Qualifications APPRENTICESHIP: New Zealand Certificate in Aquatics (Senior Pool Lifeguard) Level 4 This is a new qualification launched in 2019 . “The Senior Pool Lifeguard qualification provides trainees with the opportunity to collect naturally occurring evidence while working in their facilities. It is a validation of the complex role that senior leaders in the aquatics industry manage every day,” explains Linda Dorrington, Skills Active Industry Development Advisor. “To retain well trained and balanced senior staff, they need to be recognised not only with financial remuneration, but with the opportunity to gain an industry qualification.” This apprenticeship suits lifeguards who want advanced knowledge and experience in leading lifeguard shifts and teams in aquatic facility environments. This apprenticeship will be delivered on-the-job at the pool, and assessments will be completed online.
Coming out of this qualification, a senior pool lifeguard will have indepth lifeguarding skills, and be armed with the knowledge required to supervise, coordinate and educate pool staff. This 120-credit apprenticeship covers the following areas: • Coordinating pool lifeguard plans and adapting shifts • Applying advanced lifeguarding skills and aquatic supervision and rescue techniques • Supervising health and safety procedures, risk assessment plans and pool water quality checks • Responding to customer needs in an aquatic facility. This qualification is designed to be completed in 2 years. Currently 158 candidates signed up to Level 4 202/21.
