Pool lifeguard courses near you
Royal Life Saving Australia State and Territory Member Organisations are the premier providers of pool lifeguard courses offering expert professional training and covering the skills and knowledge of first aid, resuscitation, aquatic supervision and emergency response procedures at public pools and aquatic centres. In addition to nationally recognised qualifications, they issue the Royal Life Saving Australia National Pool Lifeguard Award, exclusively delivered by Royal Life Saving Australia member organisations.
If you are searching for a pool lifeguard course in a capital city or regional town, our State and Territory Member Organisations offer regular training dates throughout Australia. Full and update courses are delivered weekly from a wide range of the best aquatic venues across Australia.
This course is recommended for any person wishing to achieve employment as a lifeguard in the aquatic industry and is a required qualification for staff in this position. It is also recommended for those involved in aquatic exercise, swim coaching or those who are responsible for the supervision and safety of people in and around swimming pools.
Royal Life Saving Australia is a leading national drowning prevention and water safety organisation that has been training and certifying pool lifeguards for more than 30 years. Our Lifeguarding manual is widely recognised as the benchmark technical reference for pool lifeguarding in Australia and supports the training delivered in pool lifeguard courses nationwide.
Quick answer: Pool lifeguard courses in Australia
Royal Life Saving pool lifeguard courses are delivered by our State and Territory Member Organisations in all Australian capital cities – including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra and Darwin – as well as many regional and remote communities.
Courses typically run over several days and combine classroom learning with pool-based practical scenarios. You will learn how to supervise pools safely, identify and manage aquatic risks, perform rescues, and provide first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) so you can work confidently at public swimming pools and aquatic centres.
Key facts about Royal Life Saving pool lifeguard courses
- Provider: Royal Life Saving Australia pool lifeguard courses are delivered by Royal Life Saving State and Territory Member Organisations (STMOs) through their Registered Training Organisation (RTO) arrangements.
- Locations: All Australian capital cities and many regional and remote communities.
- Course focus: Aquatic supervision, accident prevention, rescue techniques, first aid, CPR and emergency response in public pools and aquatic centres.
- Format: Blended theory and pool-based practical training using realistic scenarios and current equipment.
- Who it is for: People seeking work as a pool lifeguard or in aquatic centre roles in metropolitan, regional or remote locations.
- Pathways: Can lead to roles such as senior lifeguard, duty manager, facility manager, swim teacher and trainer/assessor.
What will you learn in a pool lifeguard course?
Royal Life Saving pool lifeguard courses combine theory and hands-on practice using realistic aquatic scenarios and up-to-date equipment. Depending on the course offered in your state or territory, topics typically include:
- Aquatic supervision and patron scanning techniques
- Risk assessment and risk management in aquatic facilities
- Communication and teamwork in busy pool environments
- Rescue techniques and emergency response procedures
- First aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Advanced resuscitation skills (where included)
- Public relations and customer service
- Conflict management and dealing with difficult behaviours
- Incident reporting and investigation processes
These skills are valuable in almost any workplace, and are especially important in roles where public safety, customer service and emergency response are critical.
What jobs can a pool lifeguard course lead to?
Lifeguarding is a dynamic, in-demand profession with strong employment opportunities in both capital cities and regional centres.
Completing a Royal Life Saving pool lifeguard course can open up roles such as:
- Pool lifeguard at public and private aquatic centres
- Seasonal lifeguard at outdoor pools and water parks
- Aquatic centre customer service and front-of-house roles
With experience and further training, pool lifeguarding can also lead to career pathways such as:
- Senior lifeguard or pool deck supervisor
- Duty manager or aquatic facility manager
- Swim teacher or coach
- Trainer/assessor and aquatic safety specialist
Many employers across metropolitan, regional and remote areas recognise Royal Life Saving pool lifeguard training as a key qualification for aquatic safety roles.
How is the pool lifeguard training delivered?
Our STMO's expert trainers blend classroom-based learning with poolside practical sessions that simulate real-world pool operations and emergencies. During a typical pool lifeguard course, you will work through:
- Theory components that build your understanding of safety, risk, supervision, communication and emergency procedures
- Practical pool-based scenarios that simulate real-world emergencies and patron behaviours
- Use of current rescue, first aid and resuscitation equipment to consolidate your learning
This approach helps ensure you are confident and competent to respond to incidents in real aquatic environments – whether you work in a busy metropolitan leisure centre, a council-run regional pool or a smaller community facility.
