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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Further Education and Training Certificate: Lifeguarding 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
61509  Further Education and Training Certificate: Lifeguarding 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Sport, Recreation & Fitness 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CATHSSETA - Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Further Ed and Training Cert  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Sport 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  127  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
SAQA 9999/99  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The qualification is intended to ensure that the learner has the ability to guard and save human lives in an aquatic environment. It is a qualification that consists of a large practical component.

The qualifying learner will be able to, for example:
  • Ensure his/her own safety while participating in aquatic rescues.
  • Identify hazards that might affect the safety of others and remove or lessen their impact.
  • Participate in all duties as a full and trusted lifeguarding team member.
  • Identify participants in pool, surf and open-water water activities who might be at risk of injury or drowning and remove the risk or otherwise safeguard the participants.
  • Carry out rescues of persons in danger in a pool, surf or open-water context, ensure first aid to including resuscitation of a wide range of patients and assist with the transport of patients who need further care.
  • Conduct rescues by boat or helicopter.

    Possible occupations for qualifying learners include:
  • Municipal life guards.
  • Aquatic life guards.
  • Aquatic supervisors.
  • Assistant aquatic administrators.

    Rationale:

    South Africa has a long and well-established tradition of participation in recreational, commercial and competitive aquatic pursuits. These include recreational and competitive swimming, boating of various sorts (in rivers, dams, and other open water, surf and open ocean), scuba diving, springboard diving, water polo, underwater hockey, surf and rock angling and other aquatic sport and recreation activities. These pursuits are enhanced by a warm summer climate, rugged coastline of almost three thousand kilometers, a great number of dams and river systems, as well as swimming pools in urban areas.

    The warm summer climate attracts large numbers of people to the beaches and dams of the country, where they engage in swimming and boating; both pursuits that carry risks for the unwary. The implication of the above is that an increasing number of people are vulnerable to accidents and even tragedies emanating from their pursuit of water activities. In view of this, personal water competencies (survival skills) as well as lifeguarding are very important.

    The FETC: Lifeguarding, is designed to address the need for water safety at a high level, largely as a service to be provided by trained personnel who will monitor and render the safe use of the aquatic environment. The qualification makes provision for a measure of personal autonomy, judgment, research and self-direction in developing professional life guarding competencies. Since there is no margin for error where human lives are at risk, it is justified to expect the lifeguard to take responsibility for leading and developing colleagues working at lower levels. A great deal of responsibility rests on the lifeguard's shoulders. The result is a qualification that is devoted to developing the fitness, skills and mental attitudes necessary to save lives in swimming pools, open water and surf while acting alone or in a team.

    The attainment of the qualification should allow for progression, and an improvement in status and job opportunities. A safer water environment should also allow more people to enjoy aquatic pursuits. It could have a ripple effect on other services, and be of consequent benefit to the economy and the sports sub-field as a whole. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical Literacy NQF Level 3.
  • Basic First Aid competencies recommended by the Department of Labour.
  • Swimming ability as below in access to the qualification.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This Qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning and the Qualification may be granted to learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal courses providing they can demonstrate competence in the outcomes of the individual Unit Standards as required by the Fundamental, Core and Elective areas stipulated in the Qualification and by the Exit Level Outcomes.

    An RPL process may also be used to credit learners with Unit Standards in which they have developed the necessary competency as a result of workplace and experiential learning.

    Learners submitting themselves for RPL should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment, and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition. While this is primarily a workplace-based Qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be introduced if pertinent to any of the exit level outcomes.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Access is open to all learners who are able to swim 400 metres within 8 minutes for open water life guards and 100 metres within 2 minutes for closed water life guards. Open water includes dams. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of fundamental, core and elective unit standards. A minimum of 127 credits is required to achieve the qualification. The credits are allocated as follows:

    Fundamental Component (56 credits) Compulsory for all learners:

    The Fundamental Component consists of the following learning, which is compulsory for all learners:
  • Unit standards at Level 4, totaling 16 credits in Mathematical Literacy.
  • Unit standards at Level 4, totaling 20 credits in Communication in a First South African Language.
  • Unit standards at Level 3, totaling 20 credits in Communication in a Second South African Language.

