ISA/ILS Surf and SUP Water Safety Course

A global water-safety standard for surfing and stand-up paddle coaches and instructors.

A global partnership

Water safety for Surf and SUP instructors

The International Life Saving Federation (ILS) and the International Surfing Association (ISA) established a universally recognised global water-safety course and certification for surfing and stand-up paddle (SUP) coaches and instructors.

01

Who it is for

The ISA/ILS International Surf and SUP Instructor Aquatic Rescue and Safety Course is designed specifically for the surf-instructing environment and is available to ISA and ILS members.

02

Who can present it

The course can be presented by ILS Member Organisations and people who hold a formally endorsed trainer or assessor qualification.

03

Where it applies

It is available in countries without a formal Surf and SUP instructor course. It does not replace an existing local course offered by a Member Federation.

A consistent minimum standard

The course establishes a global minimum standard of basic water safety for Surf and SUP instructors, helping address the differences in water-safety requirements between countries.

ISA-accredited instructors must hold a valid, recognised water-safety accreditation to complete the ISA Coaching and Instructing Programme. This course satisfies that requirement.

Important

This is not a lifeguard qualification

The course focuses on the water-safety skills needed in the Surf and SUP instructing environment. Completing it does not qualify the participant to work as a lifeguard.

Interested in instructing this course?

To be considered as a course instructor, send a résumé outlining your qualifications, background and relevant experience to the ISA Membership and Development Manager.