The RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is the most awarded lifeguard qualification in the United Kingdom and Ireland and is also internationally recognised. This qualification is regulated by Ofqual. 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. Upon qualifying with the NPLQ, the certificate is valid for two years from the date of successful completion.
Every candidate attending a NPLQ course must be 16-years-old at the time of taking the NPLQ final assessment and be able • 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.
Who Is This Course ForPeople interested in training to become a lifeguard. This is an excellent starting point for a career in the leisure industry. The course can provide an opportunity for career progression, as most leisure managers start off as Pool Lifeguards.
Open water swimming is the fastest growing sport worldwide due to its increasing popularity. The Open Water Lifeguard Qualification delivered over three days, is valid is 2 years and is independently assessed. The candidate manual and trainer resources help the Trainer Assessor deliver through the three sections: Section 1 - The Open Water Lifeguard, environment, hazards and supervision Section 2 - Responding to an emergency and taking action Section 3 - CPR and First Aid
• OWL candidates should have experience of participating in a variety of open water activities in a variety of venues. Formal evidence (certificates etc) is not required, but it should be highlighted that candidates with no experience of open water are likely to find the workshop very challenging • Candidates must be 16+ years old • Candidates must be able to complete a continuous swim of at least 400 metres in a pool • Candidates must be able to dive to a depth of up to two metres
Who Is This Course ForThe Open Water Lifeguard qualification enables candidates with no previous lifeguard experience to become qualified. By attaining this qualification candidates will have been assessed as competent to provide supervision and rescue cover for planned, organised and risk-assessed activities in open water (still, non-tidal).
Open water swimming is the fastest growing sport worldwide due to its increasing popularity. The Open Water Lifeguard Qualification renewal course is delivered over two days, is valid is 2 years and is independently assessed. The candidate manual and trainer resources help the Trainer Assessor deliver through the three sections: Section 1 - The Open Water Lifeguard, environment, hazards and supervision Section 2 - Responding to an emergency and taking action Section 3 - CPR and First Aid
Candidates must meet the following conditions before you arrange a renewal assessment. • They must hold a current, full NPLQ (or equivalent) • They must have access to the most recent copy of the OWL candidate handbook
Who Is This Course ForCandidates renewing their existing module should have been involved in regular open water lifeguard activity. We recommend that candidates keep records of all the events they attend.
Open water swimming is the fastest growing sport worldwide due to its increasing popularity, there is a risk that lifeguards without all of the skills they need maybe asked to lifeguard open water. The ‘bolt-on’ module will bridge the gap and equips lifeguards with both the knowledge and experience to keep people safe in open water. The module is delivered over 1 day at an open water venue. Section 1 -Open Water Hazards Section 2 - Lifeguarding an Open Water Site Section 3 - Practical in-water training
• OWL candidates should have experience of participating in a variety of open water activities in a variety of venues. Formal evidence (certificates etc) is not required, but it should be highlighted that candidates with no experience of open water are likely to find the workshop very challenging • Candidates must hold current RLSS UK NPLQ (National Pool Lifeguard Qualification) (or equivalent) • Candidates must be able to complete a continuous swim of at least 400 metres in a pool • Candidates must be able to dive to a depth of up to two metres
Who Is This Course ForOpen Water Lifeguard ‘bolt-on’ module allows all pool lifeguards who hold the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) to develop their skills and knowledge to lifeguard open water.
ER-Pool is also a suitable qualification to back up and support the lifeguard team. In addition, this qualification is an excellent foundation to becoming a lifeguard and completing the RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ). The ER-Pool programme is designed for use in small pools no greater than 1.5m in depth such as a health club or hotel pool. For pools that require direct supervision on the pool side and for larger pools, the RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification would be more suitable. The qualification is made up of 3 sections: Section 1 - The emergency responder’s role, Pool Safety Operating Procedures, types of pools and swimmer safety information Section 2 - Responding to an emergency and the Emergency Action Plan Section 3 - CPR and First Aid Optional elements - AED and/or Pool Extraction Board (PXB) can be included.
