The ISA will work in conjunction with the ILS, who are recognised by the International Olympic Committee, to roll out the International Surf and Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) Instructor Aquatic Rescue and Safety Course in 2017.

It will offer water safety, lifesaving, environmental responsibility and ocean sustainability training to those involved in surfing and SUP.

The ISA also hope the course will enable instructors to "achieve an easily identifiable, unified water safety accreditation that ensures they can maintain their ISA instructor registration and status".

"The ISA is delighted to partner with the International Lifesaving Federation to strengthen our commitment to ensuring the very highest standards of water safety," ISA President Fernando Aguerre said.

"The new universally recognised water safety course for ISA instructors is important as surfing and SUP grow in popularity around the world - and will continue to develop in light of our new status as an Olympic sport at Tokyo 2020.

"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 - and that they appreciate that the ocean is an environment that should be respected and protected.

"Our partnership with ILS also underlines the ISA’s dedication to apply best practices as a professional International Sports Federation that is proud member of the Olympic Movement."

The new safety course aims to promote water safety worldwide, as well as enhancing the ISA’s coaching and instructing programme.

Boosting the value of the ISA’s coaching certification is also a target of the initiative.

"This new partnership between the International Lifesaving Federation and the International Surfing Association is an excellent initiative that will advance the awareness and application of water safety standards in surfing and SUP across the world," ILS President Graham Ford added.

"As the world authority for lifesaving, the ILS is pleased to support and contribute our extensive water safety experience towards an initiative that will increase safety in the surf and SUP environment.

"Health and safety is an integral part of any sport, and especially when athletes and participants of all abilities are in the ocean.

"As the ISA continues to develop and heads towards its Olympic debut, we are pleased to work alongside them in promoting water safety practices."