This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
The PUA20119 Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue) is designed for introductory level participants in aquatic rescue activities. This will include rescuing, resuscitating and performing basic first aid in aquatic incidents that may involve oceans, rivers, swimming pools and vessels operating in coastal areas.
The role of an aquatic rescuer is to recognise and rescue a person experiencing difficulty in the water, to identify and use different types of rescue equipment and to communicate with community members and other agencies in the event of an aquatic emergency. This may include undertaking basic patrol duties and developing surf awareness to be able to participate in lifesaving operations.
This qualification includes the units of competency required by aquatic rescuers to perform a range of activities such as responding to rescue incidents and conducting patrols. It typically involves working as a team member, under guidance, in aquatic rescue operations.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
-
Financial help
-
Government funding is not available for this course.
-
-
Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
-
VET Student Loans are not available
-
You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
-
-
On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
-
Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
-
Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
6 months – 1 year
- Qualification only:
-
Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Apply surf awareness and self-rescue skills | Core |
| Communicate in the workplace | Core |
| Participate in an aquatic rescue operation | Core |
| Provide basic emergency life support | Core |
| Work effectively in a public safety organisation | Core |
| Work in a team | Core |
| Assist participants with disability during aquatic activities | Elective |
| Contribute to fire prevention and firefighting (basic firefighting) | Elective |
| Drive vehicles under operational conditions | Elective |
| Follow defined work, health and safety policies and procedures | Elective |
| Manoeuvre a vessel up to 24 metres within Near Coastal waters | Elective |
| Meet work health and safety requirements | Elective |
| Navigate in an aquatic environment | Elective |
| Observe personal safety and social responsibility (PSSR) | Elective |
| Operate communications systems and equipment | Elective |
| Perform water rescues | Elective |
| Prepare, maintain and test response equipment | Elective |
| Provide services to clients | Elective |
| Supervise patron safety in aquatic locations | Elective |
| Work as a team member in an emergency operations centre | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue) sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
-
Lifeguard
ANZSCO 452414
Lifeguards look after the safety of people at beaches or swimming pools, through accident prevention and rescue, and educating the public on water safety.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Deck Hand
ANZSCO 899211
Deck Hands perform maintenance and lookout tasks aboard ships.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III
Training providers delivering Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue)
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
-
Australian Lifesaving Academy (RTO code 90896)
Contact this provider
-
LIFE SAVING VICTORIA (RTO code 21799)
Contact this provider
-
SURF LIFE SAVING QUEENSLAND (RTO code 2804)
Contact this provider
-
Tallebudgera Outdoor and Environmental Education Centre (RTO code 30685)
Contact this provider
-
Wollongong First Aid (RTO code 40833)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.