Lifesaving 1, 2 & 3 (often called "Lifesaving 123" or "LS123") is the first step into lifesaving in Singapore. Whether your teen wants a useful skill for the school holidays, you're a parent who wants to feel safer around the pool, or you're aiming to become a lifeguard one day, this is where most people start. Here's a simple guide to what the course involves.
What is the Lifesaving 1, 2 & 3 course?
Lifesaving 1, 2 and 3 are entry-level lifesaving awards certified by the Singapore Life Saving Society (SLSS), the certifying body for lifesaving awards in Singapore. According to SLSS, the course covers the basics of lifesaving skills and techniques and aims to give learners preliminary skills and knowledge of water safety.
The three levels are taken in order, and each one is a separate award. By Lifesaving 3, learners develop skills and knowledge in resuscitation and water rescue that prepare them for the next award, the Bronze Medallion.
What will you learn?
Across the three levels, the focus moves from keeping yourself safe to helping others safely. Typically, you'll work on:
Water safety knowledge: spotting hazards at pools and open water, and making good decisions before you get into trouble.
Self-survival skills: staying calm, treading water and conserving energy.
Safe rescue techniques: helping someone from the poolside or with an aid, so the rescuer doesn't become a second casualty.
Swimming fitness and stroke work: building the stamina that rescues need.
Resuscitation basics (Lifesaving 3): the first steps in caring for someone after they're out of the water.
Lessons combine time in the water with land-based theory, and each level ends with an SLSS assessment.
Who can take Lifesaving 1, 2 & 3?
Is there a minimum age?
SLSS does not set a minimum age for Lifesaving 1 to 3. Instead, learners need to pass a swim assessment first, so the instructor can be sure they're comfortable and safe in deep water.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You don't need to be a competitive swimmer, but you should be able to swim confidently and continuously. If you're not there yet, it's worth doing a few months of swimming lessons first. Many of our students move on to lifesaving after completing their SwimSafer stages.
Who usually signs up?
Primary and secondary school students looking for a meaningful holiday programme
Parents and caregivers who want to keep their family safer around water
Teens planning to go on to Bronze Medallion and, later, lifeguard or instructor awards
Adults who simply want real rescue skills
How long does it take? Crash course vs weekly classes
For comparison, SLSS's own in-house Lifesaving 1/2/3 course lists nine training sessions plus one examination. Swim schools usually offer the course in two formats:
Intensive crash course: great during the June or year-end school holidays when your schedule is free.
Weekly classes: better if you're juggling school or work, and give you more time to build stamina between sessions.
Lifesaving 1, 2 & 3 at Wild Splash
Wild Splash runs SLSS-certified lifesaving courses at every level, from Lifesaving 1 to instructor awards.
5-day Lifesaving 1 to 3 crash course: $550
Weekly classes: $120 per month
All fees include the SLSS exam, so there are no surprise charges at the end.
With the year-end school holidays here, the 5-day crash course is a popular way for students to finish all three levels in one go.
What comes after Lifesaving 3?
Lifesaving 3 prepares you for the Bronze Medallion, which builds a solid level of proficiency in aquatic rescue. SLSS includes a CPR course as a prerequisite for Bronze Medallion certification, and the minimum age is 14 (counted in the year of the exam).
From there, you can progress to higher awards such as Bronze Cross, Silver Cross and Award of Merit, and lifeguard awards such as Pool Lifeguard (minimum age 16).
Does Lifesaving 1, 2 & 3 make me a lifeguard?
No. Lifesaving 1 to 3 is the foundation. To work as a pool lifeguard you'll need higher SLSS awards such as Pool Lifeguard. Think of LS123 as the first rung of the ladder, and a valuable life skill on its own.
Ready to start?
Lifesaving is one of the most useful skills you or your child can learn, and Lifesaving 1, 2 & 3 is the perfect place to begin. Check our life saving courses for details, or WhatsApp us at +65 9751 0353 to ask about the next crash course or weekly class. Not sure if you're ready? We're happy to arrange a swim assessment first.