COACHING OPPORTUNITIES
Your lifesaving journey can begin from 13 years old, with entry-level pathways available both in and out of the water. Build practical skills, confidence and experience as you step into patrol for the first time and open the door to a wide range of lifesaving opportunities.
To be eligible to patrol, you need to join a club and complete at least one of the following options:
development Coach
What is it?
Development Coaches plan and deliver targeted, discipline-specific training for athletes aged 13 and above preparing for surf sports competition. With a strong emphasis on skill development, you’ll help athletes refine their technique, improve their performance and progress towards their goals at different levels of competition, helping them reach their full potential both in and out of the surf.
Where can it lead?
Development Coach accreditation is the pathway to Performance Coach accreditation.
What are the requirements?
Minimum 16 years old
Have a current Working with Children Check
Will I need to get wet?
Occasionally
This could suit you if you are:
Experience in surf sports
Good at building and maintaining rapport with parents and athletes
Able to work in a team environment
Experienced in teaching and mentoring
Foundation Coach
What is it?
Foundation Coaches deliver recreational or competitive surf sports sessions for Nippers and junior athletes, with a focus on board, swim and beach disciplines. You’ll learn to plan and deliver engaging sessions within a club environment, communicate effectively with young athletes and teach the basic rules and techniques of surf sports.
This course is specifically designed for coaching junior surf sports. It is not a prerequisite for the Development Coach qualification, which is required to coach athletes aged 13 and over.
Where can it lead?
Foundation Coaches who want to coach athletes aged 13 and over can progress to Development Coach accreditation and Performance.
What are the requirements?
Minimum 16 years old
Hold a current Working with Children Check
Complete the online Introduction to Surf Sports Coaching
Complete the Australian Sports Commission's online General Principles of Community Coaching course
Will I need to get wet?
Occasionally
This could suit you if you are:
xxx
Performance Coach
What is it?
Performance Coaches are highly experienced, discipline-specific experts who guide athletes working towards high-performance outcomes. You’ll use advanced technical knowledge and leadership skills to support athlete development at all levels, while mentoring other coaches and supporting their growth within the surf sports community.
Where can it lead?
Performance Coach accreditation can lead to High-Performance Coach opportunities.
What are the requirements?
Minimum 18 years old
Have a current Working with Children Check
Current Development Coach accreditation
Will I need to get wet?
Dependent on surf sport discipline
This could suit you if you are:
xx
High-Performance Coach
What is it?
High-Performance Coaches are seasoned Performance Coaches recognised as leaders in their discipline, either through the National High-Performance Program or as experts beyond it. You’ll use your advanced knowledge and experience to train and prepare elite and international-level athletes, driving peak performance and success at the highest levels of competition.
Where can it lead?
xx
What are the requirements?
Minimum 18 years old
Have a current Working with Children Check
Current Performance Coach accreditation
Will I need to get wet?
Dependent on surf sport discipline
This could suit you if you are:
xx
Ready to start your journey?
Find a club
Click here to find a club near you!
Contact us
If you have any further inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us via slssa.reception@surflifesavingsa.com.au or by calling 8354 6900 during office hours.