Our beach lifeguard training school is based on Harlyn Bay, near Padstow, North Cornwall and we have 25yrs experience training lifeguards and surf/sup instructors, longer than any other company in the UK! We have trained 100’s of RNLI and council beach lifeguards, and surf/sup instructors both in the UK and overseas. In fact lots of the most established surf and SUP schools in the UK started their journey with us gaining their qualifications and we have worked extensively with European surf schools. Lots of our graduates have gone onto work in the emergency services and are now working as paramedics, community first responders, police officers, coastguard and firefighters. With real first-hand experience in dealing with rescues, drownings, resuscitations and first aid, you’ll benefit from all of our experience on your course.
Our team has also got 30yrs experience running one of the UK’s largest and most established UK surf and SUP schools and you can rest assure that your surf and sup instructor training will be second to none. All of our courses are heavily practically based but there are classroom elements. You need to be physically fit for our lifeguard training course as it involves running, swimming, rescue techniques and casualty aftercare both in and out of the surf zone using rescue boards and rescue tubes. The course also covers lifeguard and first aid theory, basic life support and spinal management and are internationally recognised awards (ILS)
For surf instructors looking to validate their surf coach qualification we offer a specific 3 day surf coach safety and rescue course designed to equip instructors with essential rescue and first aid skills when managing a surf class.
Accommodation is available at nearby Treyarnon Youth hostel and there are several campsites and b and b’s in the area
Come and train with us!
Check out our training videos to get an idea of what is involved on our courses
Lifesaving and Instructor Training Courses
SLSGB Surf Lifeguard 4 days
This course will provide the learner with the knowledge and skills required in order to provide professional patrolling and water services, in surf conditions, with rescue skills and advanced fitness requirements. The course is physically demanding and will include swimming to set times and lifting. The Surf Lifeguard Award is comprised of a variety of units and all must be successfully passed to attain the qualification.
Course Units – Beach Environment – Beach Patrolling – Working Practices – Communications – Basic Life Support – First Aid -Pool swim – Tube Rescue – Board Rescuer – Supplementary Oxygen Administration – Spinal Extraction – Radio Communications – Lifeguard Theory
Pre – Requisites – Be able to swim 400m in a pool using a forward stroke in under 7 mins 30 secs, with the first 200m in under 3 mins 30 secs. Run 200m in under 40 secs – Complete Myagi online learning units – Be a member of SLSGB. Click here Min age 16
Costs – £380 plus SLSGB membership £30
2025 Dates: April 17 – 20, May 01 – 04, May 22 – 25, June 12 – 15, July 03 – 06, Sept 11 – 14
Booking Form
SLSGB SURF COACH RESCUE AWARD 3 DAYS
This award is applicable to all those undertaking surf coaching and instruction activity to provide a vocational industry standard based on proven rescue task competencies. It establishes a level of competence for the safety and rescue of participants under instruction during a coached surf session. This award is for the specific use of a Qualified Surf Coach for Surf Coaching Activity Only. It is not suitable for safety cover for any other multiple participant activities such as Coasteering, SUP Coaching, paddle sports or open water swimming.
Course Units – Rescue skills – board, free swim, spinal management, tube – Casualty Management – CPR, Basic Life Support and First Aid Skills -Beach Safety Knowledge – timed swim, run, swim run (100m)
Pre- Requisites – Be able to complete a timed pool swim of 400m in 8 minutes OR the equivalent open water swim competency – complete Myagi online learning units – Be a member of SLSGB. Click here Min age 16
Costs £275 plus SLSGB membership
2025 Dates: April 18 – 20, May 02 – 04, May 23 – 25, June 13 – 15, July 04 – 06th, Sept 12 – 14
Booking form
Requalifying Courses
If you need to revalidate your qualification there is a choice
Surf Lifeguard – 3 day refresher – £200 plus SLSGB membership valid for 2yrs
Surf Coach Rescue – 2 day refresher – £150 plus SLSGB membership valid for 2 years
Surf Lifeguard 1 day Proficiency (exam only) £100 plus SLSGB membership valid for 1yr.
