Lifeguard Academy
The Lifeguard Academy has been developed by SLSWA to provide opportunities and a structured pathway for members interested in moving into paid employment across the various professional services including Lifeguarding; Support Operations; and Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Crew.
Every summer, Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) employs over 100 Lifeguards and Support Operations staff with employment opportunities available from September through April.
The services delivered by these Lifeguards and Support Operations staff, which include the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter and SurfCom, are located across more than 20 metropolitan, south-west and great southern locations. Limited opportunities also exist during winter (May to October) in the Metro region.
Through the Academy, SLSWA delivers a Rookie Lifeguard Program which will see Rookies gain exposure and skills directly related to employment as a Lifeguard and other Support Operation functions within SLSWA.
2023/24 Registrations now open!
2023 Rookie Lifeguard Program – South West Camp
DATE: Monday, 18 – Thursday, 21 December, 2023.
LOCATION: SLSWA South West Development Centre (Margaret River). Limited transport is available from SLSWA, Balcatta. Please contact Lifeguard Academy to arrange.
TIME: Participants are to arrive at the South West Development Centre at 10:30am, Monday, and stay until the conclusion of the Program at 11am (Includes Graduation Presentation), Thursday.
COST: $450
REGISTRATIONS: Open 9am Monday, 20 November 2023. Payment is required at the time of registration.
An example of Program activities can be seen below. Please note, this is subject to change.
2024 Rookie Lifeguard Program – Metro
DATE: Monday, 8 – Friday, 12 January, 2024
LOCATION: SLSWA Head Office, Balcatta. Participants will start and finish each day here.
TIME: 8.00 am – 5.00 pm each day
COST: $350
REGISTRATIONS: Opening 9am Monday, 20 November 2023. Payment is required at the time of registration.
An example of Program activities can be seen below. Please note, this is subject to change.
ENQUIRIES: Please contact Cooper Whiting at lifeguardacademy@slswa.com.au or call 9207 6666.
The Rookie Lifeguard Program aims to:
- Provide a fun and engaging insight into SLSWA’s Lifesaving Services, with attendees participating in a range of activities while developing skills and knowledge applicable to working in the industry.
- Provide a transition for members, aged 16-17, from being a volunteer patrol member to a paid Lifeguard
- Commence development of skill sets that are beneficial to employment as a Lifeguard
- Gain an understanding of the daily tasks and responsibilities of a Lifeguard
- Develop working relationships with SLSWA staff and Lifeguards
- Provide opportunities to work with like-minded people who share the same passion for beach safety and aquatic rescue
- Develop skills to respond to critical incidents in a Lifeguard setting; and
- Open doors to employment opportunities with SLSWA
Participation in the Rookie Lifeguard Program:
The Program provides a structured, 5-day Metro program or 3-day Regional camp where rookies will have the opportunity to develop and learn skills across key operational areas including;
- Jet Ski Team
- Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter operations
- SurfCom
- First aid and resuscitation
- Advanced rescue skills (e.g. rock rescues)
- Search & Rescue search patterns
- Leadership and teambuilding
Participant pre-requisites
To be eligible to enrol in the Lifeguard Academy’s Rookie Lifeguard Program, participants must:
- Be a financial member of an SLSWA Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC)
- Hold a current SLS Bronze Medallion
- Must be 16 years of age by 1 October 2023
- Possess a suitable level of fitness
Rookie Immersion Week
Upon successful completion of the Program, Rookies will officially graduate, with the 5 top graduates from each program being invited to participate in a week-long immersion program during the season within SLSWA’s Lifeguard services, which will see Rookies spend a week in on-the-job mentorship with SLSWA Lifeguards.