Description
The Lifeguard Award course is open to new and existing members of the club who are 16+ years old. Course dates will be advertised during the year and are only open at these times with a closing date for registration.
The Lifeguard Award Course (LA):
The course comprises of a series of modules covering sea conditions, first aid & CPR, rescue techniques, signals & radio communication. The course involves practical training, theory sessions and assignments. All assignments must be completed by the required dates for your group to take the exam. An exam is done to complete the qualification. The exam comprises a written test on all you learn, examination of your CPR technique, a run-swim-run in less than 10 minutes, signals and all the rescue techniques. The Lifeguard Award is SAQA accredited, NQF Level 4, and has mandatory instructing hour requirements.
Course Requirements and Information:
The Lifeguard Award (LA) Qualification is recognized world-wide, and the Instructors at Clifton Surf are all qualified instructors or instructors-in-training. The course usually takes place over 6-8 weeks and we have course training sessions on Fridays & Sundays.
New course dates are advertised and you register to join. Complete registration of all paperwork, a successfully completed swim time & payment is done 2-3 weeks prior to the course start date. No late registrations can be accepted.
Requirements that need to be met when applying:
1. 400m pool swim in under 8 minutes for LA signed off by a coach/gym instructor with cell phone number for confirmation.
2. All paperwork completed correctly and in full + proof of payment + a copy of your ID, birth certificate or valid passport.
3. Physically able to participate in all spheres of training and be physically fit before joining the course. Run-Swim-Run in less than 10 minutes in the surf (we will test the Run-Swim-Run on the first day of training).
Duty Requirements and Information:
By signing up for the Course you are committing to do voluntary duty for Clifton for the remainder of the season or for the following season should the course fall over winter. On completion of the Course, you are assigned to a Squad for active duty in the summer months.
Each Squad is assigned a day on a weekend (Saturday and Sunday) and public holidays each month throughout summer (Saturday 12h00 to 18h00 and Sunday 10h00 to 18h00). If you cannot make duty, you are required to find a substitute for the duty day. Summer duty runs from November through until April.
Annual Retest:
Lifeguards are required to take an Annual Retest to validate their qualification. This ensures that each lifeguard has all the latest up-to-date knowledge for the upcoming new season. The Club runs Refreshers which are compulsory to attend before taking your Retest. The Retest comprises a 400m pool swim, rescue techniques practical and some theory taken by the Provincial Examiners.
Post Qualifications
Lifeguard qualifications allow you to complete additional courses offered by Clifton Surf to further your knowledge in Lifesaving. These courses will attract additional fees.
IRB Crewman Course
Applicants must be 16 years old and have an LA.
More Information
IRB Driver Course
Applicants must be 18 years old and have an LA.
More Information
PRO Duty
PRO Duty is paid seasonal lifeguarding. This is a job with the local municipality, and you need to be 16+ years and hold an LA to apply. To work PRO duty you or your son/daughter can apply.
