
Sport & Recreation
A course by
Te Mahi Ako
The Pool Lifeguard Practising Certificate (PLPC) is the nationally-recognised minimum qualification for working as a pool lifeguard in New Zealand. It provides essential skills and is the first step toward a career as a professional pool lifeguard.
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing

Develop knowledge of the responsibilities and expectations of pool lifeguards in aquatic facilities.

Apply aquatic supervision techniques to ensure the safety of pool users.
The Pool Lifeguard Practising Certificate is the minimum qualification required to work as a pool lifeguard in New Zealand. The certificate involves workplace-based training and assessment across two stages, covering the roles and responsibilities of lifeguarding, aquatic supervision and rescue techniques, and practical on-the-job validation. Enrolment is open to those 16 or older, currently working (paid or volunteer) at an aquatic facility, with prerequisites including a swim test and a current First Aid certificate. Upon completion, graduates will be ready to supervise pool users and respond to emergencies, and can progress to further aquatics qualifications.
What you need to know first
Must be at least 16 years old at training start date
Currently working (paid or volunteer with regular/consistent shifts) at a pool or aquatic facility



Sport & Recreation
A course by
Te Mahi Ako
The Pool Lifeguard Practising Certificate (PLPC) is the nationally-recognised minimum qualification for working as a pool lifeguard in New Zealand. It provides essential skills and is the first step toward a career as a professional pool lifeguard.
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing

Develop knowledge of the responsibilities and expectations of pool lifeguards in aquatic facilities.

Apply aquatic supervision techniques to ensure the safety of pool users.
The Pool Lifeguard Practising Certificate is the minimum qualification required to work as a pool lifeguard in New Zealand. The certificate involves workplace-based training and assessment across two stages, covering the roles and responsibilities of lifeguarding, aquatic supervision and rescue techniques, and practical on-the-job validation. Enrolment is open to those 16 or older, currently working (paid or volunteer) at an aquatic facility, with prerequisites including a swim test and a current First Aid certificate. Upon completion, graduates will be ready to supervise pool users and respond to emergencies, and can progress to further aquatics qualifications.
What you need to know first
Must be at least 16 years old at training start date
Currently working (paid or volunteer with regular/consistent shifts) at a pool or aquatic facility


In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting

Show competence in a range of rescue scenarios for people in aquatic environments.
Successful completion of a swim test
Current First Aid certificate
Meet any applicable requirements under the Children's Act 2014
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting

Show competence in a range of rescue scenarios for people in aquatic environments.
Successful completion of a swim test
Current First Aid certificate
Meet any applicable requirements under the Children's Act 2014