    It is therefore compulsory for learners to do Communication in two different South African language, one at Level 4 and the other at Level 3.

    Core Component (51 credits) Compulsory for all learners.

    Elective Component:

    Learners are to choose unit standards totaling a minimum of 20 credits from those listed as electives. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Qualifying learners will be able to:

    1. Undertake lifeguarding duties individually and as part of a team.

    2. Carry out first aid, including cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.

    3. Undertake general lifeguarding duties.

    4. Provide assistance to senior administrators. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

    1. Threats are identified and countered with standard actions and reactions.
    2. The distress of potential accident victims is recognised and victims are safeguarded using lifeguarding techniques.
    3. Rescues are carried out under a variety of circumstances according to standard practice.
    4. After-care is done, following which patients are handed over, where appropriate, to trained medical personnel.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    1. First aid is carried out to counter a variety of conditions related to accidents in the aquatic environment using accepted methods.
    2. Rescue breathing and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation are rendered effectively in accordance with need and against prescribed techniques.
    3. Seriously injured individuals are transported in order to receive appropriate medical care as per normal procedure.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    1. Safe bathing sites are managed effectively and according to best practice.
    2. Special individual needs are accommodated during the course of duties as per relevant policy.
    3. Rescue sites are managed and crowd control implemented according to relevant procedure.
    4. Communications are maintained within the work environment and with outside rescue services as necessary, in line with standard practice.
    5. The theory underpinning professional behaviour is understood and put into practice in accordance with policy and procedure.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

    1. The workplace activities of a lifesaving squad are enhanced by skilled individual input.
    2. All required documentation and record-keeping is completed according to organizational requirements.
    3. Liaison is undertaken with all key roleplayers such as the municipality concerned in terms of legislation and relevant policy.
    4. Work is undertaken in accordance with legislative and regulatory guidelines.
    5. Conflict resolution is undertaken as necessary within the scope of respect for human rights.

    Integrated assessment:

    Integrated assessment ensures the combination of allied skill-complexes and knowledge across a range of unit standards in the achievement of significant, complex tasks central to the qualification. The integrated assessment should therefore ensure that:
  • Competence is demonstrated by means of the execution of practical activities in the workplace that show an application of the embedded knowledge and values inherent in the tasks.
  • There is a clear grasp of the foundations upon which the activity is built, including principles, concepts and theory.

    The achievement of the above necessitates assessment methods relevant to practical performance in the workplace. These must be open, transparent, fair, valid and reliable. No learner may be disadvantaged by extraneous factors. Equity is achieved best if a range of assessment methods is used. These must be appropriate to the various contexts used, always inevitably related to the workplace. Simulations, case studies and role plays may be used, but these should be as close to the actual context as possible.

    Wherever possible skills, knowledge, attitudes and values should be incorporated in the integrated assessment so that the reality of the workplace environment is replicated. Combinations of foundational, practical and reflective competence should be assessed without any component of the specific outcomes, embedded knowledge and critical cross-field outcomes being left out. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Best practice in lifeguarding is carried out according to The International Life Saving (ILS) policies procedures and requirements. The ILS is an international body that controls the training and accreditation of international life savers. ILS has approximately 100 member countries, which include the following full member and associate member states.

    Full membership:

    Africa:
  • Botswana: Botswana Life Saving Association.
  • Egypt: Egyptian Underwater and Lifesaving Federation.
  • Kenya; Kenya Life Saving and Lifeguarding Association.
  • South Africa: Lifesaving South Africa.
  • Seychelles: Seychelles Lifesaving Brigade.

    America:
  • Brazil: Brazilian Life Saving Society.
  • Chile: SEAL - Chilean Lifeguarding and Rescue.
  • Canada: Lifesaving Society - Société de Sauvetage.
  • Mexico: Mexican Lifeguard Association.
  • Argentina: Professional Team for Aquatic Rescues.
  • Jamaica: Royal Life Saving Society - Jamaica.
  • Saint Lucia: St. Lucia Life Saving Association.
  • Trinidad & Tobago: Trinidad and Tobago Life Saving Society.
  • USA: USLA - United States Lifesaving Association.

