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Open
Lifeguard Award
The Open
Lifeguard Award (OLA), previously referred to as the
Freshwater Proficiency Award (FPA), is the standard
qualification required to perform rivers, lakes and
dams lifeguard duties, be those in a voluntary or
professional role.
The training is structured to provide the candidates
with the relevant skills needed to execute rescues
in the open water environment and if required,
deliver basic first aid and resuscitation
assistance.
Course Entry Requirements
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Minimum age
16 years |
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Reasonable
education level |
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Physical
fitness and swimming evaluation |
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400m pool
swim in less than 8 minutes |
Physical
Requirements
Successful
candidates will need to be able to complete the
following open water swimming and rescue simulation
evaluation activities, displaying a fair level of
fitness and ability.
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400m pool
swim in under 8 minutes |
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Run / Swim /
Run (200m / 300m / 200m) under 10 min |
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Lifeline swim
(100m) |
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Torpedo buoy
rescue |
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Rescue board
rescue |
Course
Content
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Lifeguard
accountability and professionalism |
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Radio and
signal communication |
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Rescue
prevention and recognition |
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Lifesaving
rescue techniques |
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Rescue
equipment maintenance |
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Scene
management i.e. drowning, aquatic trauma,
medical conditions |
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Basic anatomy
and physiology |
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First Aid |
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Expired Air
and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) |
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Supplementary
Oxygen therapy |
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Aquatic
spinal injury management |
Course
Duration
A minimum period
of 45 hours (7 - 9 days) of instruction is required
per course.
Candidate Evaluation and Certification
Successful candidates are certified by Lifesaving
S.A. Certification is valid for a period of 3 years,
pending the successful completion of an annual
fitness and resuscitation assessment.
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