
Helping to prevent drowning through lifeguard training and peer to peer education
The Graduate lifeguard Programme is a comprehensive lifeguard and patrol training, and peer leadership Programme that helps to develop future beach lifeguards and actively encourages them to promote water safety within their local community and peer groups.

The Programme focuses on Beach lifeguard skills and techniques, personal transferrable skills such as Leadership, problem solving and communications, and will suit any junior club member interested in becoming a patrolling lifeguard or assisting their surf life saving clubs in active beach patrols as part of the National Lifeguard Patrol Framework.

Graduates will, over a three year period, complete all modules featured in the SLSGB NVBLQ Beach or surf lifeguard award, developing and embedding key lifeguard knowledge and skills. Each year of the programme focuses on a different patrol level as highlighted in the Patrol Framework, providing opportunities to develop the skills required to be effective patrol members and all carried out in safe and controlled conditions. On completion of each unit in the new Log Book, your club Trainer/Assessor will declare that all aspects of the unit have been successfully completed and that you have achieved the performance competency levels required. This will generate access to the online learning platform for you to complete the next stage of your assessments.
The Graduate Lifeguard Programme is a personalised record of an individual’s progress. Graduates will be encouraged to reflect on their own performance and knowledge levels and set their own targets in order to improve. The new Log Book will show how each person is progressing over the period of the programme and prepared themselves for the final Beach or Surf Lifeguard award.

With over 200 Surf Life saving club members from 14 Surf Life saving clubs already signed up to the programme. Don’t miss out. Whether a member or a club, follow the link on this page, complete the form and register your interest.
Programme Information
Pre requisites
- Current SLSGB and a Slsc member.
- Aged between 13-16 (School years 9-11)
Delivered by
- A club Trainer/Assessor
- SLSGB Level 2 coach
All volunteers must be suitably qualified in the surf life saving elements that they will be leading
Units
Personal Fitness | Beach Environment | Young Lifeguard Leader |
Communication and Surveillance | Rescue Board Paddler | Tube Rescuer |
First Aid | Working Practices | Aquatic First Aid |
Beach Patrol | Radio Operator | Advanced Lifeguard Skill |
Emergency Evacuations | Environmental Responsibilities |
Costs
Year | Registration | Annual Fee |
1 | £30 | £35 |
2 | £35 | |
3 | £35 |
The Complete Package
For the Graduate
When you have registered on the programme, you will receive everything that you will need including:
Technical sports clothing
Branded GLP t-shirt and sports shorts . Your club Badge can also be added to your kit at additional cost.
(GLP hoodies, jogging bottoms, shorts, rash vests, caps and other items also available on request)
GLP Log Book
At the start of the Programme, you will receive a GLP Log Book which is your ongoing record of achievement and development. The Log Book is designed to interact with your club training night so that all the activity link towards the National Vocational Beach Lifeguard/Surf Lifeguard. Set your own goals and record your progress throughout the Programme.
For the Club
Clubs delivering the GLP to its youth members will receive a Tutor support pack which outlines the main elements for each unit as well as sample answers and exercises, a GLP launch to attract media attention, an introductory guidance session for all club volunteers helping to deliver the programme and on-going support from SLSGB staff.
GLP Trainers kit is also available from Cornish Granite Sports
GLP Clubs are encouraged to help their participants get involved and volunteer with their local beach patrol, prepare, train for and participate in water-based camping expeditions and help out as Junior Coaches at Nipper sessions.
If you would like your club or your child to sign up to the Graduate Lifeguard Programme, contact Mark at mturner@slsgb.org.uk for further details.
We want you and your club to carry on having a great time in the sea whilst improving on water confidence, raising awareness of drowning prevention and water safety awareness!