    Asia-Pacific
  • China: China Life Saving Association.
  • Japan: Japan Lifesaving Association.
  • Sri Lanka: Life Saving Association of Sri Lanka.
  • Kazakhstan: Life Saving Association of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
  • Malaysia: Life Saving Society Malaysia.
  • Macau: Lifesaving Association of Macau.
  • Iran: Lifesaving Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
  • Taiwan: National - National Water Life Saving Association of the Republic of China.
  • Qatar: Qatar Swimming and Lifesaving Association.
  • India: Rashtriya - Rashtriya Life Saving Society of India.
  • Fiji: Royal Life Saving Society of Fiji.
  • Singapore: Singapore Life Saving Society.
  • Indonesia: Surf Life Saving Association of Indonesia.
  • Australia: Surf - Surf Life Saving Australia.
  • New Zealand: Surf - Surf Life Saving New Zealand.
  • Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Life Saving Society.
  • Australia: Royal - The Royal Life Saving Society Australia.

    Europe:
  • Austria: Austrian Water Rescue Federation.
  • Belgium: Belgian Life Saving Federation.
  • Bulgaria: Bulgarian Red Cross - Water Life Saving Service.
  • Croatia: Croatian Red Cross.
  • Cyprus: Cyprus Life Saving Association.
  • Denmark: Danish Swimming Federation.
  • Estonia: Estonian Life Saving.
  • Finland: Finnish Association for Swimming Instruction and Life Saving.
  • France: French Federation of Lifesaving and First Aid.
  • Germany: DLRG - German Life Saving Association.
  • Greece: Hellenic Red Cross - Volunteering Samaritan Corps.
  • Hungary: Hungarian Life Saving Federation.
  • Ireland: Irish Water Safety.
  • Italy: Italian Swimming Federation - Lifesaving Section.
  • Latvia: Latvian Life Saving Society.
  • Netherlands: KNBRD - Lifesaving Brigades - The Netherlands.
  • Lithuania: Lithuanian Water Rescue Association.
  • Macedonia: Macedonian Red Cross - Water Safety Expert Centre.
  • Montenegro: Montenegro Red Cross.
  • Romania: National Ass. of Professional Divers and Lifeguards from Romania.
  • Norway: Norwegian Lifesaving Society.
  • Poland: Polish Life Saving Federation.
  • Portugal: ISN - Portuguese Institute for Lifesaving.
  • United Kingdom RLSS: Royal Life Saving Society - United Kingdom.
  • Russia: Russian Life Saving Society.
  • Serbia: Serbia Red Cross Society.
  • Slovenia: Slovenian Lifesaving Federation.
  • Spain: Spanish Lifesaving Federation.
  • Azerbaijan: State Water Rescue Service of Azerbaijan.
  • Great Britain: Surf - Surf Life Saving Association of Great Britain.
  • Sweden: Swedish Life Saving Society.
  • Switzerland: Swiss Lifesaving Society.
  • Israel: The Israeli Association for Bathing, Drowning Prevention and Lifesaving.
  • Turkey: Turkish Underwater Sports Federation.
  • Czech Republic: Water Rescue Service - Czech Red Cross.
  • Slovakia: Water Rescue Service of Slovak Red Cross.
  • Ukraine: Water Rescue Society of Ukraine.

    Associate Member Countries:

    Africa:
  • Mauritius: Life Saving Society - Mauritius.

    America:
  • USA: Red Cross - American Red Cross.
  • Chile: CUSESA - Chilean Life Saving Association.
  • Venezuela: National Federation of YMCA Venezuela.
  • USA: YMCA - YMCA of the USA.

    Asia-Pacific:
  • India: Society - Indian Life Saving Society.
  • Pakistan: PALS - Pakistan Aquatic Life Saving.
  • Palestine: Palestinian Swimming and Aquatic Sports Federation.

