TL;DR (Quick Answer)
To become a qualified pool lifeguard in Australia, you’ll need to complete an accredited swimming pool lifeguard course, be at least 16 years old, demonstrate strong swimming and rescue skills, and hold valid CPR and First Aid certifications. Courses like AUSTSWIM’s Lifeguard training are widely recognised across the country.

What qualifications do you need to become a pool lifeguard in Australia?

The bare minimum? A strong swimming ability and a cool head under pressure.

But officially, you'll need to complete a certified pool lifeguard training course, which includes units like:

• HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid

• HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• SISSS00129 – Pool Lifeguard Skill Set

These modules are recognised nationwide and are delivered by registered training organisations (RTOs), including AUSTSWIM, Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA), and others.

Depending on the provider, training can take one to three days, with some pre-course theory or online modules required upfront. Most courses blend classroom theory with hands-on, in-pool assessments like timed rescues and spinal injury simulations.

How old do you have to be to work as a pool lifeguard?

In Australia, you must be at least 16 years old to enrol in most lifeguard certification programs. However, many employers prefer candidates to be 17 or older, especially for public or high-risk pools.

Got your eye on a summer job at the local aquatic centre? Aim to get certified by the time school holidays roll around—and get in early, as places can fill up fast.

What’s the difference between a pool lifeguard and a pool attendant?

This one trips up a lot of job-seekers.

• Pool Lifeguard: Certified and trained to supervise swimmers, perform rescues, administer CPR, and respond to emergencies.

• Pool Attendant: Focused on customer service, cleanliness, and minor pool operations. They’re not usually qualified to perform rescues.

While the titles sound similar, the roles aren’t interchangeable. If you want to be the one jumping in when it counts, you’ll need that lifeguard cert under your belt.

What skills do you need to become a great pool lifeguard?

Anyone can pass a course. But great lifeguards? They stand out.

Here’s what they bring to the pool deck:

• Sharp observation skills – You’ll need to spot trouble before it happens.

• Calm under pressure – Emergencies unfold fast. Panic helps no one.

• Strong swimming ability – You’ll need to swim 200 metres and retrieve a weighted object from the deep end during training.

• Clear communication – You’re not just watching the water. You’re also enforcing rules, giving instructions, and working in a team.

• Stamina – Long shifts in the heat, with constant focus. It’s no picnic.

Add to that a bit of natural authority and empathy, and you’ve got the makings of a reliable lifesaver.

How much do pool lifeguards get paid in Australia?

Wages vary depending on the state, employer, and whether the position is casual or permanent. Here’s a ballpark:

• Casual lifeguards: $28–$38 per hour

• Permanent lifeguards: $55,000–$70,000 annually (full-time)

Weekend, holiday, and evening shifts can attract penalty rates. Plus, experienced lifeguards can move into head lifeguard or aquatic centre supervisor roles, bumping up their earning potential.

It’s not just about the money though. Many lifeguards say the biggest reward is the confidence and leadership skills they build on the job.

Can you become a lifeguard without previous experience?

Yes, you can. That’s the beauty of it.

Most people start with no formal experience—just a decent swim stroke and a desire to learn. The swimming pool lifeguard course is designed to teach you everything else: surveillance techniques, spinal rescues, oxygen use, and how to handle real-life emergencies.

As long as you meet the entry requirements—age, basic fitness, swimming competence—you can jump right in.

Where can I take a lifeguard training course in Australia?

There are accredited course providers in every state and territory. Some of the most recognised include:

• AUSTSWIM

• Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA)

• YMCA

• Surf Life Saving Australia (some courses also cover pool-based work)

You can usually find courses listed by region, with many offering weekend or school holiday options to suit students and workers.

Real talk: What’s lifeguard training actually like?

Gruelling, but satisfying.

You’ll be expected to:

• Swim 200 metres in under 6 minutes

• Retrieve a brick from 2+ metres depth

• Perform simulated rescues of unconscious victims

• Practice spinal board extrications with a team

• Handle CPR on adults, children, and infants

The theory covers everything from pool supervision zones to incident reporting protocols. But it’s the drills—those in-water scenarios where you drag a “drowning” teammate to safety—that stay with you.

Anyone who’s done the course knows: it’s not about ticking boxes. It’s about staying calm, reacting fast, and keeping people safe.

FAQ: Common Questions About Becoming a Lifeguard

Q: Can I work as a lifeguard if I wear glasses?
Yes. As long as your vision is corrected and safe around water, you're good to go.

Q: Do I need to renew my lifeguard qualification?
Most certifications are valid for 12–24 months, depending on the issuing body. CPR and First Aid must be updated regularly.

Q: Can international students work as pool lifeguards in Australia?
Yes, if they have the appropriate working rights and complete an accredited course.

Final thoughts

Becoming a pool lifeguard in Australia is more than a summer job—it’s a role with real responsibility. Whether you’re watching over toddlers in a splash zone or supervising a busy lap lane, your presence matters. And the path to get there is clearer than you might think.

By completing a swimming pool lifeguard course, you’ll gain the qualifications and confidence to respond when it counts.

For deeper training requirements, consult authoritative providers like Royal Life Saving Australia.