Lifeguard Requirements In South Africa

Lifeguards coordinate safe and enjoyable recreation for people at beaches, swimming pools and other bodies of water, through public relations, public education, accident prevention and rescue. They use their knowledge of currents and water safety to control bathers’ movements and ensure that they swim in safety.

Should a bather need help, the lifeguard on duty should spot the situation immediately and rescue the bather. If a rescued bather has swallowed a lot of water or is suffering any form of injury, the lifeguard will perform basic first aid and call an ambulance if necessary.

Lifeguards place signs or barriers to warn of dangerous conditions or areas, and make sure users are aware of potential dangers. They may caution people behaving in an unsafe manner and expel those who refuse to cooperate. They are required to report incidents to management or other authorities.

Requirements
A lifeguard should:
– have a high level of physical fitness;
– have excellent eyesight;
– a very strong swimmer
– understand the hazards relating to sea and inland water conditions
– have good communication skills, for example to move groups of bathers to safer areas and make announcements over a public address system
– love outdoor life and athletic activity
– be friendly and helpful
– be alert and able to respond fast
– not squeamish and able to administer first aid
– be able to take quick decisions, especially in a crisis and stay calm

School Subjects
National Senior Certificate.

Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences, Languages

Training
Training is taken very seriously and most employers in South Africa insist on candidates holding the Basic Lifesaving Award of a Bronze Medallion, and that they acquire the Surf Proficiency Award within months of their recruitment. This examination is laid down by Life-Saving SA for the qualification of beach lifeguards.

Professional life-guards are constantly in training, prior to and often after their duty periods. Certain tests have to be taken regularly to ensure their fitness and capabilities. They normally participate voluntarily in all life-saving competitions, which maintains their high standard of fitness and expertise in the use of various rescue craft employed in the surf.

There are a number of surf life-saving and SA Water Safety Awards that may be acquired, such as the Diploma, Silver Medallion Instructors’ and the Examiners’ Awards.

Junior Lifeguard Award (14-16 years)

The Junior Lifeguard Award (JLA) enables you to perform full lifeguard duties under supervision, while the Junior Qualifying Certificate (JQC) will enable you to perform first aid and lifeguard duty, but not water rescues. With a JQC you will also not be able to compete.

Entrance requirements:

  • Must be at least 14 years old on the day of the examination
  • Lifeguard must be able to complete a 400m pool swim in under 8 minutes and Junior Lifeguard in under 9 minutes
  • Lifeguards must complete one lap under water and Junior Lifeguards half a lap underwater

Lifeguard Award (16 years and older)

The Lifeguard Award (LA) for senior lifeguards will enable you to work as a professional lifeguard. You will be required to complete an annual retest. The Qualifying Certificate (QC) enables you to perform volunteer lifeguard duties under supervision as well as first aid, but not perform water rescues or compete.

Entrance Requirements:

  • Must be at least 16 years old on the day of examination
  • Must be able to complete a 400m pool swim in under 8 minutes

How much do lifeguards earn in South Africa?

An early career Lifeguard with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of R36. 00 based on 26 salaries. A mid-career Lifeguard with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of R68.