Our Philosophy
The ISLA Lifeguard Certification Program was developed to raise international lifeguarding standards and training programs to a minimum professional standard. ISLA trainings lay a foundation which allows the lifeguard employer or organization to conduct in-house training of lifeguards.
Organizations are required to build their lifeguard training programs above and beyond this high international standard.
The ISLA Lifeguard Certification Program was developed to elevate global lifeguard training and establish a minimum international professional standard. The ISLA Academy provides a strong foundational framework that enables lifeguard employers and organizations to deliver effective in-house training programs. Participating organizations are expected to build upon this foundation and exceed ISLA’s rigorous international standards when developing and maintaining their lifeguard training programs.
BASIC OPEN WATER LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION
Academy Length: 3 days / 30 hours.
Academy Description: The ISLA Basic Open Water Lifeguard Certification Academy is designed for individuals with little to no prior experience in open water lifeguarding. The academy provides an introductory foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of open water lifeguarding, including lifeguard operations, aquatic injury prevention, and basic open water rescue techniques. This course does not include CPR or First Aid certification.
Academy Objectives: At the end of this academy, the cadet should have the ability to:
- Prevent an accident based on knowledge of physical and social conditions.
- Recognize dangerous aquatic conditions and hazardous areas.
- Identify a victim in distress.
- Discern appropriate responses to a variety of different situations taking into account personal ability and scene safety.
- Effectively execute a basic rescue in open water.
Academy Prerequisites: Any student wishing to participate in the ISLA Basic Open Water Lifeguard Academy must meet the following requirements:
- 16 Years of age or older (with minors consent form for those under 18)
- A valid CPR & First-Aid certification
- Ability to swim 500 meters (550 yards) without stopping in under ten minutes
- Ability to tread water for five minutes
- Ability to dive to a depth of three meters (twelve feet)
NOTE: This academy is physically demanding and requires participants to be in excellent physical condition. Successful certification requires the completion of multiple long-distance swims and runs.
Click on the following Links to see:
Sample ISLA Basic Open Water Lifeguard Course Syllabus
Sample ISLA Basic Open Water Lifeguard Course Schedule
1 – DAY LIFEGUARD WORKSHOPS
Course Length: 1 day / 8-10 Hours
Course Description: ISLA Professional Development Workshops are customized programs designed to meet the specific needs of your agency or organization. These workshops provide advanced knowledge and skills that extend beyond the scope of the ISLA Advanced Open Water Lifeguard Certification Course.
Course Prerequisite: ISLA Basic Open Water Lifeguard certificate or equivalent. ISLA Advanced Open Water Lifeguard certification is preferred. Available ISLA workshops:
- Basic Rescue SCUBA Diver Technician
- Basic Swift-water Rescue Technician
- Basic Kiteboarder Rescue Technician
- Basic Rescue Water Craft (Jet ski) Operator
- Basic Rescue Boat Operator
INTERMEDIATE OPEN WATER LIFEGUARD
Academy Length: 3 days / 30 hours
Academy Description: This Academy explores all the subjects in our Basic Open Water Lifeguard Course more in depth, along with the inclusion of First Aid and CPR certification.
Academy Prerequisite: ISLA Basic Open Water Lifeguard certificate or equivalent.
ADVANCED OPEN WATER LIFEGUARD
Academy Length: 3 days / 30 hours
Academy Description: This academy builds upon the subjects taught in the ISLA Intermediate Open Water Lifeguard Course, providing more in-depth instruction while incorporating Advanced First Aid and CPR certification. The academy meets or exceeds national lifeguard training standards in the United States.
Academy Prerequisite: ISLA Intermediate Open Water Lifeguard certificate or equivalent.
FIRST AID | CPR | AED COURSES
Red Cross First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator (AED) training meets the needs of professional first responders, healthcare providers, and the general public. We offer both professional rescuer and non-professional rescuer training options.
- CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers – Course length: 6 hrs
- Emergency Medical Response – Course length: 51 hours
- Bloodborne Pathogens Training – Course length: 2 hours
- Administering Emergency Oxygen – Course length: 2 hours
ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTORS
All ISLA instructors are volunteers and are not compensated for their time. Our ISLA Instructors are experienced professionals from around the world who serve as certified lifeguards in their respective countries. Their diverse backgrounds include personnel from a wide range of professional agencies, International Red Cross First Aid and CPR Instructors, police officers, EMTs, firefighters, Paramedics, Nurses, physicians, Water Safety Instructors, Rescue Watercraft and Rescue Boat Operators, Rescue Divers, Junior Lifeguard Instructors, and educators.
While each instructor team varies by location and mission, every ISLA training is required to include at least one ISLA Instructor 2 and a minimum of two ISLA Instructor 1 instructors.
INSTRUCTOR 1 (Assistant Instructor)
Level Description: Certified Open Water Lifeguard who assists in running an ISLA Academy. Main duties include guarding physical events, instructing practical training on the beach, assisting during lecture, daily admin duties, and equipment maintenance.
Requirements:
- 1 year Open Water Lifeguard experience
- ISLA Basic Open Water Lifeguard certification or equivalent
- Basic First Aid / CPR certification
- Accepted ISLA humanitarian operation application
INSTRUCTOR 2 (Lead Instructor)
Level Description: Marine Safety Officer who has worked at least five ISLA Basic Open Water Lifeguard Academies as an Instructor I. Instructor II’s have the authority to run and certify an ISLA Open Water Lifeguard Course.
Requirements:
- 5 years Open Water Lifeguard experience
- ISLA Advanced Open Water Lifeguard certification or equivalent
- EMT or Professional First Aid Instructor from a recognized agency
- Passing of the ISLA Instructor II Written Test and Interview
INSTRUCTOR 3 (Instructor Trainer)
Level Description: Marine Safety Officer who has worked a minimum of ten ISLA Academies as an Instructor II. Instructor IIIs are charged with designing and updating the theoretical and practical framework of ISLA courses, shaping ISLA pedagogic philosophy, and ultimately steering the direction of ISLA training and education.
Requirements:
- 5+ years Open Water Lifeguard experience
- ISLA Advanced Open Water Lifeguard certification or equivalent
- EMT or Professional First Aid Instructor from a recognized agency
- Passing of the ISLA Instructor III Written Test and Interview
IMPORTANT: ISLA Open Water Lifeguard Certification Academies are announced individually throughout the year via the ISLA email newsletter. Course tuition varies by location, and enrollment is limited. Early application is strongly encouraged once registration opens. Subscribing to the ISLA newsletter is the best way to stay informed and ensure you don’t miss upcoming academies.
Some of ISLA's Past Courses
For the past decade, ISLA has been provided an International Standard course recognized in over 20 countries in 6 continents. Check out some of the operations here and Request ISLA Services below.