The Royal Life Saving Lifeguarding manual
The Royal Life Saving Lifeguarding manual has been the benchmark technical reference for pool lifeguarding in Australia for more than 30 years. It supports the content delivered in pool lifeguard courses and is widely used by aquatic centres and trainers across the country.
You can:
- Learn more about the Lifeguarding manual and purchase the eBook version online
- Purchase a hardcopy through your local Royal Life Saving State or Territory Member Organisation
Click here to learn more about the manual and purchase the eBook version, or you can purchase a hardcopy through your local Royal Life Saving State and Territory Member Organisations (STMOs).
Find a pool lifeguard course in your state or region
Pool lifeguard courses are delivered throughout Australia by Royal Life Saving State and Territory Member Organisations (STMOs). Courses are scheduled regularly in:
- Capital cities (e.g. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, Darwin)
- Larger regional centres and selected rural communities
To find a pool lifeguard course near you:
- Select your state or territory.
- View upcoming course dates and locations (including regional venues where available).
- Contact your local Royal Life Saving organisation for enrolment details, prerequisites and pricing.
Frequently asked questions about pool lifeguard courses
Who delivers Royal Life Saving pool lifeguard courses?
Pool lifeguard courses are delivered by Royal Life Saving State and Territory Member Organisations (STMOs) through their RTO arrangements. The Royal Life Saving Society – Australia National Office supports the body of knowledge and oversees national standards, but does not deliver nationally recognised training directly.
Where are pool lifeguard courses available?
Courses are available in all Australian capital cities and in most regional and remote communities. This includes locations such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra and Darwin, along with a wide range of regional centres and country towns.
How long does a pool lifeguard course take?
Course duration varies between states and territories, but most pool lifeguard courses run over several days and combine classroom-based learning with pool-based practical sessions. Your local Royal Life Saving State or Territory Member Organisation can confirm the schedule and format in your area.
What are the entry requirements for a pool lifeguard course?
Entry requirements can differ between STMOs, but typically include a minimum age, a specified level of swimming ability, and sufficient language, literacy and numeracy skills to complete the training and assessment. Check with your local Royal Life Saving organisation for exact prerequisites.
Is the qualification nationally recognised?
Yes. Pool lifeguard training is delivered as nationally recognised training through the RTO arrangements of Royal Life Saving State and Territory Member Organisations. Successful completion leads to a nationally recognised statement of attainment in the relevant units of competency and issuance of the Royal Life Saving Australia National Pool Lifeguard Award.
Can I work in regional or remote communities after completing the course?
Yes. Royal Life Saving pool lifeguard training is recognised by aquatic employers across metropolitan, regional and remote areas. Many graduates work in regional council pools, aquatic centres in growing outer-suburban communities, and facilities in remote towns and communities.
Do I need any previous qualifications?
In most cases you will need to hold the following prerequisite unit:
- HLTAID011 Provide first aid
Some courses may include the above unit as a combined course. Your local Royal Life Saving organisation can advise on any specific pre-course requirements.
Related training and courses
Royal Life Saving Australia and our State and Territory Member Organisations offer a wide range of training and professional development courses for aquatic and community safety roles, including:
- First aid courses
- Resuscitation courses
- Pool lifeguard courses
- Bronze Medallion courses
- Swimming and water safety teacher courses
- Aquatic technical operations courses
- Lifeguarding Manual (Pool Lifeguarding eBook – 6th Edition)
These courses can help you build a complete pathway from entry-level aquatic roles through to specialist and leadership positions across the aquatic industry.
Important information about training and RTO status
Please note that Royal Life Saving Society – Australia National Office is not a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). All nationally recognised training, including pool lifeguard courses, is delivered by Royal Life Saving State and Territory Member Organisations (STMOs) through their respective RTO arrangements.
For specific course information, entry requirements and enrolment details, please contact your local Royal Life Saving State or Territory Member Organisation.
Contact your local Royal Life Saving State and Territory Member Organisations (STMOs) to find out more about this course and availability in your local area.
