Skills To Compete – Surf Instructor & Beach/Pool Lifeguard Traineeship
The aim of this programme is to train candidates to become outdoor instructors, with recognised qualifications in Surf Instruction, Beach Lifeguarding, Pool Lifeguarding and First Aid.
The programme will train candidates to ISA Surf Instructor Level 1 to enable them to deliver surfing lesson. On successful completion of the programme candidates will also be qualified to work as either Beach Lifeguards or Pool Lifeguards
The Programme will also train candidates to improve their personal effectiveness and job seeking skills so as to enable them to obtain or retain employment in this area.
Target Award
Irish Surfing Association Basic Surf Instructor1 – SURFInst1
Start Date: 13-01-2025 Hours/week: 31 Hrs 15 Mins Duration: 26 weeks
Junior Certificate Level or equivilant with a Pass in English
Age Requirements
School Leaving Age
Learning Aptitude
Reading, Writing. Junior Cert standard of literacy and Mathematics. Basic Computer Literacy (Word, Email, Internet Proficiency) preferred.
Strong Swimming Ability.
Good level of personal fitness
Applicants must be able to cope with heights for the Climbing element of the Adventure programme.
Swimming test prior to interview for programme:
400m in under 9 minutes
Previous Experience
Preferred any experience of team-based outdoor pursuits- Scouting, Guides, Gaisce Award,
Preferred- experience of surfing, swimming, membership of sports clubs, teams,
Preferred experience working with youth groups: NYP, Foroige, Summer Camps,
| Module | Award | Body |
|---|---|---|
| Surfing Skills | Basic Surf Instructor1 (SURFInst1) | Irish Surfing Association |
| Outdoor Surf And Lifeguard Instructor Integrated Workplace Training | – | – |
| Surfing Skills Instructor Level 1 | Basic Surf Instructor1 (SURFInst1) | Irish Surfing Association |
| Life-Guarding Skills | – | – |
| Work Experience- Surf Instructor And Beach Lifeguard | – | – |
| Induction | – | – |
| Career Planning And Job Seeking Skills | – | – |
| First Aid Responder (PHECC) | First Aid Response (FAR) | PHECC |
| National Pool Lifeguard | National Pool Lifeguard (IWS-NPL) | IRISH WATER SAFETY |
| National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification | National Beach Lifeguard (IWS-NBL) | IRISH WATER SAFETY |
1- INDUCTION –
Outline the training location’s safety guidelines, rules/regulations, and the course objectives and
certification
2- SURFING SKILLS
Surf competently and safely to a recognised standard which facilitates progression to the Surf
Instructor Training and assessment module.
3- LIFE-GUARDING SKILLS
Swim competently and safely in pool and beach locations to a recognised standard which
facilitates progression to the National Beach Lifeguard Qualification. Undertake rescue training
to a recognised standard which facilitates progression to the National Beach Lifeguard
Qualification.
4- BEACH LIFEGUARD ASSESSMENT & QUALIFICATION
Achieve certification for the Irish Water Safety National Beach Lifeguard Qualification (IWS)
5- FIRST AID RESPONDER
Provide First Aid when necessary and hold a nationally recognised First Aid Certificate in
Aquatic First Aid and Cardiac First Response (PHECC)
6- OUTDOOR SURF AND LIFEGUARD INSTRUCTOR INTEGRATED
WORKPLACE TRAINING
To work as an entry level Surf/Outdoor Activity Instructor under normal operational conditions in
an outdoor activity centre.
7- NATIONAL POOL LIFEGUARD
Act as a designated lifeguard, trained in Pool Rescue and Basic Life Support techniques.
8-SURFING SKILLS INSTRUCTOR LEVEL 1
Instruct Introductory Surfing Skills to novices on beach breaks & foam beginner boards and
achieve the ISA Level 1 Surfing Instructor Certificate.
9- CAREER PLANNING & JOB SEEKING SKILLS
Plan and achieve realistic work goals.
10-WORK EXPERIENCE- SURF INSTRUCTOR AND BEACH LIFEGUARD
demonstrate their skills, knowledge and competence in a workplace environment.