SIS30122 Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation

The SIS30122 Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation is a nationally recognised qualification that equips participants with the skills and knowledge to deliver recreational services across aquatic centres, fitness facilities, sporting grounds, and community recreation organisations.

Delivered by Royal Life Saving SA (RTO 0996), this course focuses on the Swim Teacher and Pool Lifeguard specialisations — preparing learners for roles across commercial, not-for-profit, community, and government aquatic environments.

Launch your exciting career in sports, aquatics, and recreation.

This qualification suits people starting a career in the aquatic and recreation industry, as well as existing workers looking to formalise their skills or move into lifeguarding and swim teaching roles.

Our Certificate III in Sports, Aquatics and Recreation course is currently delivered only as a traineeship.

Why work in aquatics?

Australia's aquatic industry is big, growing, and genuinely rewarding. There are around 2,000 aquatic facilities across the country requiring lifeguards, swim teachers, management staff, and various specialist roles and the industry is projected to keep growing, offering plenty of opportunities to develop your career and make a meaningful impact in your community.

Learner Information

Pre-requisites

There are no prerequisites for enrolment although it is recommended that participants:

  • are minimum of 16 years of age

  • have access to a swim centre for Swim Teacher hours

For a Swim Teacher Licence to be issued participants must hold a current:

  • Working with Children Check

  • HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certificate

Course duration and delivery methods

Online and classroom sessions cover the theoretical components of each unit. In-water sessions give participants the opportunity to practise practical skills before assessment.

For the Swim Teacher units, participants complete supervised practical hours at their workplace, demonstrating teaching skills to industry standard and submitting a Student Workbook

a computer monitor screen with an eye centred on the screen
a silhouette of a human pointing at a whiteboard with line imitating text on the wall
a minimally stylised swimming pool with a ladder
three silhouettes of humans in a swimming pool having fun

Online Learning

There will be online components for all units of competency. The amount of time each participant will spend on their eLearning will vary but should be approximately 50 hours.

Online learning consists of learner guide materials, videos, eLearning modules, and online assessments.

Classroom learning

Participants are to attend all face to face classes to cover the additional theoretical components of the course. There are 17 days (approximately 136 hours) of classroom based learning. Classroom sessions are typically scheduled 9am to 5pm, however this may vary.

Classroom activities will take place at various locations depending on the learner cohort.

Water based learning

Some elective units require learning and assessment to be undertaken in the pool.

Activities will take place at a local aquatic facility to be advised and will depend upon availability and access to the required pool space and equipment.

Workplace based learning

For the Swim Teacher units, participants are required to undertake practical hours in the workplace under supervision of suitably qualified staff to enable them to display teaching skills to a satisfactory industry level and complete the Student Workbook for submission. 

Tasks completed in the workplace will take place at the participants place of work.

Participant Eligibility Criteria apply

Important Links

Student Information
Student Information
Learner Portal
Learner Portal

Interested in enrolling?

Contact our Training Coordinator by emailing training@royallifesavingsa.com.au or calling (08) 8210 4500 to start the conversation.

Units of Competency

Participants complete 15 units in total — 6 core and 9 electives.

The following qualification specialisations are available: Swim Teacher, and Pool Lifeguard.

Core Units:

  • BSBWHS308 Participate in WHS hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control processes

  • HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety

  • SISXCCS004 Provide quality service

  • SISXEMR003 Respond to emergency situations

  • SISXFAC006 Maintain activity equipment

  • SISXIND011 Maintain sport, fitness and recreation industry knowledge

Possible Elective Units:

Specialisation: Swim Teacher

  • HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation

  • SISCAQU020 Perform water rescues

  • SISCAQU023 Plan swimming lessons

  • SISCAQU024 Teach water familiarisation, buoyancy and mobility skills

  • SISCAQU025 Teach water safety and survival skills

  • SISCAQU026 Teach swimming strokes

Specialisation: Pool Lifeguard

  • HLTAID011 Provide First Aid

  • SISCAQU019 Supervise patron safety in aquatic locations

  • SISCAQU020 Perform water rescues

  • SISCAQU021 Perform complex water rescues

  • SISCAQU022 Provide oxygen resuscitation and therapy in an aquatic environment

General elective units offered

  • CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people

  • SISCAQU015 Test pool water quality

  • SISCAQU027 Promote development of infants and toddlers in an aquatic environment

Pathways

Participants who complete the Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation may continue their studies by undertaking the:

  • SIS40122 Certificate IV in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation

  • SIS50122 Diploma of Sport, Aquatics and Recreation Management

Course Fees

The cost of the course is $162.00. Fees are payable upon enrolment.

Royal Life Saving will transfer or re-schedule your application at no cost if written notification is received five (5) working days prior to course commencement.

Other information

  • All course materials required for the successful completion of the course will be provided by Royal Life Saving SA.

  • Royal Life Saving SA will:

    • provide an appropriate training facility to ensure access to all necessary plant and equipment.

    • Provide support at no extra cost to participants throughout the course to facilitate successful completion of the course and the achievement of their qualification

  • Participants must:

    • have access to suitable technology to allow them to access and complete the eLearning and online assessments.

    • have suitable swim attire for water-based practical training

  • Participants have access to RLSSSA Complaints and Appeals processes (please see Student Handbook) https://royallifesavingsa.app.axcelerate.com/showDoc.cfm?DocID=466670