How to qualify?
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO BECOME A Llandudno Surf LIFEGUARD?
1. Fill out the registration form online
- Check availability for either the JLA/LA Course
- Sign the Indemnity Form and become a member by paying annual subs
2. Pass a swim test
Pool swim of 400 m
JLA Exam – under 9 minutes
JLA Exam – under 8 minutes
3. Attend a minimum of 90% of the coursev = minimum 24 hours
4. Pass the exam
5. Once you have passed you need to do 20 hours of voluntary duty as a club member
Keeping Your Lifeguard Award Current
To ensure your Lifeguard Award remains valid, you must complete the following steps between the end of the season in April and the end of November.
1. Attend a Refresher Session
Refresher sessions are held at the club on various weekends during the off-season. These dates will be announced in advance via our social media channels.
You only need to attend one session, which lasts approximately one hour.
Once you have attended and been signed off for your refresher, your name will be submitted for the retest.
2. Complete a Retest
Retests are conducted by official WP Lifesaving examiners and take around two hours. These are held on our beach and focus on revising and reinforcing the skills you should already know.
Once you successfully complete your retest, your qualification will be renewed for the upcoming season.
Important Notes:
If you do not complete a retest by the end of November, you will not be eligible to serve as a lifeguard for the new season.
A late or private retest/refresher may be arranged in exceptional cases, but this will incur a cost of approximately R1,500.
Exemptions may be granted only in cases of overseas travel or medical reasons. In such cases, official documentation (e.g., a flight ticket or doctor’s note) must be provided. This will allow you to complete your retest after November at no extra cost.
Please plan ahead and ensure you meet the requirements in good time to remain an active lifeguard.
The Lifeguard Path
JUNIOR LIFEGUARDS
Age 14-18
14-16 years
Many of our Junior Lifeguards began their journey as Nippers, building essential skills and confidence from a young age. At the age of 14, aspiring lifeguards can progress by completing the Junior Lifeguard Award (JLA) training course, which is required to become a qualified Junior Lifeguard.
Ages 16–18
Please note that once you turn 16, you are required to either complete your first Lifeguard Award (LA) or upgrade from the Junior Lifeguard Award (JLA) to the full LA qualification.
It is your responsibility to inform the club instructor of your date of birth so that your training and assessment can be scheduled accordingly.
SENIOR LIFEGUARDS
Age 19-30
At this stage, you will automatically move into the Senior Lifeguard category.
Master LIFEGUARDS
Age 30+
Masters are adults who choose to begin or continue their lifesaving training from the age of 30 and beyond.
Many go on to compete at a national level and often take on the role of coach or mentor to the Nippers and Junior Lifeguards, bringing valuable experience, insight, and enthusiasm to the club.