Pre -requisites – these are the same as your original course either the surf lifeguard or the surf coach safety and rescue. It is essential that you can complete the swim times prior to attending the course. You must be a member of SLSG – click here
Dates: Surf Lifeguard will be the last 3 days of a 4 day surf lifeguard course. Surf Coach rescue last two days of a 3 day surf coach rescue course.
Booking Form
Surfing England Surf Instructor Course
(Online Learning approx 10hrs plus 20hrs mentored)
Embark on a fulfilling career as a surf instructor – one of the most rewarding jobs imaginable! Share your passion, skills, and knowledge with others, witnessing the joy of your students as they embrace the world of surfing. Enjoy a uniquely amazing lifestyle and immerse yourself in a culture where you work alongside like-minded and passionate individuals.
This is not just a job; it’s a journey of personal and professional development, allowing you to hone your people, leadership, and coaching skills while earning a living doing what you love.
Cost £300
Dates: 2025 dates will be posted soon with the first course being Easter 2025
Contact us
Course FAQ’s
Is all the training kit provided?
We do not provide wetsuits or boots. For months October to end of May we recommend that you bring a 5mm winter suit and boots. For June to October a good quality 3mm wetsuit will be fine. We provide all training aides, boards, mannikins, buoyancy aids and manuals
Where do we meet?
At our main base right on the beach at Harlyn bay in front of the large beach car park. Please note car parking charges apply all year around and you are charged from the moment you enter the car park. We will send out details of alternative meeting points for the classroom element or if we need to move the course location.
How do I book? Do I need to book in advance?
Please select your course dates and check availability with us. Once confirmed you must create a membership with SLSGB and send us your membership number, we will enrol you on the course. You will be given access to online learning on the first day of your course and you must complete this before you receive your certificate. It forms part of your assessment. We will send out course information and joining instructions including payment requests and we must receive payment prior to your arrival. In order to guarantee availability please do not leave your booking to last minute.
How long are the courses?
Surf Lifeguard 5 days 9 – 5. Surf Coach Rescue 3 days 9 – 5. Requal surf lifeguard 3 days. Requal Surf Coach Rescue 2 days 9 – 5
Surf Instructor approx 10 hrs of online learning plus 20hrs mentored coaching practice
How fit do I need to be?
The courses are physically demanding and you must be fit and have a good general level of fitness. You will be spending a lot of time in the water in and out of the surf zone both swimming and doing board and tube rescues. It is essential that prior to attending the course you time yourself in a swimming pool to make sure you can achieve the required swim time. These are listed on the course info.
What is the min age?
Min age is 16. RNLI service you must be 18 to apply for a surf lifeguard position. Surf coaches age 16 – 17 can work as an assistant instructor under the supervision/guidance of a fully qualified coach who is 18 or above.
How do I complete the surf instructor course?
You can complete this course online at your own pace (approx 10hrs) followed by 20hrs of guided mentorship and assessment with a recognised surf school. Alternatively you can complete a 2 day classroom and practical training course with a course presenter. You will still be required to complete the 20hrs guided mentorship and assesssment.
How long are the awards valid for?
All awards are valid for two years. To renew your qualification you must attend a refresher course. If you want to have an additional two years added to your qualification we recommend attending either the 3 or 2 day refresher depending on which award you need. A one day proficiency test will only give an additional 1yr on your qualification. This option is mainly for current and practising RNLI Lifeguards who are using skills daily.
What if I fail the timed swim?
It is essential that you train and time yourself in a swimming pool to make sure you can achieve the required swim times. Surf Lifeguard 400m in under 7 mins 30 secs with the first 200m in under 3 mins 30 secs. Surf Coach Rescue 400m in under 8 mins. There is no timed swim requirement for the Surf coach safety and rescue award which only permits coaches to work in waist to chest depth and on a fully lifeguarded beach. We encourage everyone to enrol on a course which has a timed swim element. If you fail the times you have a 3 month period to submit evidence of your swim time before you will receive your award.
What happens if I want to cancel my course?
Our cancellation policy is outlined in our terms and conditions.
What do I need to bring?
You will need a winter wetsuit and boots if your course is in March, April or May. For courses June to October a good quality 3mm wetsuit will be fine. You will need to purchase lunch and refreshments and car parking daily.
Is there anywhere for refreshments nearby?
Yes there are food outlets at Harlyn Bay and there are supermarkets and bakeries a 5 min drive away.
