SISSS00134 - Inland Open Water Lifeguard


This course prepares lifeguards, outdoor recreation leaders, and others working in open water environments to respond effectively to complex aquatic emergencies. Open water includes natural flatwater areas such as lakes, lagoons, dams, slow-moving rivers, and non-surf beaches, as well as built facilities such as surf parks, wave pools, and inland lagoons. Participants will learn how to assess environmental conditions, plan and carry out rescues, and use a range of equipment such as rescue tubes, rescue boards, and other non-motorised craft to safely assist people in difficulty. Training also develops the ability to communicate clearly with team members, emergency services, and casualties, while managing hazards such as currents, debris, sudden changes in water movement, or crowded venues.

The program places strong emphasis on supervision, equipping participants with the skills to monitor open water activities and competitive events, including snorkel watch and triathlon swim legs, to ensure early identification of risks and swift response when required. It also incorporates nationally recognised first aid training, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation and oxygen therapy, ensuring that participants are prepared to provide immediate care in the event of medical emergencies such as suspected spinal injuries, unconscious casualties, or other serious incidents in the water.

By the end of the course, participants will have the knowledge and confidence to supervise a wide variety of aquatic environments, conduct safe and efficient rescues under complex conditions, and provide appropriate first aid and follow-up care in line with workplace procedures and current Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines.

Units Delivered

The following units will be included in your certificate:

SISSS00134 - Inland Open Water Lifeguard

Course Delivery

This course can be delivered/assessed in the workplace or at facility organised by the training provider.

Course Durations

Course durations can vary for multiple reasons, so the durations below are the minimum possible amount.

Face-to-Face Face to Face contact time of at least 27 Hours
Online with face-to-face assessment Face to Face contact time of at least 18 Hours

An individual undertaking this course with Allens Training Pty Ltd will need to demonstrate the following to be eligible for entry:

  • An official form of photo identification (e.g., driver’s licence, passport, or student ID).
  • Physical capability to be able to meet the demands of the practical demonstration skills including:
    • CPR*
    • Swim 25 metres and perform a 25 metre non-contact tow of a casualty. Working as a team, extract a casualty from deep water using extraction equipment and demonstrate advanced resuscitation techniques
    • Swim 10 metres and then complete a minimum 10 metre contact tow of a conscious casualty and remove the casualty from the water without assistance.
    • Perform a rescue of a casualty with suspected spinal injury using spinal immobilisation extraction techniques and equipment
    • Swim 25 metres and then retrieve an object replicating a person at the deepest part of the pool at the aquatic facility (but no greater than two (2) metres) and perform a 25-metre contact tow of an unconscious casualty. 
    • Perform an open water rescue using non-motorised watercraft such as a rescue board, surfboard, SUP or canoe
    • Visual acuity to see the common visual signs and signals of a person experiencing difficulties in the water which includes “lack of movement” and ”arm waving”
    • Hear the common visual signs and signals of a person experiencing difficulties in the water which includes “calling for help”

Please note: As this unit applies particularly to open water lifeguards and individuals such as outdoor recreation leaders, who complete complex water rescues,  it is highly recommended that students will have a basic understanding of performing water rescues, prior to undertaking this unit.  In addition, it is recommended students can swim 400 metres in less than 8 minutes.


Please note, if you plan to work as a Lifeguard, the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations note there are minimum age, health and fitness requirements of persons employed to be performing the role of a Lifeguard. The Guidelines for Safe Pool Operation (GSPO) SV11 Lifeguard Health Assessments outlines the criteria regarding vision, hearing, epilepsy, diabetes, asthma, pregnancy and immunizations. SV12 Lifeguard Fitness Assessments outlines the criteria to ensure lifeguards are physically fit enough to perform the required tasks and to provide a measure of safety should an emergency occur that requires physical ability. There may be additional on-the-job licensing requirement for pool lifeguards working in NSW. Please check with your employer regarding these requirements.

*Important note: In order to issue an accredited certificate, CPR must be performed on the floor with no exemptions.

The online learning program can be found in the student portal. Students must have access to a computer, smart phone, tablet or other electronic device with access to the internet to complete the online studies and associated assessment tasks.

Delivery mode: Online with face-to-face - The online pre-course learning and theory assessment is expected to take approximately 8 hours to complete. These timeframes are estimates. Individuals with prior experience in similar training may complete the online component in less time, while those new to the subject may need more time to complete all the learning content and theory questions.

Individuals undertaking this course will be expected to complete both written and practical assessment tasks.

This certificate does not require renewal

Please note that enrolment to this course is made with Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909. Please refer to the student handbook located on the RTO website allenstraining.com.au (https://allenstraining.com.au/students/student-handbook) for all details relating to rights and responsibilities including complaints and appeals.

Performance Tasks

  • Infant and Child CPR
  • Medical, Trauma & Environmental (Tasks 1 – 8)
    • Anaphylaxis
    • Asthma
    • Choking
    • Non-life-threatening-bleeding, minor wound cleaning & shock
    • Nosebleed
    • Fractures & dislocations
    • Sprains and strains
    • Envenomation (snake/ funnel-web spider bite)
  • Identify the casualty’s illness or injury through history, signs and symptoms. 
  • Recognise and respond to three (3) supervision scenarios
  • Participate in a discussion with an aquatic industry leader to clarify safety rules for the activity
  • Identify the common signs and signals of a person experiencing difficulties in the water and possible contributing factors
  • Demonstrate fitness, strength, efficiency and speed, to perform the following aquatic rescues:
    • Swim 25 metres and perform a 25 metre non-contact tow of a casualty.  Provide oxygen therapy for shock.
    • Swim 10 metres and then complete a minimum 10 metre contact tow of a conscious casualty and remove the casualty from the water without assistance.
    • Perform a rescue of a casualty with suspected spinal injury using spinal immobilisation techniques and extraction equipment
    • Swim 25 metres and then retrieve an object replicating a person at the deepest part of the pool at the aquatic facility (but no greater than two (2) metres) and perform a 25-metre contact tow of an unconscious casualty and demonstrate advanced resuscitation techniques.
    • Perform an open water rescue using non-motorised watercraft

Documentation  complete two (2) Incident Report forms and an Equipment Fault Log 

Theory assessment  A written exam consisting of multiple-choice and short answer questions must be completed at the end of the training session. Students must answer all questions


Students are required to complete a self evaluation against the following core skills as part of the enrolment process. This will allow your trainer to understand any additional support that may be required during the course delivery and assessment.
Learning I can stay focused, follow steps, and respond calmly to unexpected situations in busy or shared spaces in aquatic environments.
Reading I can read and understand detailed signs, safety rules, and instructions in places where water safety is important
Writing I can write down important details after an incident, like what happened and who was involved.
Oral Communication I can communicate clearly and listen carefully when receiving or giving instructions, especially in team-based, noisy, or time-sensitive situations
Numeracy I can use numbers to track time, check water depth, and judge distances to help make safe decisions
This course is delivered and assessed on behalf of Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909