    Europe:
  • Germany: DRK - German Red Cross.
  • Portugal: ASNASA - Life Saving Society - ASNASA.
  • United Kingdom RNLI: Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

    All the ILS countries above follow the ILS prescriptions in training by including the competencies below:
  • Undertaking and managing life guarding and rescue operations.
  • Undertaking and managing First aid.
  • Carrying out life guarding duties.
  • Providing assistance to senior administrators.
  • Physical and mental fitness.

    A range of specialised certificates are offered in ILS member states such as:
  • International Junior Lifesaver.
  • International Lifesaver.
  • International Pool Lifeguard.
  • International Inland Open Water Lifeguard.
  • International Surf Lifeguard.
  • International Lifesaver/Lifeguard Instructor.
  • Overview of Rescue Diver's Certificates.
  • International Open Water Diver (*).
  • International Rescue Diver (**).
  • International Rescue Dive Master (***).
  • International Rescue Dive Instructor *.
  • International Rescue Dive Instructor **.
  • International Rescue Dive Instructor ***.
  • International Rescue Boat Crew.
  • International Rescue Boat Driver.
  • International AED Certificate.
  • International Jet Ski Operator.

    This qualification aligns to the above requirements with various specialisations.

    International comparison has been done against training in ILS countries offering accredited life guarding programmes.

    This qualification has been benchmarked against qualifications in Australia, Canada, UK and the United States of America, and shows a substantial degree of similarity, while encompassing unique areas to ensure its relevance to the local context.

    The mandatory addition of an understanding of inclusion and practical experience in managing persons with disabilities is unique to South Africa and may be regarded as a reflection of the commitment to equity in the South African Constitution.

    Commonwealth countries generally follow the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) UK programme with minor local modifications. The South and Central American countries generally follow either the USA or Canada in terms of qualifications. The Pacific Rim countries were mentored mainly by Australia and they set up their programmes in similar fashion. In Africa only South Africa and Egypt have established qualifications and the rest follow either South African methods or the RLSS. European Countries each have their own programmes and are all very similar to ILS.

    Surf life guarding is dominated by South Africa and Australia particularly in the southern hemisphere.

    When comparing the qualifications from these countries it became apparent that the key competencies are all very similar to our qualification, the difference being the SAQA requirement to include Fundamental areas of learning.

    Australia:

    In Australia there are 2 streams, namely the Surf Life Saving Australia and the Royal Life Saving Society. All programmes align to the ILS recommendations.

    United States of America:

    The USA has a couple of different programmes of which the American Red Cross programme is most appropriate as it covers most of the relevant areas, namely surf, pool and waterfront.

    The core competencies are however similar to ILS requirements.

    United Kingdom:

    The UK has 2 streams, namely the Surf Life Saving Association of Great Britain and the Royal Life Saving Society. They have been compared separately as the RLSS programme is widely used in Commonwealth countries, particularly those in Africa and Asia. The core competencies are however similar to ILS requirements.

    Canada:

    In Canada, the Lifesaving Society of Canada (LSS) certifies all lifeguards. The life guarding certification is the National Lifeguard Service (NLS). The Canadian NLS programme is split into 4 separate specialisations, pool, water park, waterfront and surf. All candidates must complete the core elements, which are basic life guarding skills and essential knowledge for any aquatic facility. The candidate can then choose whichever option they wish to be certified in. The core competencies are similar to ILS requirements.

    International Comparability of Competencies:

