LIFEGUARDS – ABOUT LIFEGUARDS
It is a big honour to become a lifeguard and it comes with great responsibility. Becoming a lifeguard requires skills, discipline, high fitness levels, commitment, and compassion. Lifeguards start as Junior Lifeguards and progress towards becoming Senior Lifeguards. There are also Master Lifeguards who compete at Masters Competitions (30+ years old).
JUNIOR LIFEGUARDS
Our Junior lifeguards are 14 – 18 years old. Most Junior members have moved up from Nippers, and start the Junior Lifeguard Award (JLA) class. A JLA will allow you to perform full voluntary lifeguard duties under supervision. With a JLA qualification, you can enter competitions as a Junior. This qualification is not valid for employment.
The candidates entrance requirements: They must be 14 years on the day of the exam, but not older than 16 years. Must be able to complete a 400m pool swim in under 9 minutes.
If you have a JLA and turn 16 years, you will need to write an upgrade exam to an LA.
SENIOR LIFEGUARDS
Our Senior lifeguards are 19 – 30 years old. Once you have passed your LA at 16 you will not have to redo an LA when you move into the Seniors age category from 19 years. You will need to do an annual retest to keep your qualification current.
A Lifeguard Award (LA) qualifies you as a lifeguard in South Africa. You will be eligible for voluntary duties and competition. Your qualification is internationally recognised, and you can work as a professional lifeguard.
The candidates entrance requirements: They must be 16 years on the day of the examination. Must be able to complete a 400m pool swim in under 8 minutes.
MASTERS LIFEGUARDS
Masters are adult members who have an LA qualification, and still want to compete and train in the sport of lifesaving when they are over the age of 30.
Many Masters go on to compete locally or nationally. It is encouraged to be eligible to become a coach for Nippers or Juniors to have an LA qualification.