The Royal Life Saving Society's NPLQ is the most awarded lifeguard qualification in the UK and Ireland and is also internationally recognised.
More than 46,000 pool lifeguards qualify with the RLSS UK course every year, and there are currently more than 90,000 pool lifeguards qualified in the NPLQ – 95% of all UK pool lifeguards. RLSS UK is regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA in Northern Ireland.
Lifeguard Course Prerequisites
Every candidate attending a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) course must be 16-years-old or above 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
The above Pre swim test must be undertaken and passed by all candidates to secure a place on the course.
What is it like being a lifeguard?
Lifeguards benefit from varied working hours, which can easily fit around other commitments, the experience of working within a team, and the opportunity to progress within the leisure industry - most leisure managers start as pool lifeguards.
Benefits
- An excellent starting point for a career in the leisure industry
- Opportunity for career progression as most leisure managers start as Pool Lifeguards
- Varied working hours
- Work within a team
- The NPLQ is recognised around the world, so potential to work and travel
- A great way for students to fund studies
- Learn essential life skills, including First Aid and CPR
About the Qualification
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 are in three sections, and candidates must successfully pass all to attain the qualification.
The qualification will last for 2 years, candidates may renew their qualification within the period of validity of their existing qualification as stated on their certificate. This will only include a full assessment of lifeguard
About the 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 for all three sections
- Practical First Aid & CPR assessment
How do I renew my Qualification after 2 years?
Candidates can renew their qualification within the period of validity of their existing qualification as stated on their certificate.
The following is required to be completed by candidates prior to the renewal assessment of their qualification to demonstrate their ongoing professional competence:
20 hours of Continued Professional Development (CPD) within the last two years from the date of the previous assessment covering content from the NPLQ syllabus:
- In-water swimming pool rescue skills (at least 4 hrs)
- CPR (at least 4 hrs)
- First Aid (at least 4 hrs)
- Lifeguard theory (at least 4 hours)
Continued Professional Development can be achieved by:
- Attendance at Lifeguard ongoing training and competency assessment* (strongly recommended)
- Attendance at alternative training, face-to-face or online, relating to In-water swimming pool rescue skills, CPR, First Aid and Lifeguard theory
Course Cost
The course cost is £285 per candidate, this is inclusive of manuals, tuition and examination fees.
Venue
Courses are held at Sandwell Aquatics centre in our fully equipped training suite
Large onsite Free Carparking available for all candidates
Sandwell Aquatics Centre, Londonderry Lane, Smethwick B67 7EW
Equipment Required
- Note book, pen and highlighter
- Whistle
- Swim wear – To include shorts and T-Shirt for water work
- Lunch (Café available on site if required)
- Please wear non restricted comfortable clothing for the course. Candidates are required to participate in practical demonstrations.(Jogging bottoms and trainers are ideal)
Accreditations
NPLQ accredited details with Ofqual and qualification specification
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is the marketing name for Ofqual Register titles - RLSS UK Qualifications Level 3 Award in Pool Lifeguarding (NPLQ Gen 10).
NPLQ Gen 10
RLSS UK Qualifications Level 3 Award in Pool Lifeguarding Qualification (Qualification number: 610/2603/7, COO Number: COO/4788/7)
Note: the minimum number of credits required to achieve a ’pass’ = 5 credits This qualification comprises the following units:
- Unit 1 - Swimming Pool Safety Operation and Supervision (F/650/6714 - credit value = 2)
- Unit 2 - Pool Lifeguard Emergency Rescue Skills (L/650/6709 - credit value = 1)
- Unit 3 - First Aid, Illness and Injury Management in a Pool Environment (D/650/6713 - credit value = 2)
Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)
NPLQ meets the CIMSPA professional standards for lifeguarding
2025 Course Dates
Full attendance of the course is required
One Week Intensive Courses
Monday 17th February – Friday 21st February
Exam: Saturday 22nd February – Sandwell Aquatics Centre
Monday 14th April – Friday 18th April
Exam: Saturday 19th April – Sandwell Aquatics Centre
Monday 21st April – Friday 25th April
Exam: Saturday 26th April - Wednesbury Leisure Centre
Monday 4th August – Friday 8th August
Exam: Saturday 9th August – Sandwell Aquatics Centre
Monday 18th August – Friday 22nd August
Exam: Saturday 23rd August – Sandwell Aquatics Centre
Monday 27th October – Friday 31st October
Exam: Saturday 1st November – Wednesbury Leisure Centre
Don't miss your chance to join this rewarding qualification.
To Book Your Space or Request Further Information
Please contact Sandwell Leisure Trust ATC Coordinator on the following:
Email: Qualifications@SLT-Leisure.co.uk
Interested in this course? Send us your details
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