    South Africa:
  • Communication.
  • Maths.
  • Second language.
  • Administration:
    > Incident report.
    > Duty reports.
    > Duty administration.
    > Administrative support.
  • Legislation:
    > OHSA.
  • Pre-requisites:
    > 16 years or older.
    > Open water - swim 400m in 8 mins
    > Closed water - swim 100m in 2 mins
  • Site Management:
    > EAP.
    > Duty Squads.
    > Uniform.
    > Water parks.
    > Supervision of specific pools.
  • Communication:
    > Signs & Signals.
    > Information signs.
    > Hand/Arm signals.
    > Whistle signals.
    > Two-way radio-inter/ext.
  • Rescues:
    > Rescue Theory.
    > Characteristics of a person in difficulty.
    > Scanning techniques.
    > Defensive techniques.
    > Techniques for escaping.
    > Pool lifesaving.
    > Open water lifesaving.
    > Surf lifesaving.
  • Environmental conditions:
    > Deep water.
    > Shallow water.
    > River currents.
    > Surf.
    > Strong wind.
    > Risk taking behaviour.
  • Water rescue skills:
    > Reaching/throwing.
    > Rowing.
    > Flotation aid.
    > Non swimming rescues.
    > Contact/non contact/wade/accompanied.
    > Deep water resuscitation.
    > Evaluate aquatic environment.
    > Spinal injuries.
    > Extended arm roll over.
    > Recover and immobilise spinal injury face up/face down.
    > Observation and scanning techniques.
    > Rescue craft.
    > Use of lifesaving equipment.
    > Entries & removals in still water and surf conditions.
  • First Aid Kits:
    > OHSA standard.
  • First Aid:
    > Shock.
    > Choking.
    > Bleeding.
    > Wounds.
    > Fractures, Sprains & strains.
    > Severe bleeding.
    > Multiple victims.
    > Epileptic seizures.
    > Severe asthma attacks.
    > Bee stings.
    > Spinal cord injury.
    > Head Injuries.
    > Heart Attack.
    > Effects of heat & cold.
    > Electrical shock.
    > Poisoning.
    > Burns & scalds.
    > Contact EMS.
    > Immobilise possible spinal injury on land.
    > Injury Management.
  • CPR:
    > ILCOR Resuscitation standards.
    > Adult/child CPR.
    > Two rescue adult.
    > Infant CPR.
    > Complications.
    > Gastric distention.
    > Mouth to nose/jaw thrust.
    > Pregnant woman.
    > Obese person.
    > Manage vomiting.
    > Scene assessment.
  • Equipment and Maintenance:
    > Reaching aids.
    > Ropes.
    > Flotation aids.
    > Flippers.
    > Rescue tube.
    > Spine board.
    > Rescue board.
  • Physiology & Anatomy:
    > Functions of circulatory, skeletal, respiratory and nervous systems.
  • Special Needs:
    > Cultural diversity.
  • Management.
  • Exercise and Fitness.
  • Water Parks:
    > River rides (continuous/Stop and go/slow/Activity).
    > Wave pools.
    > Evaluate potential hazards.
  • Water Safety:
    > Swim and survive.
    > Entries/exits.
    > Forward and backward somersaults.
    > Sculling.
    > Surface dives.
    > Underwater swimming.
    > Survival strokes.
    > pfd.
    > Swim in clothes.
    > Throwing.
    > Surveillance.
    > Egg beater kick.
  • IRB Crewing:
    > IRB Driver.
  • Helicopter Crew.

