - level one (Department of Labour criteria)


• Expired Air and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)


• Supplementary Oxygen therapy


• Aquatic spinal injury management


• Course Duration

A minimum period of 45 hours (7 - 9 days) of instruction is required per course. This instruction is spread over a period of time and divided approximately into 60% practical and 40% theoretical training lectures.

Candidate Evaluation and Certification

Independent examiners that have not been involved with their instruction evaluate candidates. The candidates are evaluated on all aspects of the award with the duration of the evaluation being approximately 5 hours.

Successful candidates are certified by Lifesaving S.A. Certification is valid for a period of 3 years, pending the successful completion of an annual fitness and resuscitation assessment.