Surf Instructor and Lifeguard Training

Industry Award

Training for future and current outdoor education instructors to deliver surf and adventure activities. Offering qualifications in surf instruction, beach lifeguarding and aquatic first aid.

Thank you for your Interest!

Online applicants will be redirected to fetchcourses.ie to complete the application process.

What You'll Learn

You will have the opportunity to:

Safety, Regulations & Workplace Readiness: Understand training location guidelines, industry regulations, and certification requirements while demonstrating professional competence in an outdoor setting.
Surfing, Swimming & Lifeguarding Proficiency: Develop surfing skills, swim safely in pool and beach environments, undertake rescue training, and achieve the RLSS National Beach Lifeguard Qualification.
First Aid & Emergency Response: Gain nationally recognised certifications in Aquatic First Aid and Cardiac First Response to handle emergency situations.
Outdoor Instruction & Adventure Activities: Train as an entry-level Surf/Outdoor Activity Instructor, mastering practical skills for delivering adventure-based activities and outdoor recreation programs.
Surf Coaching & Leadership: Learn to instruct beginner surfing skills, earn the ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor Certificate, and develop leadership skills in group management.
Career Development & Goal Setting: Plan realistic work goals and build employability skills for long-term success in outdoor activities and instruction.

On successful completion of this course, you will have developed surf proficiency in the Surfing Skills element of this course and accreditation as a Level 1 Basic Surf Instructor.

Timetable & Modules

Timetable:

This course is delivered Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and a half-day on Friday.

Timetable
Day	Morning	Afternoon
Mon	✔	✔
Tue	✔	✔
Wed	✔	✔
Thu	✔	✔
Fri	✔

Module	Title
IWS-NBL	Irish Water Safety National Beach Lifeguard Award
SURFInst1	Surfing Skills Instructor Level 1
	Surfing Skills
AFA	Aquatic First Aid & Emergency Response
	Work Experience – Surf Instructor And Beach Lifeguard
	Adventure Activities

Progression / Career

This course will train instructors to deliver Surfing and Adventure Activities so that they are employable and competent in this area while also improve their personal effectiveness and job seeking skills to enable them to get – or obtain employment in the outdoor activities area.

The successful completion of these awards in Surf Instruction, Beach Life-Guarding and Aquatic First Aid will enable you to work as an Outdoor Instructor or Beach Lifeguard.

Entry Requirements

Students must be over the age of 18 at start of the course and will need to complete Garda Vetting to achieve the L1 Surf Instructor qualification.
Interested applicants should be strong swimmers and will be required to complete a pool test for which you must be capable of swimming 400m in less than 9 minutes.
Students need to have level 3 skills and knowledge from the National Qualifications Framework (NFQ) to succeed in this course. You can show this through relevant life and work experience as no formal qualifications are required for entry to this course.
Students must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to gain the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course. Students need to have a good level of personal fitness.
Experience of team-based outdoor pursuits – for example Scouting, Guides, Gaisce Award, is preferred. Experience of surfing, swimming, membership of sports clubs, teams, working with youth groups for example NYP, Foroige, Summer Camps, also an advantage.
According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL), non-native English speakers need a B2 level in writing, reading, listening, and speaking.

Eligibility

Non-EU/EEA applicants need permission to work in Ireland. For more details, see our eligibility section.

Cost / Fees

You may be eligible for reduced course fees or a fee waiver (i.e. no cost).

We will talk to you about the possible low/no cost fees options during your application process

Share This Course:

Real Students, Real Results!

While the focus for most of us on the course was achieving the D licence, there were lots of extras like First Aid, Tourism Visitor Care and Gluais training which I found very useful when I went looking for a job as I had more than just the D licence to offer to an employer.

Dylan Robinson

Qualified Tour Bus Driver, Driving With Tourism Graduate,

“I couldn’t recommend further education and training with Donegal College enough as it provides a great way back into education, to further education or to get a job.”

Shannon Shelby Driscoll

Qualified Teacher and Early Childhood Care and Education Graduate

“I thought there was never a chance for me to go and do nursing. I left school early because I became a mum at a young age and I didn’t have a Leaving Certificate. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone.”

Elaine Tinney

Tertiary Degree Access Route into General Nursing (B.Sc. Hons) Recent Graduate

“The support started from the reception, when you come to Donegal College it is a special atmosphere.”

Yuliia Vaniukova

ACCA Graduate

“With a small class we were able to get comfortable around each other and we were never afraid to ask a question.”

Miranda Darnell

Animal Care Graduate

“It has brought me on so much to believe that any of us are capable of something in the right environment and with people supporting you.”

Lisa Doherty

Pathway to Special Needs Assisting and Early Learning Studies, Graduate

Need Help Applying For a Course at Donegal College?

If you are unsure about what course to do or need help in finding out which level is most appropriate for you then our admissions team are here to help you….

Courses FAQ's

Who can apply for Donegal College courses?

Our courses are open to school leavers, lifelong learners, job seekers, employees, and employers looking to upskill or reskill.

How do I apply for a course?

You can make your applications for full-time and part-time courses online; you can start the process here on the Donegal College website. Click ‘APPLY‘ on the course of your choice; this redirects you to Fetchcourses.ie, where your application will be processed using the FETCH Courses website and system.

If you haven’t signed up for a FETCH account, you’ll be required to do so first; this is a one-time setup.

Are the Donegal College courses accredited?

Yes. Many of our courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), typically Levels 4–6, as well as awards from ILM, City & Guilds, and other industry-recognised bodies.

Where do the courses take place?

Courses are delivered across Donegal at one of our 19 Donegal College campuses, certain courses are delivered in community venues in your local area, various courses are delivered online or through blended learning, and training can be offered on-site at your business, depending on the course.

Can I apply for an Apprenticeship?

The first step is to secure a job with an approved apprentice employer. An Apprenticeship is a three-way contract of employment between you, your employer and SOLAS, with on-the-job and off-the-job training delivered in phases. Full details are available on: www.apprenticeship.ie

To find out more about becoming an apprentice or an approved apprentice employer please contact our Apprenticeship Services Team: Tel: 074 9120500 or Email: apprenticeship@donegaletb.ie