Surf rescue certificate

The surf rescue certificate is the ILSF's core water safety program. During the course, participants learn to conduct themselves safely at the beach and practice performing basic water rescue techniques in the ocean, near the shore.

The course is intended for proficient swimmers age 15 and up. Swimmers learn to adapt pool skills to the ocean environment.

Personal beach safety and basic ocean rescue

Personal safety subjects taught during the SRC:

Where to enter the ocean and where not
Understanding the waves/surf awareness, including identifying types of beaches and rip currents
Entering and exiting the ocean in the wave zone
Swimming in the waves
How and when to call for help

Ocean rescue/drowning first aid taught during the SRC:

Signs of drowning
Drowning prevention chain
Rescue board basics - maneuvering in the ocean on a rescue board
Board rescue – conscious and unconscious patient
Tube rescue- conscious and unconscious patient
Identification of causes of accidents and injuries
CPR and first aid

Prerequisite for course participants: swim 150 meters in 6 minutes & 1 minute float.

The course comprises 12 hours in total: 3 hours theory and 9 hours on the beach.

Upon completion of the water safety course, participants will receive a ILSF Water Safety Certificate.

International standards

As Israel's International Life Saving Federation member, our program is based on the internationally acclaimed Australian surf lifesaving model for water safety education and surf rescue skills.

The ILSF surf rescue certificate is structured based on Surf Life Saving Australia's surf rescue certificate curriculum. Course material is based on the Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue manual (35th edition) - known as PSAR35 - published by Surf Life Saving Australia.

Relative to International Life Saving Federation standards, the Israeli SRC curriculum is most similar to the standard for beach lifeguard certification (APP 10) with some key differences.

Volunteer with us

Surf rescue certificate holders can go on to volunteer with the ILSF's core water activities, including as open-water safety staff at Israel's premier open water swims, and as safety/instruction staff at classes for children and adults.

These volunteers contribute to the success of all of our programs, from being part of the volunteer water safety team at national swimming events as well as being part of the safety/instruction team during classes for children and adults. Water safety supervisors are responsible for the safety of the participants in the water.

You are fully insured under the insurance policy of ILSF.

**Please Note: All male volunteers over the age of 18 are required to have police clearance.