The lifeguard training course will earn you qualifications in the Pool Lifeguard Skills Award (PLSA) & Pool Lifeguard Practicing Certificate (PLPC). This is a NZQA level 3 qualification and earns you 20 achievement credits. The qualification will allow you to develop your skills as a Lifeguard (please note: it is not a surf or beach lifeguard qualification).
| Unit | Unit Standard Title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30123 | Recognise and respond to simulated emergencies and apply rescue techniques as a pool lifeguard in an aquatic facility | 3 | 10 |
| 30124 | Supervise customers and maintain safety as a pool lifeguard in an aquatic facility | 3 | 5 |
| 29844 | Demonstrate knowledge of safe work procedures and practices in a recreation workplace | 3 | 5 |
| TOTAL CREDITS: | 20 | ||
This course will prepare you to firstly prevent, and then respond to emergency aquatic situations. We will cover: pool lifeguard roles and responsibilities; communication techniques; identifying and managing risks and hazards; pool supervision techniques; drowning prevention; high risk activities, individuals and groups; understanding elements of dead water; rescues and emergencies (in and out of water); dealing with multiple casualties; casualty follow up and after care; incident and accident reporting.
You need to be at least 16 years of age, employed in the industry and working in New Zealand. If you are not currently employed, you can talk to us about potentially becoming a volunteer. You will need to a capable swimmer who is comfortable going out of their depth. There is a swim test component to the qualification (please see details below under ‘How is the course assessed?’).
You will also need to complete a Comprehensive First Aid Course which includes unit standards 6400, 6401 and 6402. You can search courses here:
The course is approximately 18 hours total, composed of 3 days training and 1 assessment day.
The training days are generally structured as 2 hours theory work and 2-3 hours of practical work. Once you have successfully completed the PLSA component you can work as a lifeguard but under supervision of someone who currently holds PLPC. You are eligible to work as an unsupervised lifeguard once you complete the full qualification.
Post course trainees are required to complete 20 hours of rostered pool lifeguard duties within one month of commencing a role as a pool lifeguard. In addition to this your Manager or Supervisor will need to fill out an observation form about the trainee supervising customers and complete a Health & Safety workplace component.
1) A theory test taking approximately 1 hour which is completed at the beginning of your assessment day.
2) Swim test comprising of:
3) 7 practical scenario tests (with standard uniform on)
4) Post course work:
Each section requires sign-off and comment from you and your manager.
This qualification requires you to be revalidated and assessed every 2 years.
If you are unsuccessful in passing the assessment, you would be required to be retested at a later date at your own expense.
| 3 Day theory & practical, plus 1 day evaluation and accreditation | $450.00 | |
| Includes: | Pre course online preparation, course workbook and take home notes on course assessment & feedback | |
| Skills Active enrolment fee | $201.25 | |
Course fees are payable upon invoice at least 14 days in advance of the course date.
Payment may be made by credit card or bank transfer.
Fees can/may be refunded with 7 days notice of non-participation prior to the start of the course.
Course dates may be varied or cancelled at the discretion of NZAET.
PLPC & PLSA: We are taking expressions of interest for a course in April 2025.