    Canada:
  • Incident report.
  • Duty reports.
  • Legal obligations.
  • Duty of care, liability and negligence.
  • OHS.
  • 16 years or old.
  • Hold Bronze Medal.
  • Current First Aid.
  • Analyse surf conditions.
  • Pool water and chemicals.
  • Safety for water park features,incl wave pools.
  • Signs & Signals.
  • Communication.
  • Recognition of swimmers and non swimmers.
  • Deep water.
  • Shallow water.
  • River currents.
  • Surf.
  • Strong wind.
  • Risk taking behaviour.
  • Evaluate aquatic environment.
  • Recover and immobilise spinal injury face up/face down.
  • Underwater search.
  • Non contact rescue.
  • Non breathing victim.
  • Non contact low risk Non breathing victim in unsupervised environment.
  • Drowning victim.
  • Get out of water using your arms to lift yourself.
  • Control carry.
  • Observation and scanning techniques.
  • Paddle board/rescue craft.
  • Use of skin-diving skills (mask, fins and snorkel).
  • Effective search.
  • Rescue in surf conditions.
  • Respond as a single lifeguard/member of team.
  • Legislated standard.
  • Shock.
  • Choking.
  • Bleeding.
  • Heart attack.
  • Angina.
  • Stroke.
  • TIA.
  • Level of consciousness.
  • Vital signs.
  • Head to toe survey.
  • History.
  • Hypothermia.
  • Primary assessment Contact EMS.
  • Immobilise possible spinal injury on land.
  • ILCOR Resuscitation.
  • Standards.
  • Adult/child CPR.
  • Two rescue adult.
  • Infant CPR.
  • Complications.
  • Gastric distention.
  • Mouth to nose/stoma/jaw thrust.
  • Pregnant woman.
  • Obese person.
  • Manage vomiting.
  • Scene assessment.
  • Life guarding of various types of slides (moderate/high speed/drop off/free fall/kiddie).
  • River rides (continuous/Stop and go/slow/Activity).
  • Wave pools.
  • Evaluate potential hazards.
  • Appropriate entries and removals from wave pools/slides/catch basins and other park apparatus.
  • Work as a team/spinal and injury/water slide flume.
  • Entries.
  • Exits.
  • Forward and backward somersaults.
  • Sculling.
  • Surface dives.
  • Underwater swimming.
  • Survival strokes.
  • pfd.
  • Swim in clothes.
  • Throwing.
  • Surveillance.
  • Egg beater kick.
  • Head first entry.
  • Compact jump.
  • Support and carry a weighted object in deep water.
  • Assist the removal of a conscious victim.
  • Weak swimmer.
  • Non swimmer.
  • Unconscious victim.
  • Non contact rescue.
  • Whistle signals.
  • Hand signals.
  • Water search.

    UK Royal:
  • Incident report.
  • The Law, Regulations and Codes of Practice.
  • Swim 50m in 1min or less.
  • Surface dive in deep water.
  • Design and Risk factors.
  • Duty Squads.
  • Uniform.
  • EAP.
  • Play equipment.
  • Diving and jumping.
  • Water parks.
  • Supervision of specific pools/zones.
  • Rotation.
  • Signs & Signals.
  • Communication.
  • Two-way radios.
  • Principles of pool lifesaving.
  • Scanning techniques.
  • Reaching/throwing.
  • Contact.
  • Conscious.
  • Unconscious.
  • Spinal Cord.
  • Legislated standard.
  • Shock.
  • Choking.
  • Bleeding.
  • Wounds.
  • Fractures, Sprains & strains.
  • Spinal cord injury.
  • Head Injuries.
  • Heart Attack.
  • Effects of heat & cold.
  • Electrical shock.
  • Poisoning.
  • Burns & scalds.
  • ILCOR Resuscitation standards.
  • Adult/child CPR.
  • Two rescue adult.
  • Infant CPR.
  • Complications.
  • Gastric distention.
  • Mouth to nose/jaw thrust.
  • Pregnant woman.
  • Obese person.
  • Special Needs.
  • Life guarding of various types of slides (moderate/high speed/drop off/free fall/kiddie).
  • River rides (continuous/Stop and go/slow/Activity).
  • Wave pools.
  • Evaluate potential hazards.
  • Appropriate entries and removals from wave pools/slides/ catch basins and other park apparatus.
  • Work as a team/spinal and injury/water slide flume.
  • Swim and survive.
  • Entries/exits.
  • Forward and backward somersaults.
  • Sculling.
  • Surface dives.
  • Underwater swimming.
  • Survival strokes.
  • pfd.
  • Swim in clothes.
  • Throwing.
  • Surveillance.
  • Egg beater kick.

