A surf lifeguard class covers ocean and surf beach lifeguarding. This page explains the certificate itself so you know what to look for before you book a class anywhere. This page sets out what the course involves, what you need before you book and who it is meant for, so you can tell whether it is the certificate your facility is asking for.
What this certificate is for
The surf lifeguard class is written for breaking surf, rip currents, shore break and long patrol distances. Surf is the most physically demanding discipline. Pool certification alone does not cover it. Employers do not all use the same wording when they advertise a vacancy, so where a job description is vague it is worth asking which certificate they will accept on your first day rather than assuming.
Inside the course
You will be assessed on each of the following, in the water and on land:
- reading rips, sandbars and sets
- rescue board and rescue tube work in surf
- run-swim-run fitness and patrol stamina
- mass rescue and crowd management on a beach
- spinal care in shore break
- CPR and AED for the professional rescuer
These are tested rather than simply shown to you, so expect a lot of repetition in the water and a written paper at the end. Candidates who struggle usually do so on stamina rather than on technique.
Before you sign up
Before booking a surf lifeguard class, you should be able to meet the entry requirements:
- a strong open-water swim, typically a timed run-swim-run
- the ability to swim through surf and return a casualty against current
The swim test is a gate, not something the class teaches you, and it is where most people come unstuck. If you are not there yet, spend a few weeks building the distance before you book a seat.
Who should take it
Ocean beach patrols, surf clubs and coastal municipalities. If you are not certain a surf lifeguard class is right for the job you have in mind, ask the facility what they require before you pay for a seat or call (800) 670-3391 and we will tell you what we see that kind of site asking for.
Frequently asked
Can I guard a beach with a pool certificate?
Generally no. Surf conditions, rip currents and shore break are a different discipline, and ocean patrols test for them specifically.
How fit do I need to be?
Fitter than for a pool. Expect timed run-swim-run work and the ability to swim out through breaking surf and bring someone back against moving water.
What is the hardest part for pool guards?
Reading the water. A pool shows you everything; surf hides people behind sets and moves them down the beach while you are swimming to where they were.
Related courses
If this is not the right fit, the closest alternatives are Waterfront Lifeguard, Pool Lifeguard, Wilderness Lifeguard. Each covers a different setting, and which certificate you need is decided by where you will be guarding rather than by preference.