Work on some of Australia’s most iconic beaches and build a rewarding career in aquatic safety.
Whether you’re an experienced surf lifesaver or looking to take the next step into professional lifeguarding, Surf Life Saving NSW Australian Lifeguard Service offers full-time, seasonal and casual employment opportunities across New South Wales.
MORE THAN JUST A JOB
As an ALS NSW Lifeguard, you’ll play a vital role in keeping beachgoers safe while working alongside highly trained aquatic professionals.
- Working outdoors on some of NSW’s most beautiful beaches
- Making a real difference in your community
- Building professional rescue and emergency response skills
- Flexible seasonal, casual and full-time opportunities
- Ongoing training and development
- Working as part of a supportive team environment
HOW TO BECOME A LIFEGUARD
STEP 1: Check Your Eligibility
You may be eligible if you:
- Are 17 years or older
- Hold a Bronze Medallion
- Have current First Aid qualifications
- Can meet lifeguard fitness standards
- Enjoy working with people
STEP 2: Gain the Required Qualifications
Obtain the Surf Life Saving and First Aid awards needed to work as a professional lifeguard:
- Surf Life Saving Australia Bronze Medallion / Certificate II (PUA20119) in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue)
- HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid (including Provide basic emergency life support HLTAID010 & HLAID009 Provide CPR)
- HLTAID015 – Provide Advanced Resuscitation Techniques
- Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Awareness – SurfGuard eLearning Module
- Child Safe Awareness – SurfGuard eLearning Module
- Silver Medallion Beach Management
- Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue
OR
- ALS Beach Operations Management – includes both Silver Medallion Beach Management and Aquatic Rescue
QUALIFICATIONS
To be part of our industry leading world-class organisation you must hold the following qualifications:
- Surf Life Saving Australia Bronze Medallion / Certificate II (PUA20119) in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue)
- HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid (including Provide basic emergency life support HLTAID010 & HLAID009 Provide CPR)
- HLTAID015 – Provide Advanced Resuscitation Techniques
- Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Awareness – SurfGuard eLearning Module
- Child Safe Awareness – SurfGuard eLearning Module
- Silver Medallion Beach Management
- Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue
OR - ALS Beach Operations Management – which includes both Silver Medallion Beach Management (Lifeguards) and Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue
ROOKIE QUALIFICATIONS AND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
A ‘Rookie’ lifeguard is a supplementary service and do not replace qualified, operational lifeguards on a roster, must be a minimum of 16 years of age, have at least one season of SLSC experience and undertake fitness assessments.
Rookie applications you must hold all the following qualifications:
- Surf Life Saving Australia Bronze Medallion / Certificate II (PUA20119) in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue)
- HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid (including Provide Basic Emergency Life Support HLTAID010 & HLAID009 Provide CPR)
- HLTAID015 – Provide Advanced Resuscitation Techniques
- Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Awareness – SurfGuard eLearning Module
- Child Safe Awareness – SurfGuard eLearning Module
Are you a New Lifeguard?
If you are new to lifeguarding, you will be issued a SurfGuard Member ID upon receipt of your application. This Member ID is essential for becoming part of the SurfGuard – Surf Life Saving membership database.
Your Member ID will be used to:
- Record and track your qualifications and awards
- Enroll in required online eLearning modules
- Register for training courses and assessments
- Maintain compliance with national Surf Life Saving standards
How to Apply to the SurfGuard – Surf Life Saving membership database:
- Create an account on the SLSA Members Portal
- Complete your SurfGuard eLearning training from the above portal
FITNESS COMPONENT
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All lifeguards must pass the following fitness component
- A minimum 400m swim, 800m run, 400m rescue board paddle and 800m run in the surf in under 25 minutes
- 800 metre pool swim continuously (in a pool no less than 25 metres in length) in under 14 minutes
- Rescue scenarios utilising a Rescue Board and Rescue Tube
2026-27 ALS LIFEGUARD PROFICIENCY TESTING CALENDAR
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HOW TO APPLY
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The ALS are always striving to improve our processes and services. We have therefore made changes to our application process, not only will it be easier and more streamlined this season but also in the future.
LIFEGUARDS:
Before you apply, you will need to have the following information at hand:
- Personal and emergency details
- Uniform size
- Personal ID
- Copies of your qualifications or SurfGuard award report – if you are unsure visit the SLSA Member Area here.
- Awards and Qualifications Chart – If you need to know the awards criteria download the Awards and Qualifications Chart.
- If you are missing a pre requisite award eg: HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid and HLTAID015 – Provide Advanced Resuscitation Techniques, please visit the ALA Courses in your region. Other awards please visit the Contact Us page where you will find the ALS Supervisor for your desired region, to assist you.
To apply go to ‘Apply Now’. We look forward to your application!