RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification

The RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is the most awarded lifeguard qualification in the United Kingdom and Ireland that complies with the industry guidance contained within the HSE publication ‘Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools’ Generally, the NPLQ is a recruitment requirement for a number of jobs from Pool Lifeguard to Centre Manager. On successful completion of the course you will be fully qualified to work as a Pool Lifeguard.

The RLSS UK NPLQ is not just a qualification it can be a stepping stone into a career within the leisure industry.

Duration:

36 hours with an optional bolt on element of Automated External Defibrilation which is 1.5 hours.

The course comprises of physical training and theoretical classroom work, followed by a practical in-water and out-of-water assessment on pool rescue, first aid, CPR and lifesaving skills.

The qualification is internationally recognised and is incorporated on the Qualifications Framework at Level 3. The NPLQ is valid for 2 years from the date of issue and a further 20 hours of ongoing training and competency assessment must be completed before a lifeguard can renew their qualification prior to the expiry of their existing award.

Pre-requisites

Every candidate, prior to commencement of training for the NPLQ must:

• Be 16 years of age at the time of taking the NPLQ assessment;
• Be able to meet the following basic fitness criteria:-
• Jump / dive into deep water
• Swim 50 metres in less than 60 seconds
• Swim 100 metres continuously on front and back in deep water.
• Tread water for 30 seconds
• Surface dive to the floor of the pool
• Climb out unaided without ladder / steps and where the pool design permits

Content

Training and assessment for the NPLQ is in three sections and all must be successfully passed to attain the NPLQ.

Section 1 – The Lifeguard and the Law, Swimming Pool Supervision

Element 1 – The Lifeguard and the Law

Element 2 – Swimming Pool, Hazards and Control Measures

Element 3 – Swimming Pool Supervision

Section 2 – Intervention and Rescue and Emergency Action Plans

Element 1 – Intervention and Rescue

Element 2 – Rescue of a Casualty with a Suspected Spinal Injury

Element 3 – Emergency Action Plan

Section 3 – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, AED, and First Aid

Element 1 – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Element 2 – Automated External Defibrillation (AED)

Element 2 – First Aid

Element 2 of Section 3 can include an optional bolt of AED on to the qualification.

RLSS UK NPLQ Course Assessment

Assessment for the NPLQ takes place at the conclusion of a training course for a minimum of 36 hours for new candidates. It determines your knowledge and understanding of the principles of working as a pool lifeguard. The assessment will also determine your ability to apply the skills and knowledge in a work-related environment as they would apply in a swimming pool. Your ability is assessed in a range of lifeguarding skills which enable you to deal with common emergency situations in pools.

The Unit 1 assessment is in four parts:

• Practical pool assessment
• Theory assessment
• First aid assessment
• CPR assessment

All sections of the NPLQ must be successfully assessed within a 28 day period, and for renewal candidates, within the period of validity of your existing qualification.

Renewal of the RLSS UK NPLQ

Renewal candidates may renew their qualification only within the period of validity of their existing qualification as stated on the insignia.

Candidates must meet the following on-going training criteria before being submitted for a renewal assessment:

• Provide written evidence of having completed a minimum 20 hours lifesaving, CPR, first aid and competency assessment in conjunction with the undertaking of lifeguard duties within the period of validity of the qualification
• Hold a current full National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
• Have access to a copy of “The Lifeguard”, available from RLSS UK shop.
• Where lifeguards undertake their activities as part of a club or other voluntary group, the same criteria must be applied in order to ensure a consistent standards within the constraints of their reduced responsibilities.

Costs: 

National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (5 days) course

Individual £347 -This is a group course price (minimum of 6 people, maximum of 12)

National Pool Lifeguard Qualification
+ Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work (6 days) course

Individual £401 - This is a group course price (minimum of 6 people, maximum of 12)