Great opportunity to train as surf instructor and beach lifeguard in Donegal

There are still a few places available on a course which trains candidates to become outdoor instructors, with recognised qualifications in Surf Instruction, Beach Lifeguarding and Aquatic First Aid. 

The Donegal ETB course is full-time starting in September, running for 27 weeks and taking place in Bundoran.

According to Donegal ETB: “The course will train instructors to deliver Surfing and Adventure Activities so that they are employable and competent in this area while also improving their personal effectiveness and job seeking skills so as to enable them to obtain or retain employment in the outdoor activities area.”

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will have developed surf proficiency in the Surfing Skills element of this programme and accreditation as Level 1 Basic Surf Instructor (ISA - https://www.irishsurfing.ie/coach-development/level-1-surf-instructor.html), the Royal Lifesaving Society (RLSS) National Beach Lifeguard qualification and Aquatic First Aid, Emergency First Response PHECC- CFR certification.

In addition to the course modules, the following modules are also included on the course:
-Child Protection and Welfare in Sport
-Environment Research Project
-Group Management and Leadership

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

Entry Requirements:

Participants must be over the age of 18 and will need to complete Garda Vetting in order to attain the L1 Surf Instructor qualification.

Aptitude - Reading, writing, Junior Cert standard of literacy and mathematics; basic Computer Literacy (Word, email, internet proficiency) preferred;
good communication skills, good ability for teamwork; outgoing, demonstrative; cheerful personality;
strong swimming ability, good level of personal fitness; swimming test prior to interview for programme - 400m in under nine minutes.

Previous experience preferred - any experience of team-based outdoor pursuits- scouting, guides, Gaisce Award; preferred - experience of surfing, swimming, membership of sports clubs, teams, experience working with youth groups such as NYP, Foroige, summer camps.

The full-time course begins on September 11, 2023 and ends on March 15, 2024. Further information and application details are available at bit.ly/3PlRj1j

Specific Skills Training is funded by the European Union - NextGenerationEU