Rookie Lifeguard Program

2025 Rookie Lifeguard Program

DATE: Monday 13 – Friday 17 January 2025

LOCATION: South West Development Centre

COST: $400

REGISTRATIONS: The 2025 Program is SOLD OUT!

ENQUIRIES: Please contact Lachlan Olive or call 9207 6666.

Transport from SLSWA to the South West Development centre provided for metro Clubs, with regional subsidy and pickup points available. Cost includes catering and accommodation.

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 camp where rookies will have the opportunity to develop and learn skills across key operational areas including;

  • Woodside Jet Ski Team
  • Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter operations
  • First aid and resuscitation
  • Advanced rescue skills (e.g. rock rescues)
  • Search & Rescue search patterns
  • Leadership and teambuilding
  • Equip participants with the Silver Medallion in Aquatic Rescue

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 January 2025
  • Possess a suitable level of fitness

Rookie Immersion Week

Upon successful completion of the Program, Rookies will officially graduate, with a Silver Medallion in Aquatic Rescue. Plus the 10 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.

Regional Subsidy

To assist members from regional clubs attending the Rookie Lifeguard Program, special regional pickup locations and travel subsidies will be available. Subsidies are financial assistance to get youth members to and from SLSWA, 7 Delawney Street, Balcatta, 6021 or to the camp venue, 222 Railway Terrace, Margaret River, 6285. Please note, subsidies are to be claimed via a club invoice being sent to Lachlan Olive no later than Friday, 31 January 2025.

Car Subsidy

Region Clubs Subsidy per car to SLSWA (7 Delawmey St, Balcatta) Subsidy per Car to the South West Development Centre (220 Railway Tce, Margaret River)
Mid-West Dongara-Denison, Champion Bay, Geraldton $250 (inc GST) Not Available
Peel Secret Harbour, Mandurah, Port Bouvard Bus pick up and drop off at Mandurah SLSC
South-west Binningup, City of Bunbury, Dalyellup Beach Bus pick up and drop off at City of Bunbury SLSC
Busselton, Smiths Beach, Margaret River Go direct to the Development Centre
Great Southern Albany, Denmark Not Available $175 (inc GST)
Not Available $350 (inc GST)

Member Subsidy to Perth*

Club Subsidy per person
Broome & Dampier $500 (inc GST)

* This subsidy is available for each individual to get to Perth.

FAQ's

This is a camp style program where participants will arrive at the SLSWA South West Development Centre in Margaret River on Monday, 13 January and stay overnight until departing on Friday 17 January.

The Rookie Lifeguard Program is open to those aged 16 and 17 as of 1 January 2025. Please note that if a registration is made from a person who does not meet all pre-requisites the booking will be cancelled, and payment will be refunded.

Registrations for both programs will open on Tuesday, 10 September 2024. We will share information about enrolment dates across our various communications channels, including Facebook and Instagram, and in our members’ newsletter.

There is a lot of interest in the Rookie Lifeguard Program and we expect places to fill up quickly. Please note you will also have to make payment at the time of registration.

Yes, all Rookies are required at the time of enrolment to either hold a current SLS Bronze Medallion or be enrolled in a course that will be assessed prior to the start date of the Program.

Rookies must have a current SLS Bronze Medallion at the commencement of the program.

The Lifeguard recruitment process is conducted separately from the Rookie Lifeguard Program; however, Rookies will gain experience in skills and knowledge directly applicable to being a Lifeguard.

SLSWA Lifeguard recruitment staff will also be involved in several activities throughout the program providing Rookies with an opportunity to interact and gain insight into the Lifeguard recruitment and employment process.

In addition, the top 10 Rookies from the week one program will be selected to attend the Lifeguard immersion to gain further on the job experience and training.