From £ 4200
Mid & South-West Wales, United Kingdom
From £ 2000
Mid & South-West Wales, United Kingdom
From £ 325
Devon, United Kingdom
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The SLSGB Surf Lifeguard Award balances classroom instruction with hands-on surf and beach-based training. Participants learn to prevent incidents, respond to emergencies, and work in team-based rescue scenarios – all within the demanding context of surf beaches.
The course concludes with a practical and theoretical assessment conducted by a qualified SLSGB examiner. You’ll be tested on timed swims, rescue scenarios, CPR, first aid knowledge, and your ability to manage a simulated emergency.
While course delivery may vary slightly by training provider, all centres follow the SLSGB national training syllabus. Many also offer combined packages with surf coaching or rescue board handling modules – check listings on adventuro to find the right fit.
The Surf Lifeguard Award qualifies you to work as a professional beach lifeguard on SLSGB-affiliated beaches across the UK, and is often accepted internationally (though local regulations may vary). It is also a recognised prerequisite for many surf instructor qualifications, including those from the ISA and Surfing England.
Beyond professional lifeguarding, the award significantly boosts your confidence and competence in managing surf-related first aid incidents, rescues, and dynamic beach safety scenarios. It’s particularly valuable for surf coaches, outdoor instructors, and anyone leading groups near or in the sea.
Holding this qualification demonstrates a high level of physical fitness, critical decision-making under pressure, and a thorough understanding of coastal hazards – skills that transfer well into many adventure sports and outdoor leadership roles.
The SLSGB Surf Lifeguard Award typically takes 5 to 6 days to complete, depending on conditions and the training provider. This includes both theoretical and practical components, with a final assessment on the last day. Some centres may offer extended formats over evenings or weekends.
The Surf Lifeguard Award from Surf Life Saving Great Britain (SLSGB) is assessed through a combination of practical and theoretical components. Candidates must demonstrate strong swimming ability, rescue techniques using rescue boards and tubes, and effective first aid skills, including CPR and spinal management. The assessment typically includes a timed swim, complex rescue scenarios, and a written or verbal exam on lifesaving theory and beach safety. Candidates are also evaluated on their ability to remain calm under pressure and make sound decisions during simulated emergencies. Assessors are SLSGB-qualified and follow nationally recognised standards. Most training centres offer structured preparation and mock assessments to boost confidence. You can explore adventuro’s full list of accredited centres to find one near you and book directly through our platform.
Quick answers about this qualification. For anything else, use live chat or browse bookable activities below.
Find activitiesThe Surf Lifeguard Award is a professional-level qualification from Surf Life Saving Great Britain (SLSGB) that prepares individuals to work as beach lifeguards. It combines fitness, rescue, and first aid training, focusing on real-world scenarios in surf conditions. It’s one of the most respected lifeguarding qualifications in the UK and is required by many employers, including the RNLI and private beach resorts.
This course is ideal for strong swimmers who want to work as beach lifeguards or volunteer with surf lifesaving clubs. You’ll need to be confident in the surf and capable of swimming 400 metres in under 7.5 minutes. It’s also suitable for surfers looking to improve their safety and rescue knowledge.
The course includes comprehensive first aid training, with a focus on aquatic injuries. Topics include CPR, automated external defibrillator (AED) use, oxygen administration, spinal injury management, and treatment of common beach injuries like heat stroke, jellyfish stings, and cuts. You’ll be assessed through practical scenarios and theory questions.
Not at all. While familiarity with ocean conditions helps, you don’t need to be a surfer. The course does include surf rescue techniques using rescue boards and tubes, so good balance and confidence in the water are essential. Surfing experience can make some elements easier, but it’s not a requirement.
Most training courses run over 5–6 days, often spread across one or two weeks. Some providers offer intensive courses over long weekends. You’ll complete both classroom and beach-based sessions, with the final assessment typically held on the last day. Training hours can vary slightly by centre.
Yes. Before taking the course, you’ll need to complete a 400-metre pool swim in under 7 minutes 30 seconds using front crawl or breaststroke. This demonstrates your base fitness and water confidence. It’s a prerequisite for the course, so it’s worth practising beforehand if you’re unsure.
Most centres will provide rescue equipment like boards and tubes. You’ll need your own swimwear, wetsuit, towel, and possibly fins. It’s also a good idea to bring a notebook for theory sessions. Check with your chosen adventuro provider for their specific kit list when you book.
The Surf Lifeguard Award is valid for 24 months. To remain qualified, you’ll need to complete a refresher or requalification course before it expires. Maintaining your fitness and rescue skills is essential, especially if you're working professionally. Many adventuro centres offer requals—just search our listings.
Absolutely. This award is recognised by major employers such as the RNLI and local councils. It’s often a minimum requirement for professional beach lifeguard roles. Many adventuro users go on to paid seasonal work or volunteer roles with surf lifesaving clubs after completing the course.