EXPLANATORY NOTES
1. The framework of this Examination syllabus is set out as follows: –
Group 1 – Swim Awards – page 04
Group 2 – Challenge Awards – page 10
Group 3 – Safety Awards – page 14
Group 4 – Endurance / Survival Awards – page 20
Group 5 – Rescue Awards – page 26
Group 6 – Basic Life Support – page 32
Group 7 – Specialist Awards – page 36
Group 8 – Schools Programme – page 77
2. The syllabus is designed to test, in progressive phases, theoretical knowledge and
practical expertise as set down in Water Safety Ireland’s Handbooks.
3. While land drill is not a specific test item, it must be regarded as an invaluable teaching
technique.
4. Instructors and Examiners should ensure that their names are included in the official
register (membership) kept at Water Safety Ireland Head Office.
5. Water Safety Ireland Head Office should be informed of inactive members.
6. When presenting a class for examination, the Instructors shall ensure that the necessary
prerequisites for the tests are in order.
7. Examinations shall be conducted by official Examiners only, except in the following
where Instructors may examine: –
Swim Awards: Seal Levels 1-5,
Marlin Levels 6-10
Orca Levels 11-15.
Challenge Awards: – Challenge 1 and 2.
Safety Awards: – Safety 1, 2 and 3 only.
Endurance/Survival Awards: – Endurance 1 and 2 only.
Note: –
(i) An Instructor may not examine his/her own class.
(ii) An Instructor cannot examine BLS in the Safety Awards.
(iii) Where an Instructor is examining Safety 2 and 3 Awards the examination
must be conducted in the presence of an Examiner. The Examiners role is
supervisory only.
(iv) It is not mandatory for Instructors to examine; they should only examine
Safety 2 and 3 Awards, when there are no Examiners available.
8. BLS 1 must be achieved before progressing from the Safety Awards.
9. Examinations of family relatives are not best practice and should be avoided.
Water Safety Ireland 2 Syllabus 2022
FRAMEWORK
Swim Awards
Challenge Awards
Safety Awards
Endurance /
Survival Awards
Rescue Awards
Basic Life Support
Awards
Specialist Awards
Graded tests for beginners with emphasis on personal safety,
swimming, basic rescue and personal survival skills.
Graded test to increase stamina and introduce swimming whilst clothed.
Graded tests to improve the introductory aspect of rescue.
Graded tests with the emphasis on self-rescue and physical fitness.
Graded tests of the four components necessary for successful rescues –
skill, knowledge, judgement, and fitness.
Tests of Basic Life Support knowledge and of vital follow up procedures.
Special category awards for those wishing to pursue a particular field of
activity.
GUIDELINES
The purpose of guidelines are: –
(a) To aid Instructors/Examiners in understanding more thoroughly the requirements of
each award in our syllabus.
(b) To help standardise examinations throughout the country.
(c) To clarify test items where appropriate.
The test items must be read in conjunction with the guidelines at all times.
SCENARIO GUIDELINES
1. In all scenarios the rescuer(s) know nothing about the scene unless the Examiner tells
them.
2. The subject(s) will give the necessary information only if asked a specific question as
outlined by the Examiner beforehand.
3. Face down or submerged subjects are assumed to be unconscious.
4. Examiner should at all stages maintain control over condition of subject(s), situation
details and especially safety.
5. Rescuer(s) should be informed of changing condition(s) of subject(s) and situation
details.
6. Examiner will indicate the start and end of the scenario.
Rescuer(s) will be required to explain their actions on completion. In all open water scenarios,
distance from shore not to exceed 25m.
Water Safety Ireland 3 Syllabus 2022
The Period of Validity
1. Lifesaving Awards
The validity period for these awards shall be as per the Syllabus. Where this period of time has
elapsed the following conditions will apply:
Period Elapsed Requirement
(a) Greater than 2 years Repeat highest award
taken to date
(b) Greater than 4 years Recommence water safety
course at Safety 4.
Instructors and trainee instructors may be exempt from the above at the discretion of the Area
Committee.
2. Pool, Beach and River Lifeguard Awards
The validity period for these awards is 2 years. A Lifeguard cannot work after this validity period
has elapsed.
Where this period of time has elapsed the following conditions will apply:
Period Elapsed Requirement
(a) 2 years Complete the Pool, Beach or River Revalidation Exam
(b) 3 years Complete the full Pool, Beach or River Course and Exam
All revalidating Candidates must provide a copy of their last Lifeguard Certificate to Course
Tutor/Examiner prior to assessment. (mandatory)
3. The Instructor
a) Must be a member of Water Safety Ireland
b) Must meet all the requirements as laid down in the WSI Syllabus
c) Must instruct a class or attend an approved refresher course at least every two years.
The term “satisfactory work log” is further defined as:
Instructing on an approved course during the previous two years
When an instructor fails to comply with all of the above he shall be considered “inactive”. In
order to re-validate his status he must:
(i) Seek the approval of the Area Committee.
(ii) Attend an approved refresher course.
4. The Examiner
(a) Must be a member of Water Safety Ireland
(b) Must meet all the requirements laid down as per the WSI Syllabus
(c) Must examine a class or attend an approved refresher course at least every two years.
When an Examiner does not comply with the above he will be considered “inactive”. An “inactive”
Examiner may not examine water safety classes or test Candidates for lifeguard vacancies.
In order to re-validate his status, an “inactive” Examiner must:
(i) Seek the approval of the Area Committee
(ii) Attend an approved refresher course.
| Period Elapsed | Requirement |
| Greater than 2 years | Repeat highest award taken to date. |
| Greater than 4 years | Recommence water safety course at Safety4. |
Instructors and trainee instructors may be exempt from the above at the discretion of the Area Committee.