Qualify as a Beach Lifeguard with Harlyn SLSC
We’re delighted to announce a new course for the Summer 2026 season — giving you the opportunity to become a fully qualified Beach Lifeguard by the end of the summer.
The SLSGB Beach Lifeguard Award is a nationally recognised qualification that can lead to employment with the RNLI, participation in voluntary beach patrols, or work with surf schools.
Members aged 16, or those who will turn 16 on or before 12 September 2026, are eligible to apply. The course will run at Harlyn SLSC on Monday evenings from May through to September, with the final assessment scheduled for mid-September.
Throughout the season, our dedicated Lifeguard Instructor will cover all elements of the syllabus. Training will include water-based sessions, beach practical skills, and first aid and theory work in the clubhouse. In addition to attending sessions, candidates must independently prepare to meet the required swim and run fitness standards outlined below.
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Assessment Prerequisites (Mid-September)
To be eligible for assessment, candidates must:
- Be 16 years old on or before the exam date
- Be a current member of Harlyn SLSC (and SLS GB)
- Attend at least 75% of the Monday evening sessions
- Swim 400 metres in a pool in under 8 minutes
- Run 200 metres in under 1 minute
Full qualification details can be found here:
https://www.slsgb.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Beach-Lifeguard-Specification-V2-2021.pdf
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How to Apply
To apply, please contact for more information
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Important Notes
- Completion of the Harlyn SLSC Lifeguard course does not guarantee qualification. Candidates must successfully pass the externally assessed SLSGB examination.
- While candidates must be 16 to sit the SLSGB Lifeguard exam, applicants must be 17 to work as a lifeguard for the RNLI. However, qualified 16-year-olds may undertake voluntary patrols with the RNLI.
- Some local surf schools also accept applications from qualified 16-year-olds.