National Certificate in Recreation and Sport (Aquatics) (Level 3) with strands in Pool Lifeguard, Swim Education, and Pool Operations

This qualification is for people who work as pool lifeguards, swim educators, or as pool operators in the aquatics industry.

The compulsory section recognises essential skills in communicating effectively, supervising customers, professional behaviour, managing hazards and dealing with emergency situations in an aquatic facility.

People awarded the qualification with the Pool Lifeguard strand can demonstrate aquatic supervision and rescue techniques, apply rescue techniques, and lead an emergency response to respond to a simulated water emergency.

People awarded the qualification with the Swim Education strand will hold the minimum competencies required for swim teachers including creating a supportive teaching environment, developing water confidence, propulsion techniques, swimming strokes and water safety survival skills.

The Pool Operations strand recognises specific technical requirements for a variety of operational roles including; managing water treatment and handling chemicals, teaching aqua fitness, first aid and emergency care, core recreation skills, administration and customer service in an aquatics based workplace.

This is a stand alone qualification; however candidates may wish to consider further study and training towards other recreation and sports qualifications at Levels 3 or 4.

Te Mahi Ako is a Private Training Enterprise (PTE) funded by the government to create world-class, nationally-recognised programmes linked to qualifications that staff can complete on the job. The benefit of on-the-job training is that you are earning an income, gaining a qualification, and getting real-life experience, all in one go. And because Te Mahi Ako’s programmes are government-subsidised, they are very affordable.

Te Mahi Ako works with a wide range of facilities throughout New Zealand, from small to large. Te Mahi Ako or the facility will provide learning resources and assessment tasks for the staff member, and supporting materials will help the workplace to deliver the training. In some cases, an organisation’s own in-house training programme will be aligned to a Te Mahi Ako programme, so staff members who complete the in-house training will simultaneously earn a national qualification. Te Mahi Ako also has a Recognition of Current Competency process, which means that you may be able to get your existing skills and experience recognised through a qualification.

To enrol in a Te Mahi Ako on-the-job qualification, you must be employed in the industry or be a volunteer. Make sure to check with the business that you’re working in, or would like to work in, to see if they are already registered with Te Mahi Ako.

For more information go to: www.temahiako.org.nz