Pass or Fail in an Exam: A Brief Reminder

You are an instructor dealing with a candidate who often disrupts the class and demonstrates a negative attitude throughout the training. In your opinion, there is no doubt: they will make a poor lifeguard and should not receive their certification.

The temptation to fail them may be strong. However, as an instructor, you cannot give in to this temptation. The Program Guide is clear on this matter. Refer to the box on page 6: "An instructor or evaluator may only fail a candidate based on a 'Must See' item that is assessed according to the Certificate Guide of the course taken." The Lifesaving Society's literature is the only valid reference regarding training content.

Similarly, this applies to the evaluator; they can only fail a candidate if the candidate is unable to demonstrate their ability to successfully meet a 'Must See' item being assessed. No other reason, including a persuasive instructor, can justify failing a candidate. The justification for failure in the report must therefore relate directly and exclusively to a 'Must See' item in the Certificate Guide.

An instructor or evaluator who fails a candidate on an item not listed as assessable in the relevant Certificate Guide may have their decision overturned by the Lifesaving Society.