To enter onto a course candidates must be able to: • Swim a minimum of 25m on their front and back • Surface dive to the deepest part of the pool; and climb out without help and without using steps or ladders (where venue design permits) To gain the ER-Pool qualification candidates must: • Be aged 16 or older at the beginning of the course • Complete at least the minimum training hours for the course; and • Successfully complete the course assessment
Who Is This Course ForThe Emergency Response Pool Programme (ER-Pool) is designed for those who have a responsibility to respond to an emergency within the swimming pool environment when the alarm has been raised. The Emergency Responder can be any member of the facility called upon to rescue and provide first aid.
The ATSPRA is a supervision and rescue qualification for therapists, teachers and support staff working on the poolside or in the water during activities such as, aquatic therapy or therapeutic exercise/play.
To enter onto a course candidates must be able to: • wade in standing depth water swiftly and confidently • regain their feet from a face-down and face-up floating position • climb out of the pool unaided To gain the ATSPRA qualification candidates must: • be aged 16 years or older at the time of the assessment • complete at least the minimum training hours for the course • successfully complete the course assessment
Who Is This Course ForThe qualification is suitable for use in shallow pools where the rescuer will not be required to swim to perform a rescue, with water no deeper than the rescuers chest depth.
The ATSPRA is a supervision and rescue qualification for therapists, teachers and support staff working on the poolside or in the water during activities such as, aquatic therapy or therapeutic exercise/play.
All Candidates To enter onto a course candidates must be able to: • wade in standing depth water swiftly and confidently • regain their feet from a face-down and face-up floating position • climb out of the pool unaided New Candidate To gain the ATSPRA qualification candidates must: • be aged 16 years or older at the time of the assessment • complete at least the minimum training hours for the course • successfully complete the course assessment
Who Is This Course ForThe qualification is suitable for use in shallow pools where the rescuer will not be required to swim to perform a rescue, with water no deeper than the rescuers chest depth.
The NRASTC is a supervision and rescue qualification for teachers working on the poolside or in the water during programmed activities, such as a swimming lesson.
All Candidates To enter onto a course candidates must be able to: • swim 50m; • surface dive to the deepest part the pool; and climb out without help and without using steps or ladders. New Candidate To gain the NRASTC qualification candidates must: • be aged 16 or older at the time of the assessment; • complete at least the minimum training hours for the course; and • successfully complete the course assessment. Renewal Candidates Candidates renewing their qualification must: • be considered prepared and ready for the assessment by the presenting Trainer Assessor; • must pass the assessment before their existing NRASTC qualification expires, including re-taking any failed sections; and • if their qualification expires, meet the criteria for, and be assessed as, a new candidate. Please note – it is not possible to extend the expiry date of the NRASTC qualification.
Who Is This Course ForIt is suitable for teachers working in a wide range of swimming pools, including pools where the water is deeper than the teacher’s standing depth.
NRASTC LIGHT is a supervision and rescue qualification for teachers working on the poolside or in the water during programmed activities, such as a swimming lesson when Lifeguard or First Aid backup is available to respond quickly in the event of emergency.
All Candidates To enter onto a course candidates must be able to: • swim 50m; • surface dive to the deepest part the pool; and climb out without help and without using steps or ladders. New Candidate To gain the NRASTC qualification candidates must: • be aged 16 or older at the time of the assessment; • complete at least the minimum training hours for the course; and • successfully complete the course assessment. Renewal Candidates Candidates renewing their qualification must: • be considered prepared and ready for the assessment by the presenting Trainer Assessor; • must pass the assessment before their existing NRASTC qualification expires, including re-taking any failed sections; and • if their qualification expires, meet the criteria for, and be assessed as, a new candidate. Please note – it is not possible to extend the expiry date of the NRASTC qualification.
Who Is This Course ForIt is suitable for teachers working in a wide range of swimming pools, including pools where the water is deeper than the teacher’s standing depth. This award is only suitable when the facility has staff qualified as Lifeguards or First Aiders that are available to respond quickly to a swimming teacher or coach in the event of an emergency. If Lifeguard or First Aid backup is not available the standard NRASTC should be used.
To become a Pool Lifeguard Trainer Assessor you will have to attend a five day course. If successful on the course you will leave as a Probationary RLSS UK Pool Lifeguard Trainer Assessor. The probationary period is a maximum of two years from course completion. You will then be allocated a National Trainer Assessor or a Mentor. On completion of the probationary period a TA card of Authority will be issued.
