At a Glance
- Tasks: Become a Lifeguard and Surf Coach, ensuring safety and delivering unforgettable surf experiences.
- Company: Join The Wave, where nature and community thrive together.
- Benefits: 30 days paid holiday, free surf sessions, and discounts on offerings.
- Other info: Potential for ongoing work beyond the season and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Get trained for free while working in an exciting outdoor environment.
- Qualifications: Must swim 400m in 7.5 minutes and be available for shifts during holidays.
The predicted salary is between 20250 - 24750 £ per year.
We understand a barrier to achieving the required coaching qualifications can often be the cost and the location of course providers. We want to make this easier for aspiring Surf Coaches. We will therefore cover the cost of your training upfront, provide equipment and ensure you have guaranteed work for the season ahead.
The first step of your Surf Coach training will be completing our first RLSS NVBLQ Lifeguard Course, running from 8th-17th May 2026 (8th-10th & 15th-17th). You will then work as a Lifeguard for a period before joining a Surf England Coach Level 1 course.
To be considered you must be able to commit to the following:
- Available for the duration of the 6-day RLSS NVBLQ course at Porthcawl
- Can meet the timed swim target of 400m in 7.5 minutes
- You must be available to work shift work, weekends and the duration of the school holidays
- Able to surf our intermediate wave setting here at The Wave both forehand and backhand
- Able to commit to a 28 hour per week fixed-term contract throughout the 2026 season
- Able to provide us with a clear DBS check certificate dated after any offers of employment and prior to commencing the course
The Training Contract: You will be required to enter into a training agreement, whereby, subject to completing a minimum amount of hours during your employment you will incur no charge for the cost of the course. For individuals who don’t meet these hours, a proportionate charge will be deducted on your final pay. The training agreement will set out the full cost implications.
What happens at the end of the contract? It may be possible for the participants to continue working for us beyond the end of the fixed-term contract. We also hope that we would see you return as part of The Wave family in subsequent seasons.
Who We Are: The Wave is a place where people and nature come together - creating the right environment for people to thrive - our guests, our team, and our community. Our purpose is to nurture a world of health, hope and happiness with every wave. We’re driven by a spirit of innovation, purpose and possibility.
Our Values – We Are FAIR:
- Fun - We take fun seriously! We put smiles on faces.
- Adventurous - We’re game changers, adaptable and explore with optimism.
- Impact - We’re here to create a healthier connection between people and planet.
- Respect - We care for each other, our customers and our community.
These values guide how we show up, how we make decisions, and how we work together - every day, in every role.
About the Role: As a Trainee Lifeguard and Surf Coach at The Wave, you’ll play a vital role in delivering safe, unforgettable surf experiences. You’ll be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of water safety, supporting surf operations, and delivering excellent customer service both on and off the lake. This is a hands-on role requiring vigilance, confidence, and strong communication skills in a fast-paced environment.
Key responsibilities include:
- Maintain the safety of all lake users through active supervision and lifeguard rotations
- Deliver professional lifeguarding duties in line with EAPs, SOPs and training standards
- Carry out visual equipment checks and ensure all safety equipment is rescue-ready
- Respond confidently to incidents, administer first aid, and complete incident reports
- Support surf operations including checking in customers, sorting and cleaning equipment and visitor flow
- Communicate clearly with surfers, hosts and the wider Surf Ops team
- Ensure correct surfer numbers, waiver checks, helmet compliance and session rules
- Promote a positive, welcoming atmosphere while delivering high standards of customer service
- Support cleanliness, organisation and smooth daily opening and closing procedures
- Deliver high-quality surf lessons in line with coaching standards and session plans
- Manage lesson groups effectively, adapting coaching to ability and group size
- Provide constructive feedback and encouragement to support surfer progression
About You: You’re calm under pressure, proactive and safety-focused, with a passion for working outdoors and supporting great guest experiences. An aspiring Lifeguard and Surf Coach who wants to develop their skills and knowledge of safety, first aid, lifeguarding & surf coaching. Confidence communicating with a wide range of customers. A team player who works well in dynamic, operational environments. A positive, professional attitude aligned with our FAIR values.
What We Offer: We aim to create a workplace where people feel valued, energised and able to bring their best. At The Wave you’ll find:
- 30 days paid holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
- Free access to our staff surf sessions
- Multiple discounts across our surf and other offerings
Our Commitment to Inclusion: We’re built on the idea that everyone should have the chance to experience the joy of surfing and the outdoors - and that starts with our own team. We’re committed to creating a place where people genuinely feel like they belong and be themselves.
Trainee Lifeguard & Surf Coach employer: The Wave Group
At The Wave, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture. As a Trainee Lifeguard & Surf Coach, you'll enjoy comprehensive training support, guaranteed seasonal work, and the opportunity to develop your skills in a dynamic outdoor environment. With generous benefits like 30 days of paid holiday and free access to staff surf sessions, we ensure our team feels valued and empowered to thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Lifeguard & Surf Coach
✨Get Involved in Local EMS Community Events
Dive into local events like community safety days or health fairs where EMS services are showcased! It’s a great opportunity for us to meet potential employers, show our passion, and connect with professionals already in the field.
✨Volunteer with Local Agencies
Gain hands-on experience by volunteering with local ambulance services or organisations. It will not only beef up your skills but also help us build connections and potentially lead to trainee roles like the one at The Wave Group.
✨Follow and Engage on Social Media
Keep an eye on social media channels for updates on trainee positions. Engaging with posts from ambulance services and healthcare professionals showcases our interest in the field and may help us get noticed!
✨Apply Through Our Website Directly
When you spot openings at The Wave Group, don’t hesitate – apply through our website! It gives us a chance to show our enthusiasm and may even allow for a more streamlined application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Lifeguard & Surf Coach
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Passion for EMS:Even as a trainee, it’s essential to express why you’re keen on joining the emergency medical services field. Highlight any relevant experiences, whether they’re voluntary roles, coursework, or passion projects related to healthcare. Make sure this shines through in your cover letter!
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:If you’ve completed any first aid courses or healthcare training, make sure we see them! Keep your CV clear and emphasise certifications that relate to EMS. Even if you're just starting out, showing you’ve got the basics will help set you apart.
Be Ready to Learn:In your application, let us know that you’re eager to soak up knowledge and skills. Use phrases like ‘keen to learn’ or ‘excited about training opportunities’. This is a supportive environment, and we want to see that enthusiasm for growth!
Tailor Your CV for EMS Specifics:Make sure your CV isn’t one-size-fits-all. Focus on aspects that matter in EMS, like teamwork, adaptability under pressure, and effective communication — these are crucial in emergency situations. Keep your formatting straightforward and easy to read so we can quickly see your potential!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Wave Group
✨Get Familiar with EMS Protocols
Brush up on the key protocols and procedures of emergency medical services. Being able to discuss how you would handle various emergency situations not only shows your knowledge but also your enthusiasm for the role with The Wave Group.
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Teamwork Skills
As a trainee in emergency medical services, your ability to work well under pressure with a team is crucial. Be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, communication, and collaboration in high-stress situations—personal stories will resonate with interviewers!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to think on your feet. You might be asked how to prioritise care during a call-out. Practise articulating your thought process clearly—remember, they want to know how you approach emergencies!
✨Convey Your Commitment to Learning
As a trainee, show that you’re eager to learn from experienced professionals. Express your motivation for the training and how you see it fitting into your long-term career goals within the EMS field. This will demonstrate your dedication to developing professionally within The Wave Group.