    UK National:
  • Incident report.
  • The Lifeguard, the Law, Regulations and Codes of Practice.
  • EAP.
  • Design and Risk factors.
  • Duty Squads.
  • Uniform.
  • Play equipment.
  • Diving and jumping.
  • Water parks.
  • Supervision of specific pools.
  • Signs & Signals.
  • Communication.
  • Principles of pool lifesaving.
  • Reaching/throwing.
  • Contact.
  • Conscious.
  • Unconscious.
  • Spinal Cord.
  • Water search procedure.
  • Legislated standard.
  • Shock.
  • Choking.
  • Bleeding.
  • Wounds.
  • Fractures, Sprains & strains.
  • Spinal cord injury.
  • Head Injuries.
  • Heart Attack.
  • Effects of heat & cold.
  • Electrical shock.
  • Poisoning.
  • Burns & scalds.
  • ILCOR Resuscitation standards.
  • Adult/child CPR.
  • Two rescue adult.
  • Infant CPR.
  • Complications.
  • Gastric distention.
  • Mouth to nose/jaw thrust.
  • Pregnant woman.
  • Obese person.
  • United States of America.
  • Incident report.
  • Duty reports.
  • 16 years or old.
  • Swim 500m in 10mins or less.
  • EAP.
  • Work as a team.
  • Signs & Signals Information signs.
  • Hand/Arm signals.
  • Whistle signals.
  • Two-way radio-inter/ext.
  • Defensive techniques.
  • Techniques for escaping.
  • Deep water.
  • Shallow water.
  • River currents.
  • Surf.
  • Strong wind.
  • Risk taking behaviour.
  • Reaching/throwing.
  • Contact.
  • Conscious.
  • Unconscious.
  • Spinal Cord.
  • Use of flotation aids.
  • Legislated standard.
  • Identify head, neck & back injuries and methods of handling.
  • Symptoms and treatment of injuries caused by.
  • Dangerous water animals and organisms.
  • Drugs/Alcohol.
  • Heat cramp/heat exhaustion/heat stroke.
  • Sunburn.
  • Hypothermia.
  • Water Aspiration.
  • ILCOR Resuscitation standards.
  • Adult/child CPR.
  • Two rescue adult.
  • Infant CPR.
  • Complications.
  • Gastric distention.
  • Mouth to nose/jaw thrust.
  • Pregnant woman.
  • Obese person.
  • Reaching aids.
  • Ropes.
  • Flotation aids.
  • Flippers.
  • Rescue tube.
  • Spine board.
  • Rescue board.

    Australia:
  • Incident report.
  • Duty reports.
  • OH&S.
  • Duty of Care.
  • 15 years or old.
  • Swim 400m in 9mins or less.
  • EAP (rescue plan).
  • Self preservation.
  • Personal capabilities.
  • Available assistance.
  • Rescue aids.
  • Nature of the area.
  • Number of people.
  • Priorities of rescue.
  • Work as a team.
  • Signs & Signals Information signs.
  • Hand/Arm signals.
  • Whistle signals.
  • Two-way radio-inter/ext.
  • Rescue theory.
  • Characteristics of a person in difficulty.
  • Factors that contribute to aquatic emergencies.
  • Scanning techniques.
  • Deep water.
  • Shallow water.
  • River currents.
  • Surf- waves, rips, holes.
  • Strong wind.
  • Risk taking behaviour.
  • Types of beaches.
  • Weather.
  • Reaching/throwing.
  • Rowing.
  • Flotation aid.
  • Non swimming rescues.
  • Contact/non contact.
  • wade/accompanied.
  • Extended arm roll over.
  • Spine board.
  • Spine immobilisation collar.
  • Water search procedure.
  • Deep water resuscitation.
  • Use of fins, rescue tube & rescue board.
  • Body surfing.
  • Legislated standard.
  • Shock.
  • Choking.
  • Bleeding.
  • Contact EMS.
  • Minor Aquatic emergencies.
  • Bee sting.
  • Minor bleeding.
  • Gutter grabbers.
  • Swimmer in difficulty.
  • Injured swimmer.
  • Unexpected submersions.
  • Major Emergencies.
  • Envenomation.
  • Sudden unconsciousness.
  • Heart attack.
  • Severe bleeding.
  • Multiple victims.
  • Epileptic seizures.
  • Severe asthma attacks.
  • ILCOR Resuscitation standards.
  • Adult/child CPR.
  • Two rescue adult.
  • Infant CPR.
  • Complications.
  • Gastric distention.
  • Mouth to nose/jaw thrust.
  • Pregnant woman.
  • Obese person.
  • Reaching aids.
  • Ropes.
  • Flotation aids.
  • Flippers.
  • Rescue tube.
  • Spine board.
  • Spinal immobilisation collar.
  • Rescue board.
  • Oxygen resuscitation equipment.
  • Functions of circulatory, skeletal, respiratory and nervous systems.
  • Swim and survive.
  • Entries/exits.
  • Forward and backward somersaults.
  • Sculling.
  • Surface dives.
  • Underwater swimming.
  • Survival strokes.
  • pfd.
  • Swim in clothes.
  • Throwing.
  • Surveillance.
  • Egg beater kick.

