GUIDELINES FOR INTERNATIONAL LIFEGUARD APPLICANTS AND CHECKLIST

______

 

Australian Lifeguard Service NSW receive numerous international lifeguard applicants every season, from all over the world seeking work on our amazing New South Wales beaches!

The Australian Lifeguard Service NSW does not participate in exchange programs, however, we will endeavour to help international lifeguards attain casual lifeguard positions throughout NSW extending from the Far North Coast – Tweed to the Far South Coast, as far as Bega.

We will provide you with the training, knowledge, experience, and expertise in lifeguarding within New South Wales.

Here are the guidelines to work for one of the largest providers of lifeguard services in the Southern Hemisphere:

 

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

______

Attain an Australian VISA

You must first check you meet the eligibility requirements to work in Australia.

Visit the following link for further information:

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/short-stay-work-visas

International lifeguards generally, apply for one of the visas below:

  • Work and Holiday – Subclass 426
  • Working Holiday Visa – Subclass 417

Once you have affirmation of your VISA, we will complete a VISA Verification Checklist.

Accommodation and Flights

ALS NSW is not responsible for finding your accommodation or flights.

Prior to arriving in Australia research where you wish to work and live – click the TAB above WHERE WE OPERATE  –  https://lifeguards.com.au/nsw/where-we-operate/

QUALIFICATIONS AND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

______

  • 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 (Lifeguards) – includes PUATAE002B, PUAOPE027A, and BSBFLM312C
  • Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue
    OR
  • ALS Beach Operations Management (which includes both Silver Medallion Beach Management (Lifeguards) and Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue)

Lifeguards must be 17 years or over and demonstrate high levels of fitness, excellent rescue and people skills, and hold the following qualifications, which you will need to obtain when you arrive in Australia:

Are you a New International 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.

How to Apply to SurfGuard – Surf Life Saving membership database:

  1. Using your SurfGuard Member ID create an account on the SLSA Members Portal
  2. Complete your SurfGuard eLearning training from the above portal

If you do not currently hold all of the required awards, our ALS Supervisors conduct lifeguard training courses across NSW throughout the year to train and assess both current and prospective lifeguards.

If you are interested in participating in an upcoming course, please visit the ‘Course Calendar’ tab on our website to contact the relevant ALS Supervisor(s).

Please note: All lifeguards must complete the online modules before attending any training course.

NB:  Courses are yet to be finalised in some areas.

 

FITNESS COMPONENT

______

 

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

 

IF YOU DO NOT PASS THE FITNESS COMPONENT, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO WORK AS A LIFEGUARD UNTIL YOU HAVE PASSED A RE-TEST.

 

2025-26 ALS LIFEGUARD TESTING’S TO BE ADVISED

______

 

2025/26 SEASON RECRUITMENT OPENS MID JUNE 2025

CHECK LIST HOW TO APPLY 

______

 

The ALS look forward to your application, please ensure all questions are completed correctly.

INTERNATIONAL LIFEGUARDS:

Before you apply, you will need to have the following information at hand:

  • Personal and emergency details
  • Your VISA to upload
  • Under 18 Parental Consent Form (if applicable)
  • Uniform size
  • Drivers’ licence
  • Copies of your lifeguard qualifications/certificates/first aid etc
  • Awards and Qualifications Chart – If you need to know the awards criteria download the Awards and Qualifications Chart.

To apply, click the TAB above BECOME A LIFEGUARD  – ‘APPLY NOW’ – ensure to tick the ‘Australian Lifeguard Service – Lifeguard’ you will need to register with our online application platform using your name and email.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email from the ALS Recruitment Team.

We look forward to your application!