The LICQual Level 3 Award in National Surf Coach Lifesaving (NSCL) is a globally recognised qualification designed for individuals seeking to develop the essential lifesaving, rescue, and safety management skills required in a surf coaching environment. This internationally benchmarked course equips learners with the knowledge, confidence, and practical abilities to respond effectively to emergencies in open water and surf conditions.
Focused on professional surf coaching safety standards, the NSCL Award combines theoretical instruction with hands-on rescue training, ensuring participants can competently manage water-based incidents while safeguarding themselves and others. Key learning areas include open water rescue techniques, the use of lifesaving equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), risk assessment, incident management, and post-rescue care.
This qualification is ideal for surf coaches, water sports instructors, beach lifeguards, and recreational surf leaders who must meet regulatory or employment requirements in surf-related environments. It also supports the development of teamwork, communication, and decision-making skills under pressure, enabling graduates to operate effectively in both individual and team rescue scenarios.
Successful completion of the LICQual Level 3 NSCL Award demonstrates professional competence, meeting the needs of surf schools, water sports facilities, coastal safety organisations, and international training bodies. Whether you aim to advance your career in surf coaching or enhance your ability to protect and save lives in challenging marine conditions, this qualification provides the knowledge, skills, and global credibility to excel in the field.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Award in National Surf Coach Lifesaving (NSCL)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
6
GLH
12
Qualification #
LICQ2200632
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Award in National Surf Coach Lifesaving (NSCL), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200632-1 |
Fundamentals of Surf Lifesaving and Rescue Principles |
1 |
6 |
|
LICQ2200632-2 |
Ocean and Surf Environment Awareness |
1 |
6 |
|
LICQ2200632-3 |
Water Rescue Techniques and Equipment Handling |
1 |
6 |
|
LICQ2200632-4 |
Surf-Specific First Aid and CPR |
1 |
6 |
|
LICQ2200632-5 |
Communication, Coordination, and Incident Management |
1 |
6 |
|
LICQ2200632-6 |
Practical Surf Rescue Drills and Assessment |
1 |
6 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
1. Fundamentals of Surf Lifesaving and Rescue Principles
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the role, responsibilities, and ethics of a surf coach lifesaver.
- Identify different types of surf-related emergencies.
- Demonstrate knowledge of ocean dynamics, wave types, and rip current patterns.
2. Ocean and Surf Environment Awareness
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Analyse environmental factors such as tides, weather, and swell that affect surf safety.
- Identify potential hazards in various surf environments.
- Apply risk assessment and hazard mitigation strategies to ensure safe operations.
3. Water Rescue Techniques and Equipment Handling
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate safe and effective use of surf rescue boards, tubes, and other equipment.
- Apply appropriate approaches for rescuing conscious and unconscious casualties.
- Perform self-rescue techniques in challenging surf conditions.
4. Surf-Specific First Aid and CPR
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Provide effective first aid for surf-related injuries including cuts, fractures, and marine stings.
- Perform CPR for adults, children, and infants according to international resuscitation guidelines.
- Manage cases of drowning, hypothermia, and suspected spinal injuries in surf environments.
5. Communication, Coordination, and Incident Management
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Communicate effectively with rescue teams, surf schools, and emergency services.
- Demonstrate leadership skills in managing rescue operations.
- Coordinate multiple rescuers in high-pressure surf rescue scenarios.
6. Practical Surf Rescue Drills and Assessment
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Execute live surf rescue drills that meet performance and safety standards.
- Plan and carry out rescue operations in varying surf conditions.
- Evaluate rescue performance and identify areas for improvement.
The LICQual Level 3 Award in National Surf Coach Lifesaving (NSCL) is designed for anyone passionate about surf coaching, lifesaving, and aquatic safety. Whether you are an aspiring surf coach, an experienced lifeguard, or a sports professional looking to enhance your skills, this course provides the knowledge and practical experience needed to excel. It is ideal for individuals seeking recognised LICQual certification, hands-on training in real surf conditions, and career progression in surf coaching and lifesaving. This course is also perfect for adventure educators, community leaders, and competitive surfers who want to combine safety, coaching, and leadership in dynamic aquatic environments.
Aspiring Surf Coaches
- Individuals looking to build a professional career in surf coaching
- Those aiming to teach and mentor surf enthusiasts of all levels
- People seeking recognised LICQual qualifications in surf coaching
- Candidates wanting to develop advanced session planning and coaching skills
- Surf enthusiasts eager to gain practical experience in real surf conditions
- Individuals committed to promoting safety while delivering coaching programs
Experienced Lifeguards
- Lifeguards seeking to progress to Level 3 coaching credentials
- Professionals aiming to combine lifesaving expertise with surf coaching
- Those looking to enhance emergency response skills in surf environments
- Lifeguards wanting recognised NSCL qualifications for career advancement
- Individuals interested in leadership and supervisory roles in aquatic safety
- Those committed to improving surf safety standards for participants
Sports and Aquatic Professionals
- Fitness trainers and sports coaches looking to expand into surf coaching
- Swimming instructors wanting to transition into surf lifeguard programs
- Professionals working in aquatic centres or surf clubs
- Those seeking LICQual Level 3 certification to enhance their credentials
- Individuals aiming to offer specialised surf coaching sessions safely
- Professionals interested in combining technical skills with coaching expertise
Adventure and Outdoor Educators
- Outdoor activity leaders seeking surf coaching and lifesaving qualifications
- Educators running surf camps or adventure programs
- Individuals working with youth groups, schools, or community programs
- Those aiming to provide safe, structured, and engaging surf experiences
- Adventure instructors seeking professional development and recognised awards
- Educators committed to participant safety and skill progression
Competitive Surf Athletes
- Surfers aiming to mentor or coach others in competitive environments
- Athletes looking to improve knowledge of surf safety and rescue techniques
- Individuals interested in leading training sessions or surf workshops
- Those seeking LICQual Level 3 recognition to enhance career opportunities
- Competitive surfers wanting to share expertise in structured coaching settings
- Athletes aspiring to become certified surf coaches or lifeguards
Community and Volunteer Leaders
- Volunteers at surf lifesaving clubs or community beach programs
- Individuals looking to contribute to public safety on beaches
- Leaders managing surf activities for youth or local groups
- Those wanting to gain structured training in surf rescue and coaching
- Volunteers seeking recognised certification to enhance credibility
- Community leaders aiming to implement safety-focused coaching programs
Career Changers and Lifelong Learners
- Individuals transitioning into a career in surf coaching or aquatic safety
- Those seeking professional development in an outdoor, dynamic environment
- Adults wanting a recognised qualification for career progression
- Lifelong learners eager to develop new skills in surf rescue and coaching
- People looking for practical, hands-on training with real-world application
- Career changers aiming to combine passion for the ocean with professional skills
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
