LGS SBPP 3 Lifeguard Recruitment, Training & Development

Lifeguard Recruitment and Onboarding

Staffing levels required to fulfil contractual requirements can fluctuate throughout the year. This requires close monitoring of the number of lifeguards required to fulfil the roster and special events. The Lifeguard numbers almost need to double to meet the requirements of the Parklands over the summer period compared to the low season (winter). The timing of this process is essential to ensure this is completed in time for the increase of Lifeguard contractual requirements. SLSQ focuses on recruiting and training highly motivated, well-presented team members that have a team-orientated attitude and a professional demeanour. Surf Life Saving Queensland also recognises the need for a more highly skilled, flexible, and adaptive workforce to improve quality and productivity. The advertisement is sent to Lifesaving clubs and the wider public, then applications are sent to SLSQ. Suitable applicants are then invited to a fitness testing, CPR scenario, First Aid scenario, written First Aid test and interview day. The best-suited applicants from this process are invited for further training and onboarding. Lifeguards are also asked to provide external references for the Lifeguard team to contact. These are contacted before recruitment approval.
The onboarding process includes a South Bank induction day (which includes a site induction of City Parklands areas, South Bank Parklands representative – Facilities and Contracts Coordinator expectation presentation, Lifeguard Local Operating Procedures induction, security team introduction, uniform pick up and further onsite training (including rescues and scenarios). Other areas covered in the induction and onboarding are conflict resolution, customer service expectations, cultural and inclusive awareness inductions.
This process has been developed over many years of careful planning and execution to ensure staffing levels are met during peak periods and the best staff are onboarded through the recruitment process. The below process is listed below.

Workers’ Qualifications and Fitness Requirements

Recruitment Periods
SLSQ Lifeguards must be able to demonstrate high levels of fitness and excellent rescue skills and have access to advance or specialist training as required. Lifeguards must also be proficient in all the foregoing awards and are tested annually. In addition to these, Lifeguards will undergo assessments that will comprise of theory and practical components to ensure competency is maintained across a broad skill base.

Qualifications and minimum requirements – Lagoon Lifeguard
To be part of a world-class organisation, our Lifeguards must be 17 years or over and demonstrate high levels of fitness, excellent rescue, and people skills, and hold or be able to hold the following qualifications:

• Surf Life Saving Bronze Medallion/Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue) or equivalent.
• HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid
• HLTAID015 – Provide Advanced Resuscitation Techniques
• Hold or be able to obtain a Queensland Working with Children BlueCard
  At all times, be capable of completing a 400-metre pool swim (completed in a pool no smaller than 25 metres in length) in under 8 minutes.
  

Interview
The interview process is completed either over the phone or in person. Where possible, Lifeguards undergo questions that gage from personal experience to