    Conclusion:

    This qualification aligns to ILS requirements. The qualification has one programme for all lifeguards and elective specialisations will be developed to cover all aquatic sports and recreation activities. It is evident that this qualification will meet international standards while retaining its unique South African relevance. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Possibilities for horizontal articulation outside of this environment include:
  • National Certificate: Sport coaching, NQF Level 4.

    Possibilities for vertical articulation include:
  • National Diploma: Sport Administration, NQF Level 5. 

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner, or moderating the assessment of a learner, against this. Qualification must be registered as an assessor or moderator with the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body (ETQA), or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has an MOU with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation of that ETQA, in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between various ETQAs (including professional bodies), and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at all exit points of the Qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual Unit Standards as well as the integrated competence described in the Exit Level Outcomes of the Qualification.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has an MOU with the relevant ETQA. 

  • CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor or moderator of this Qualification the applicant needs:
  • To be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • To be in possession of a relevant Qualification at a higher level.
  • 2 years practical and relevant occupational experience. 

  • REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  255825  Care for and maintain lifeguarding/lifesaving equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  255818  Perform rescue breathing and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  255816  Control the activities of a lifeguarding duty squad and liaise with key roleplayers in the provision of services  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Core  255820  Ensure the safety of participants during life guarding/lifesaving competitions  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Core  255838  Execute a number of contact and non-contact aquatic rescues and releases using different techniques in pool, open water and surf  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Core  255824  Explain and apply the ethical principles underpinning life guarding and lifesaving  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Core  255835  Identify, understand and contain threats affecting the safety of participants in aquatic activities  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Core  255829  Make use of appropriate signs and signals in a Lifeguarding/Lifesaving scenario  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Core  255828  Manage suspected spinal injuries in the aquatic environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Core  255837  Participate in a mass aquatic rescue  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Core  255817  Perform basic radio communication procedures and functions  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Core  255836  Understand and work within relevant legislation, policies and guidelines affecting a service organisation  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Core  255834  Undertake a deep-water rescue involving rescue breathing  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Core  255830  Undertake rescues using non-motorised lifesaving rescue equipment  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Core  255814  Undertake the transportation of patients suffering from the effects of different types of aquatic incidents  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Core  255815  Accommodate special needs in the discharge of lifeguarding duties  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Core  255823  Identify and apply ethical behaviour and team discipline  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  119457  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  119467  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  119465  Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  12155  Apply comprehension skills to engage written texts in a business environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Fundamental  9015  Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Fundamental  119462  Engage in sustained oral/signed communication and evaluate spoken/signed texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Fundamental  119469  Read/view, analyse and respond to a variety of texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Fundamental  9016  Represent analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Fundamental  7468  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Fundamental  119459  Write/present/sign for a wide range of contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Elective  255822  Assist as a lifeguarding crewman in undertaking aquatic rescues from a motorised rescue craft  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Elective  255821  Conduct a practical outdoor demonstration of lifeguarding skills  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Elective  255819  Maintain and operate a motorised rescue craft in the aquatic zone  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Elective  117871  Facilitate learning using a variety of given methodologies  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Elective  255826  Operate as crewman in assisting in an aquatic rescue from a helicopter  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 
    Elective  255827  Undertake an aquatic rescue from a helicopter  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Lifesaving South Africa 



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