Pool lifesaving coaches are fundamental to the development of the sport, teaching people of all ages and abilities, encouraging ongoing participation for fun, fitness and social inclusion. You can begin your coaching journey as a Foundation Coach for athletes at the grassroots level – if you find your passion in coaching, you then you have the opportunity to progress further, coaching more elite athletes at State, National and International Competitions.

Why Become a Coach?

Enjoy the Social Environment

Gather your friends and start your coaching journey together, or join in on your own and meet a great network of enthusiastic and sport-loving people from all across the country.

Professional Development

Coaching experience is an esteemed attribute for an individual to posses. Learning new skills and starting new connections opens doors to unique and enriching pathways for leadership development and ongoing success in not only sport but across other workplaces.

Opportunity to Travel

Maturing to an elite level coach presents travel opportunities, being able to coach pool lifesaving teams in competitions across the country and all over the world. Combine coaching with your love for travel and do it with like-minded people.

Coaching Pathways

Royal Life Saving offers three levels of coaching accreditation, providing individuals with the knowledge and skills to coach grassroots participants at local lifesaving clubs, right through to elite athletes competing at national or international events.

To become an accredited Royal Life Saving Pool Lifesaving Coach, candidates must hold the following qualifications and complete the following courses/awards:

• Be 16 years of age or older.

• Be a current member of a Royal Life Saving State or Territory Member Organisation.

• Hold either

  • A current Royal Life Saving Bronze Medallion; or

  • A statement of attainment for both Provide First Aid (HLTAID011) and Perform Basic Water Rescue (SISCAQU002).

• Hold a current Working With Children Check.

• Complete the Sport Australia Community Coaching course (or Swimming Australia equivalent).

• Complete the Sport Integrity Australia Anti-Doping Fundamentals course (previously Level 1 Anti-Doping).

• Complete the Royal Life Saving Pool Lifesaving Coaching course (online and practical components), including the Royal Life Saving Child Safety for the Aquatic Industry - Frontline Workers course.

The Level 1 Foundation Coaching course provides 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.

The Level 2 Development Coaching course progresses further, teaching a coach how to effectively plan and deliver training programs, with particular focus on athlete development, nurturing talent and preparing pool lifesaving athletes for ongoing success in competitions. You must be an accredited Foundation Coach to be eligible for the Development Coaching Course.

The Level 3 High Performance Coaching pathway focuses on coaching athletes for selection in National and International Representative Teams, as well as playing a key role in the assessment and mentoring of aspiring coaches.

Upcoming Coaching Courses:

Royal Life Saving NSW offers coaching masterclasses, whereby those interested can register to participate and learn the basics of coaching pool lifesaving sport and get their Foundation Coaching Accreditation.

To begin your coaching journey and enquire about any upcoming coaching courses, please contact the NSW Royal Life Saving office nsw@royalnsw.com.au.

NSW High Performance Coach Profiles