Pool Lifesaving coaches are fundamental to the development of swimming and lifesaving skills for people of all ages and abilities, encouraging ongoing participation for fun, fitness and social inclusion.

Royal Life Saving offers three levels of coaching accreditation, providing individuals with the knowledge and skills to coach grassroots participants to elite lifesaving athletes.

The Foundation Coach course equips teachers, coaches and instructors with a basic understanding of pool lifesaving sport, including its connection to swimming and lifesaving principles, explanations of core skills and events, and ways to modify pool lifesaving to cater for all abilities and facilities. Individuals may then progress to Development or Performance Coach accreditation, with a focus on coaching competitive athletes.

To become an active coach, it is recommended that candidates have a background in swimming instruction and hold one or more of the following qualifications or awards:

• Swimming and Water Safety Teacher

• School Teacher

• Swimming Coach

• CPR, First Aid and Basic Water Rescue qualifications

• Bronze Medallion

PATHWAY TO BECOMING A POOL LIFESAVING COACH

Foundation Coach

Step 3. Development Coach

Step 4. Performance Coach