Awards you need to compete
Every LSA competitor needs a minimum award for their age group (§3.6.4): Level 1 for U9 and U10 nippers, Level 2 for U11 and U12, Level 3 for U13 and U14, the Junior Lifeguard Award (JLA) for U15 and U16, and the Lifeguard Award (LA) with a valid annual retest from U17 upwards. Masters need an LA or Surf Proficiency Award (SPA); a Qualifying Certificate covers masters beach events only.
The award for each age group
- U9 and U10 nippers: Level 1 award (§3.6.4).
- U11 and U12 nippers: Level 2 award.
- U13 and U14 nippers: Level 3 award.
- U15 juniors: Junior Lifeguard Award (JLA). U16s (racing U17): JLA plus a valid annual retest.
- U17, U18 and U19 juniors: Lifeguard Award (LA) plus a valid annual retest.
- Seniors (19 and over): LA, with a valid annual retest if under 25 (surf table).
- Masters (30 and over): LA or SPA (§3.6.2f); a Qualifying Certificate for masters beach events only (§3.8.1).
The award must match the kind of competition: each age group has a surf, open-water ("stillwater") and pool version of its award (§3.6.5).
Surf, open-water and pool awards
- A surf award (nipper level, JLA or LA) also lets you enter the pool events at pool championships (§3.6.5a).
- An open-water award lets you enter surf and beach events at surf championships (§3.6.5a).
- A pool award is valid for pool competition only (§3.6.5b).
- A Qualifying Certificate is for masters beach events only (§3.6.5c).
Retests, duty and masters
Masters who compete only in masters competition do not need the annual retest or duty hours (§3.6.4, note 2). A master who also enters senior events does not need them either, but must complete an indemnity and registration form before the championships (§3.6.4, tables).
Timing: gaining an award after entries close
An award gained after the closing date for entries does not count for that competition (§3.6.4, note 1), and new members cannot enter late (§3.7.1). The exception is a continuing member who gains their JLA or LA after entries close: they may be entered late (§3.7.1).
Common questions
What award does my nipper need to compete?
Level 1 for U9 and U10, Level 2 for U11 and U12, and Level 3 for U13 and U14 (LSA Competition Manual §3.6.4).
What is the Junior Lifeguard Award (JLA)?
The award juniors need to race U15 and U16. A member may attempt it from age 14, and once they pass they race as a U15 junior (§3.6.2c, §3.6.4).
When do juniors need a full Lifeguard Award?
From U17 (age 16 at 30 September): U17, U18 and U19 juniors need a Lifeguard Award with a valid annual retest (§3.6.4).
Do masters have to do the annual retest?
Not if they compete only in masters competition (§3.6.4, note 2).
Can I race surf events with a pool award?
No. A pool award is only valid for pool competition, while surf and open-water awards also cover pool events at pool championships (§3.6.5).
What is a masters Qualifying Certificate?
A certificate that lets a master enter masters beach events only (beach flags, sprints, relays and runs); their arm is marked "QC" on the day (§3.8.1, §3.6.5c).
My child passed their award after entries closed. Can they still race?
A continuing member who gains their JLA or LA after the close of entries may be entered late; a brand-new member may not (§3.7.1).
Sources
Updated 29 September 2026. Spotted something wrong? Email hello@flagline.co.za.