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 Lifesaver 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 and Kimberley regions.
Through the Academy, SLSWA will deliver 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.
The Rookie Lifeguard Program aims to:
- 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 program where rookies will have the opportunity to develop and learn skills across key operational areas including;
- Wesfarmers Jet Ski Team
- Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter operations
- SurfCom
- First aid and resuscitation
- Advanced rescue skills (e.g. rock rescues)
- Search & Rescue search patterns
- Leadership and teambuilding
An example of Program activities can be seen below. Please note, this is subject to change.
2021 Program Dates
The 2021 Lifeguard Academy will offer a Rookie Lifeguard Program that will take place from Monday, 4 January to Friday, 8 January.
DATE: Monday, 4 January – Friday, 8 January 2021.
LOCATION: Participants will start and finish each day at SLSWA Head Office, Balcatta.
TIME: 8.00 am – 5.00 pm each day
COST: $200 per person. Every rookie participant will receive a Lifeguard Academy uniform.
ENROLMENTS: Enrolments for January 2021 are fully booked.
Participation is limited to a maximum number of 30 rookies. Enrolments close 5.00 pm Friday, 11 December, unless maximum numbers are reached prior to this date.
ENQUIRIES: Please contact Daniel Andrew at lifeguardacademy@slswa.com.au or call 9207 6666.
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 day one of the program commencement
- Possess a suitable level of fitness
Rookie Immersion Week
Upon successful completion of the Program, Rookies will officially graduate, with the 10 top graduates being invited to participate in a week-long immersion program within SLSWA’s Lifeguard services, which will see Rookies spend a week in on the job mentorship with SLSWA Lifeguards.
FAQs
Is the Rookie Lifeguard Program a day program only?
Yes, the program will run from 8am – 5pm daily during week one (4 January – 8 January). Rookies will need to make arrangements to arrive and depart from SLSWA Head Office, Balcatta each day.
When can I enrol in the program?
Registrations open at 9am on Friday, 27 November 2020. There is a lot of interests in the Rookie Lifeguard Program and we expect places to fill up quickly. Please note you will also have to make payment at time of registration.
What is age requirement for this program?
The Rookie Lifeguard Program is open to those ages 16 and 17 as of the 4 January 2021. 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.
Why does the Rookie Lifeguard Program run the same week as the Rise Up Camp?
Unfortunately, this seasons calendar is already jam packed with awesome activities and events. The week of the 4 – 8 January will give Rookies ample opportunities to experience all of SLSWA Lifeguard Services during peak delivery periods.
Will this program run again in the future?
SLSWA will review the success of the inaugural program and determine appropriate dates for future programs.
Do I need to hold a SLS Bronze Medallion to participate in the Program?
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 Rookie Lifeguard Program.
Rookies must have a current SLS Bronze Medallion at the commencement of the program.
Will participating in the program increase my chances of being employed as a Lifeguard when I am 18 years old?
The Lifeguard recruitment process is conducted separately to 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.