• Snowsport
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Qualifications for Aquatics

The aquatics workforce helps people enjoy the magic of being in the water while staying safe, having fun and learning new skills.

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Pool Lifeguard Practising Certificate

To work as a pool lifeguard in New Zealand, you need to hold a nationally-recognised qualification. The Pool Lifeguard Practising Certificate (PLPC) is the minimum qualification you can have. PLPC will give you everything you need to get started, and it's a great first step towards becoming a highly-skilled lifeguard.
Certification

NZ Certificate in Aquatics (Pool Lifeguard) (L3)

This programme is for people working as pool lifeguards and looking after swimmers and other pool users. The Pool Lifeguard Level 3 certificate will prepare you to be confident using your supervision, rescue and emergency response skills when needed.
Level 3
Credited Programme

New Zealand Certificate in Aquatics (Swim and Water Safety Teacher) (L3)

This programme is for swim teachers delivering safe and effective swim education in Aotearoa communities. The Swim Teacher Level 3 certificate will equip you to teach swimming to groups or individuals, no matter their swimming ability.
Level 3

New Zealand Certificate in Aquatics (Aquafitness) (L3)

This programme is for people leading groups and individuals in aquafitness classes. The Aquafitness Level 3 certificate will ensure you're ready to use aquafitness equipment and techniques to deliver safe and effective exercise in the pool.
Level 3

New Zealand Certificate in Aquatic Treatment Systems (L4)

This programme is for people working in plant operations, aquatic treatment systems and advanced pool testing.  Completing the Aquatic Treatment Systems Level 4 certificate will give you the skills to work unsupervised in a water quality testing and treatment role.
Level 4

New Zealand Apprenticeship: Senior Pool Lifeguard (L4)

This apprenticeship is for lifeguards who are leading lifeguard shifts and teams in aquatic facilities, and want to take their knowledge and skills to the next level. As a senior pool lifeguard, you will come out of the apprenticeship armed with the knowledge required to supervise, coordinate and educate pool staff.
Level 4

New Zealand Apprenticeship: Specialised Swim and Water Safety Teacher (L4)

This apprenticeship is for swim teachers who are keen to add specialised teaching skills. The Specialised Swim and Water Safety Teacher apprenticeship will prepare you with advanced practical skills in two teaching electives.
Level 4
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Map your career

There are many different ways that you can progress through the sectors, and lots of skills are transferable across different roles and practice areas. Our Career Maps will help you visualise key jobs and pathways.

Kōrero With Us!

For more information about the qualifications, please contact your regional learner advisor.

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Explore the latest success stories from the aquatics sector

Dougal Holmes
Supervisor Taiora QEII
Janette Murphy
Hawkes Bay Regional Aquatics Centre
Jen
Pool lifeguard, team leader - Jellie Park, Christchurch
Lou Murray
Jellie Park, Christchurch
Ruby
Swim instructor - Selwyn Pools, Christchurch

How To Enrol

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Ready to go? Just click the "Enrol" button in the top right-hand corner of this website, set up a new account in our Learner Portal if it is your first time, and then click the "Enrol here" button. Select your programme from the dropdown menu, and follow the prompts to complete the rest of the form.

Your enrolment form will be processed by your learner advisor, and then sent to your workplace manager to review and sign electronically. Once your manager has signed, the form automatically gets sent back to you, and your learner advisor, to review and sign.