Trainee Lifeguard & Surf Coach

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.