The International Surfing Association (ISA) will work with the International Life Saving Federation (ILS) to establish standard water safety course and certificate for surf and stand-up paddleboard instructors and coaches.
The world governing body for the sport of surfing teamed up with ILS to design the International Surf and SUP Instructor Aquatic Rescue and Safety Course, a program that will see the light of day in 2017.
The new course will teach water safety, lifesaving, environmental responsibility, and ocean sustainability to surf training professionals. Accredited trainer Jamo Borthwick worked with both organizations and developed the program's content.
When concluded, all participants will be able to promote, teach and share the values of water safety worldwide. Simultaneously, ISA's coaching and instructing certification will reach a broader audience.
"It is essential that all ISA-registered instructors have the approved universal certificates to provide new surfing athletes and amateur participants with full confidence that they are learning the sport safely," stresses Fernando Aguerre, president of the ISA.
Surfers save lives, but they must learn the basics of surf rescue and cardiopulmonary resuscitation before starting to teach the sport.
"Health and safety is an integral part of any sport, and especially when athletes and participants of all abilities are in the ocean," adds Graham Ford, president of the ILS.
The International Surfing Association and International Life Saving Federation are organizations recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