Candidates attending TA courses must: • Be 18 years of age • Be a current member of the Royal Life Saving Society UK (Individual adult membership) • Hold the qualification for the specialism they are attending (e.g. they must hold NPLQ when attending the NPLQ specialism)
Who Is This Course ForPool Lifeguard Trainer Assessors are responsible for the delivery of the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) throughout the UK. If you are an experienced Pool Lifeguard then this should be the next step in your leisure career.
The programme starts with Level 1, the Water Safety Awareness Module, which provides the theoretical platform for more advanced modules. Environment Specific Modules cover hazards associated with flood, beach, river and still water as well as basic rescue techniques. The flood module meets DEFRA standards (Module 1 Water Awareness). For anyone requiring more advanced rescue skills, the In-Water Rescue Module covers essential in-water rescue knowledge and tests competency. Life Support can be bolted on to make a truly comprehensive programme and additional NWSMP modules are being considered to meet the needs of even more employers. The latest edition to the NWSMP family is the Aquatic Personal Protective Equipment (APPE) module, providing in depth guidance on a selection of appropriate APPE and correct use, including commercial lifejackets. The NWSMP is a RLSS UK certificated award. Level 1 includes a self-study pack and a four hour guided learning unit.
Level 1 - Candidates are required to competently perform a risk assessment exercise and a land based rescue. Candidates do not enter water at Level 1
Who Is This Course ForRelevant to a wide range of sectors, including teaching (field trips), construction, environmental health, leisure and the emergency services.
The programme starts with Level 1, the Water Safety Awareness Module, which provides the theoretical platform for more advanced modules. Environment Specific Modules cover hazards associated with flood, beach, river and still water as well as basic rescue techniques. The flood module meets DEFRA standards (Module 1 Water Awareness). For anyone requiring more advanced rescue skills, the In-Water Rescue Module covers essential in-water rescue knowledge and tests competency. Life Support can be bolted on to make a truly comprehensive programme and additional NWSMP modules are being considered to meet the needs of even more employers. The latest edition to the NWSMP family is the Aquatic Personal Protective Equipment (APPE) module, providing in depth guidance on a selection of appropriate APPE and correct use, including commercial lifejackets. The NWSMP is a RLSS UK certificated award. Level 1 includes a self-study pack and a four hour guided learning unit. Each Level 2 and Level 3 Module involves three hours of training. The duration of the course will depend on modules taken but a typical programme for Level 2 Modules and Level 3 requires 2 days of training.
Relevant to a wide range of sectors, including teaching (field trips), construction, environmental health, leisure and the emergency services.
Who Is This Course ForLevel 2 - Candidates need to be water confident. Water rescue techniques and other water safety management skills will be addressed but candidates are not required to swim. A key element at this level is a clear understanding of why it is essential for people to understand their personal limitations and stay within them. Candidates need to have completed the level 1 course before enrolling.
The programme starts with Level 1, the Water Safety Awareness Module, which provides the theoretical platform for more advanced modules. Environment Specific Modules cover hazards associated with flood, beach, river and still water as well as basic rescue techniques. The flood module meets DEFRA standards (Module 1 Water Awareness). For anyone requiring more advanced rescue skills, the In-Water Rescue Module covers essential in-water rescue knowledge and tests competency. Life Support can be bolted on to make a truly comprehensive programme and additional NWSMP modules are being considered to meet the needs of even more employers. The latest edition to the NWSMP family is the Aquatic Personal Protective Equipment (APPE) module, providing in depth guidance on a selection of appropriate APPE and correct use, including commercial lifejackets. The NWSMP is a RLSS UK certificated award. Level 1 includes a self-study pack and a four hour guided learning unit. Each Level 2 and Level 3 Module involves three hours of training. The duration of the course will depend on modules taken but a typical programme for Level 3 requires 2 days of training.
Level 3 ‘In-Water Rescue’ module are that candidates are required to be water confident and be able to complete a continuous swim of 100m on their front and 100m on their back. In addition, candidates should be able to surface dive and tread water for 2 minutes. Candidates would need to have completed both levels 1 and 2 in National Water Safety Management to enrol on this course.
Who Is This Course ForRelevant to a wide range of sectors, including teaching (field trips), construction, environmental health, leisure and the emergency services.