There's nothing more rewarding than saving a life, and the Royal Life Saving Society NSW is offering the Indigenous community the opportunity to do just that.

To tackle the under-representation of Indigenous Australians in paid lifesaving roles, Royal Life Saving and the Elsa Dixon Program have teamed up to offer a free pool lifeguard training course at the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre in Ultimo.

"The pool lifeguard training course is a great way to get into the aquatic industry, especially because currently there is a real shortage of swimming teachers in NSW," Royal Life Saving NSW's Chief Executive Officer David Macallister said.

"We will assist successful graduates to find work experience at aquatic facilities with a view to long term employment. We know several centres, including the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre, are looking to recruit from this course.

"To get into the aquatic industry you need a particular set of skills - the most important of which is the ability to save a life in an emergency. In the past we've worked with 780 Indigenous candidates on courses and their success in the industry speaks for itself.

"The only pre-requisites are that you have an interest in sport and you like working with people.

"We're delighted that the Elsa Dixon Program has been able to support this course so we can open the door for more Indigenous people to join the aquatic industry."

To learn more about the pool lifeguard course come along to a free information session at the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre, Harris St, Ultimo on Monday 11 May 2009 at 6.30pm.

The course will run from 25-29 May from 9am - 5pm each day at the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre, Harris St, Ultimo.