Inland Waters Lifeguard Award is the professional qualification for lifeguards working at inland water sites.
– Meets international standards for lifeguarding at inland water locations
– Covers everything from patrolling and communications to rescue skills and emergency first aid
– A comprehensive award comprising multiple units, all of which must be successfully passed to qualify
– A pathway to the SLSGB Trainer Assessor programme or upgrade to the Surf Lifeguard Qualification
Who is this award for?
SLSGB members aged 16 or over who want to provide professional patrolling and water safety services at inland water sites. The award is valid for 24 months, with a 12-month annual proficiency required to maintain validity.
What is covered during the award?
The Inland Waters Lifeguard Award equips lifeguards with the knowledge and practical skills needed to patrol and respond effectively at inland water sites. At its core is a focus on:
- The knowledge and skills required to work as an Inland Waters Lifeguard within a beach environment
- Patrolling an inland water site safely and effectively
- Working practices and communication methods for lifeguards operating at inland sites
- Basic and intermediate first aid and life support in an aquatic environment, including paediatric life support
- Meeting the physical fitness requirements needed to act as an Inland Waters Lifeguard
- Competent rescue using a rescue tube, providing the capability to support water safety cover for Surf Life Saving sessions
- Understanding inland water hazards, climatic conditions and safety awareness through the Inland Waters Safety Awareness unit
How is the assessment completed?
You will be assessed by an SLSGB Verifying Trainer Assessor. Assessment typically takes the form of an 8-hour assessment day and may be conducted in a unitised form at the request of the Trainer Assessor. Assessment methods include online tests, physical fitness tests, water-based practicals and role play and scenario assessment. Units assessed include:
– Beach Patrolling
– Working Practices
– Communications
– Level 1 Basic First Aid and Level 2 Intermediate First Aid
– Basic Life Support and Paediatric Life Support
– Pool Based Practical
– Foundation Tube Rescuer
– Inland Waters Safety Awareness
Is prior experience required for this award?
To complete the Inland Waters Lifeguard Award you will need to:
– Be able to demonstrate, to the satisfaction of your Trainer, that by the end of the course you will be capable of swimming 400 metres in under 8 minutes
– Be able to dive to a depth of 2 metres
