Lifeguards

Our lifeguards are legends, working hard to keep beach goers safe year-round. You'll see their friendly faces on a beach or keeping a close eye on the water from one of our iconic yellow lifeguard towers. We employ the largest professional lifeguard service in Australia.

Our lifeguards are innovative and progressive and have been leading the world in the development of rescue boards and wave runner jet skis.

On the Gold Coast we have:

  • 52 kilometres of beaches
  • 28 beaches patrolled year round
  • 42 beaches patrolled during peak season and school holidays
  • 41 specially designed surveillance towers
  • 50 permanent lifeguards
  • 163 casual staff
  • 31 4WD vehicles
  • 9 jet skis
  • 19 ATV bikes.

Our lifeguard service also facilitate a Beach safety education program for local primary schools and English language students. For more information contact our lifeguards team via email lifeguards@goldcoast.qld.gov.au.

How to become a lifeguard

We hire casual lifeguards for the summer period, starting from mid-November.

Do you have what it takes to patrol our beaches?

We pioneered a gruelling bi-annual fitness test to ensure all our lifeguards are in top shape to carry out their work duties.

Qualifications

  • An ocean lifeguard qualification (such as the APOLA Professional Ocean Lifeguard Award Level 1) or surf lifesaving qualification (such as the SLSA Bronze and/or Gold Medallion) or equivalent qualification
  • A current Senior First Aid Certificate
  • A current Advanced Resuscitation Techniques
  • A paid employee Blue Card

Experience

  • Preferably, candidates must have some experience in ocean activities, lifeguarding or voluntary patrols with a Surf Lifesaving Club or Board Riding Club
  • A Personal Water Craft Licence would be an advantage

Physical testing requirements

  • Complete an ocean course fitness assessment conducted by our Lifeguard Service in less than 26 minutes:
    - 750-metre ocean swim
    - 1500-metre beach run
    - 750-metre rescue board paddle.
  • Demonstrate the ability to use a rescue board and rescue tube in an ocean environment.

Candidates are required to demonstrate a high level of competency on a rescue board as this piece of equipment is used by lifeguards in over 80% of surf rescues.

For information please phone 07 5581 6172 or email lifeguards@goldcoast.qld.gov.au.

Back to top