Water rescue certificates

To maintain ASI certification, all instructors must hold a non-expired water rescue certificate appropriate for their instructing environment.

ASI accepts both surf and flat water credentials depending on where you teach, and offers dedicated training options online and in workshops.

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Requirements by Discipline & Location

• Surf & Bodyboarding Instructors (All Levels): Must hold a valid Surf Rescue Certificate.
• SUP Instructors (Surfing or Downwinding): Must hold a valid Surf Rescue Certificate.
• SUP Instructors (Flat Water & Exposed Waters): May hold either a Flat Water Rescue Certificate or a Surf Rescue Certificate (if operating in inland waters or exposed coastal waters with no surf).

Not Accepted

• Certificates that are more than 2 years old (even if the expiry date is longer).
• Australia - surf rescue certificates more than 12 months old.
• Swimming pool lifeguard rescue certificates.
• Rescue courses that do not use a SUP board, surfboard, or special rescue board to complete rescues.

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Flat Water Rescue Certificates

Target Group: SUP instructors operating exclusively in inland waters or flat coastal ocean locations without surf.

Core Topics & Assessment: Rescue techniques for flat water environments, including rescuing an unconscious patient using a double-roll and prone paddling patient to shore.

Timed Fitness Test (Under 10 Mins): Continuous 100 m swim, 200 m run, and 200 m prone paddle.

Acceptable Flat Water Rescue Certificates

ASI SUP Water Safety Rescue Award. (Workshop and online learning options).

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Surf Rescue Certificates

Target Group: All instructors teaching in surf, as well as SUP Downwinding. (Also accepted for flat water instructors).

Core Topics & Assessment: Assessment is conducted at surf locations. Rescue techniques in at least 1.5 ft surf, including rescuing an unconscious patient using a double-roll and prone paddling through the surf break.

Timed Fitness Test (Under 10 Mins): Continuous 200 m swim, 200 m run, and 200 m paddle or run.

Acceptable Surf Rescue Certificates

ASI accepts surf rescue credentials from recognized lifesaving and professional lifeguard training organizations, as well as official ASI courses. Below are some examples of surf rescue certificates that ASI accepts, along with some training providers in different countries.
 

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