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NLS Surf

Description:

The NLS Surf certification builds on the fundamental skills, knowledge, and values taught in the NLS Pool & Core option to train lifeguards in safety supervision and rescue in a surf environment. Although not required, NLS Waterfront is strongly recommended to ensure candidate success.

Prerequisites:

NLS Core and Pool Option	Issued within 2 years
CPR C	Issued within 1 year

Instructional Time:

24 hours including open water/surf conditions and classroom time.

Taught by a current NLS Surf Instructor.

Recognition:

A temporary certification card is issued on the last day of course to successful candidates that have shown all pre-requisites. A permanent Certification Card will be mailed to the address indicated on the course roster. Contact the Lifesaving Society if a permanent card has not been received within 60 days of course completion.

Currency:

NLS Surf is current for 2 years. Candidates can recertify within 7 years from the last certification date.

Please note that the Lifesaving Society does not grant extensions.

Evaluation and Other Items:

Through practical activities wherever possible, candidates demonstrate an understanding of how to analyze surf and how this analysis affects lifeguarding.
Establish effective supervision of an aquatic facility using:
- Observation skills and scanning techniques
- Lifeguard positioning and rotation
Demonstrate effective use of a paddleboard or rescue craft.
Demonstrate use of skin diving skills and equipment (mask, fins, and snorkel), including the following basic skills:
- Surface under control with a mask full of water
- Clear water from a snorkel
- Surface dive
Demonstrate an effective search of a defined surf beach area for a missing person.
Perform a rescue of a victim in surf conditions.
Demonstrate three entries and three removals appropriate for a beach in calm and surf conditions.
Run 100 metres with a rescue aid, enter the water, and approach 100 metres to recover a victim similar size and weight to the rescuer. Tow the victim to shore in 6-8 minutes depending on water conditions.
Respond to emergency situations as a single lifeguard or as a member of a lifeguard team.