Our hugely popular lifeguard training course is open to everyone over the age of 16. Gain an internationally recognised qualification. Suitable for those working in leisure, education or those looking to gain employment in this area.
The internationally-recognised RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is an excellent starting point for anyone looking for a career in the leisure industry or part-time work. The NPLQ course is a minimum of 36 hours long followed by a practical assessment on pool lifeguard theory, pool rescue, first aid and CPR.
Next Course Dates:
Monday 7 April to Friday 12 April with the final assessment in the morning of Saturday 12 April 2025
Monday 27 October to Friday 31 October with the final assessment in the morning of Saturday 1 November 2025
Benefits
- Gain the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to supervise swimmers
- Excellent starting point for a career in the leisure industry or part-time work to fit around university studies
- Train in a fun and challenging environment
- Excellent facilities, with exclusive use of the pool throughout the course
- Once qualified, you can work around the world
- Learn essential life skills, including First Aid and CPR
Lifeguard Course Pre-Requisites
Every candidate attending a NPLQ course must be 16-years-old at the time of taking the NPLQ final assessment and be able to:
- 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
Course Content
The NPLQ covers all elements of Pool Rescue Techniques, Lifeguarding Theory, First Aid and CPR. The course is physically demanding and will include swimming to set times, lifting casualties and diving to the deepest part of the swimming pool. Training and assessment for the NPLQ is in three sections and all must be successfully passed to attain the qualification.
| Section 1 – The Lifeguard and the Law, Swimming Pool Supervision | Section 2 – Intervention and Rescue and Emergency Action Plans | Section 3 – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, AED and First Aid |
| Element 1 – The Lifeguard and the Law | Element 1 – Intervention and Rescue | Element 1 – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) |
| Element 2 – Swimming Pool, Hazards and Control Measures | Element 2 – Rescue of a Casualty with a Suspected Spinal Injury | Element 2 – First Aid |
| Element 3 – Swimming Pool Supervision | Element 3 – Emergency Action Plan | Element 3 – Automated External Defibrillation (AED) |
Assessment
Assessment for the NPLQ takes place at the end of the course. It determines your knowledge and understanding of the principles of working as a pool lifeguard and assesses your ability to apply the skills and knowledge in a work-related environment. The assessment is split into three sections:
- Practical pool assessment
- Theory Assessment – test paper with multiple choice questions
- Practical First Aid & CPR assessment
Renewal
Lifeguards may renew their qualification only within the period of validity of their existing qualification. Please contact the Course Trainer to discuss this prior to booking onto this course.
We'd love to talk to you
We've helped lots of people, from a wide range of backgrounds, including nursery managers, teachers, students and leisure industry workers, gain their NPLQ. If you'd like more information on any element of the course, please email Iain Robinson at [email protected].
Bookings for April course is open - please complete this booking form.
To register your interest for the October course please complete this online form. Once enough people have registered their interest we will then send out booking forms.
The cost of one place on the course is £285 (price includes VAT).
For more information regarding the booking and payment of the course please contact the Lettings Team at
[email protected] or call 01904 527362
Training Course Policies available for download:
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Policy
Special Considerations and Reasonable Adjustments Policy
Malpractice and Maladministration Procedure
Tags