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.

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;

  • 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

Read about the 2021 and 2022 Rookie Lifeguard Program!

An example of Program activities can be seen below. Please note, this is subject to change.

Lifeguard Academy Program

2023 Rookie Lifeguard Program Information

DATE: Monday 9 – Friday 13 January 2023

LOCATION: Participants will start and finish each day at SLSWA Head Office, Balcatta

TIME: 8.00 am – 5.00 pm each day

COST: $250

Participants outside of the Perth metro & peel regions are encouraged to register. Travel and/or accommodation assistance may be available and this will be discussed with registered participants once the registration process is closed.

ENQUIRIES: Please contact Jason Nugent or Rachel Forsyth at lifeguardacademy@slswa.com.au or call 9207 6666.

WAITLIST: If you are unsuccessful in securing a spot, please email lifeguardacademy@slswa.com.au to be added to a waitlist. Should positions become available, they will be allocated to those on the waitlist in order of receipt of email.

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 2022
  • 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 during the season within SLSWA’s Lifeguard services, which will see Rookies spend a week in on the job mentorship with SLSWA Lifeguards.

FAQ's

Yes, the program will run from 8am – 5pm daily for five days. Rookies will need to make arrangements to arrive and depart from SLSWA Head Office, Balcatta each day.

The Rookie Lifeguard Program is open to those aged 16 and 17 as of 1 October 2022. 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.

Enrolments open on Sunday, 20 November at 9am (AWST). 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.