RPL Interest Registration
Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue)
This qualification is not yet available through RPL It. Register your interest to be notified when it becomes available.
PUA20119
Your time spent patrolling beaches and responding to aquatic emergencies has built a foundation of vital public safety skills. We are currently establishing partnerships with Registered Training Organisations to offer a recognition pathway for this qualification. Register your interest today to be notified when we can help you demonstrate that your rescue experience is evidence of your competency.
About This Qualification
The PUA20119 Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue) is designed for introductory level participants in aquatic rescue activities. This will include rescuing, resuscitating and performing basic first aid in aquatic incidents that may involve oceans, rivers, swimming pools and vessels operating in coastal areas. The role of an aquatic rescuer is to recognise and rescue a person experiencing difficulty in the water, to identify and use different types of rescue equipment and to communicate with community members and other agencies in the event of an aquatic emergency. This may include undertaking basic patrol duties and developing surf awareness to be able to participate in lifesaving operations. This qualification includes the units of competency required by aquatic rescuers to perform a range of activities such as responding to rescue incidents and conducting patrols. It typically involves working as a team member, under guidance, in aquatic rescue operations. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
Qualification Code
PUA20119
Training Package
PUA — Public Safety
AQF Level
Certificate II
Total Units
8 (6 core + 2 elective)
Entry Requirements
There are no entry requirements for this qualification.
National Register
View on training.gov.au →RPL It Status: Not yet available — Registering interest
Important: RPL It Australia is a student support service. All assessment and qualification issuance is conducted by our partner Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). RPL It does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.
Career Outcomes
According to training.gov.au, this qualification supports the following roles:
| Role | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Surf Lifesaver | Participating in aquatic rescue operations and providing emergency care under guidance within beach environments. |
| Pool Lifeguard | Monitoring patron safety and responding to water-based incidents within aquatic facilities or leisure centres. |
| Aquatic Rescue Team Member | Working within a public safety organisation to support water-based emergency response in rivers or coastal areas. |
Ready to level up?
Join our priority list to get notified the moment we open enrolments with our partner RTOs.
Register Your InterestGet notified when RPL is available for PUA20119
Receive a preliminary review of your experience
No commitment or obligation required
5.0 across all qualifications
Could RPL Be Right for You?
Experience can be evidence.
RPL is the process that helps you demonstrate it.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal assessment process that evaluates the skills, knowledge, and experience you've gained through your career to determine whether you meet the requirements of a nationally recognised qualification. It isn't a shortcut — it applies the same assessment standards as any other pathway.
RPL typically involves:
A review of your work experience against the qualification requirements
Compilation of an evidence portfolio demonstrating your competency
Assessment by a qualified assessor from a Registered Training Organisation
If gaps are identified, targeted training to build on your existing expertise
ℹ️ Important Pathway Advice
RPL isn't the right pathway for everyone. If you don't have substantial, relevant, and current industry experience, a traditional study pathway may serve you better.
Our approach:
“We'd rather guide you to the right pathway than enrol you in the wrong one.”
What Kind of Experience Counts?
If RPL becomes available for this qualification, the types of experience and evidence that would typically be relevant include:
Work History & Roles
- ✓Position descriptions for lifeguard or patrol member roles
- ✓Volunteer service records from Surf Life Saving clubs
- ✓Logs of patrol hours and beach management activities
Rescue & Response
- ✓Incident reports and aquatic rescue logs
- ✓Records of using rescue equipment like boards and tubes
- ✓Evidence of participating in aquatic search and rescue drills
First Aid & Resuscitation
- ✓Current First Aid and CPR certifications
- ✓Records of resuscitation training or real-world applications
- ✓Logs of basic emergency life support provided during incidents
Teamwork & Communication
- ✓Radio communication logs and transmission records
- ✓Evidence of participation in team briefings and debriefs
- ✓Reports on community safety education or public interactions
Safety & Maintenance
- ✓Equipment maintenance and inspection checklists
- ✓Workplace health and safety (WHS) incident reports
- ✓Surf and weather condition assessment records
This is general guidance based on training.gov.au. Specific requirements will be confirmed by the delivering RTO's assessor when RPL becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this qualification and RPL.
Is this qualification currently available through RPL It?▾
Why should I register my interest?▾
Is an RPL qualification the same as one from full-time study?▾
Can I use volunteer surf lifesaving experience as evidence?▾
Does this qualification cover both ocean and pool environments?▾
Related Qualifications
Other qualifications in the Public Safety.
Advanced Diploma
Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Community Safety)
PUA60719
Advanced Diploma
Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Emergency Management)
PUA60120
Advanced Diploma
Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Fire Investigation)
PUA60922
Advanced Diploma
Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Firefighting Management)
PUA60519
Advanced Diploma
Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Search and Rescue Management)
PUA60219
Register Your Interest
We're establishing partnerships to offer PUA20119 through RPL. Tell us about your background — we'll let you know when it's available and whether RPL is likely to suit your experience.
Priority Notification
Be the first to know when enrolments open for PUA20119.
Preliminary Review
Receive free guidance on whether RPL could suit your career background.
No Commitments
Registering is obligation-free and takes less than 2 minutes.
Ready to Register Your Interest?
Be the first to know when PUA20119 becomes available through RPL.
Register Your Interest