NPLQ Lifeguard Courses
RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
Course dates for 2013
Course 1 (Course Full)
Monday 8th July 0900-1700
Tuesday 9th July 0900-1700
Wednesday 10th July 0900-1700
Thursday 11th July 0900-1700
Friday 12th July 0900-1700
Course 2 (Course Full)
Monday 15th July 0900-1700
Tuesday 16th July 0900-1700
Wednesday 17th July 0900-1700
Thursday 18th July 0900-1700
Friday 19th July 0900-1700
Saturday 20th July 0900-1700
Course 3 ( Course Full)
Monday 22th July 0900-1700
Tuesday 23th July 0900-1700
Wednesday 24th July 0900-1700
Thursday 25th July 0900-1700
Friday 26th July 0900-1700
Saturday 27th July 0900-1700
Course 4
Friday 6th September 1800-2100
Saturday 7th September 0900-1700
Sunday 8th September 0900-1700
Friday 13th September 1800-2100
Saturday 14th September 0900-1700
Sunday 15th September 0900-1700
To download an application form click here ASV_NPLQ_Lifeguard_registration_form_2013.doc
NPLQ Overview
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.
The NPLQ and associated courses are administered by IQL UK Ltd, a trading subsidiary of the Royal Life Saving Society.
The NPLQ course duration is 38 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 2. 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.
Benefits of becoming a lifeguard
We think there are loads of great reasons why you'd want to become a lifeguard and we guess you must think it's a pretty good idea too, which is why you are here...
Reasons why we think you'd love it...
- First and foremost you are providing an amazing public service. You will without a doubt make people feel confident, happier and safer just by being on the poolside and you could potentially save a life.
- Being a lifeguard offers a fantastic foundation to a career in the leisure industry. Many senior managers began their rise to leisure stardom by lifeguarding at their local pools.
- The opportunity to get fit. Not only will you have to have a basic level of fitness to become a lifeguard but you will be encouraged to stay fit and get fitter. Many pools will give their lifeguards discounted or even free memberships.
- You get to work with a team of like minded people, so there's plenty of opportunity to increase your social circle!
- The hours are flexible and perfect for those of you who need to fit studying into your busy days.
- If you're a competitive type there is plenty of opportunity to show off your lifeguarding talents in annual events such as the National Pool Lifeguard Championships (team event) and the Lifeguard Triathlon.
- If you find you really enjoy lifeguarding you can take it up as a competitive sport and compete regularly for your local club.
- Lastly but still very importantly, you will gain a life skill that will come in handy for the rest of your life that could lead to enhanced career progression and a stepping stone to the National Pool Management Qualification (NPMQ).
RLSS UK NPLQ Course Content
Pre Requisites
Every candidate, prior to commencement of training for the NPLQ must:
- Be 16 years of age;
- 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
The Principles of Lifesaving and Swimming Pool Supervision
Theory - The Principles of Pool Lifeguarding
Water rescue skills, including times swim rescues, conscious and unconscious casualties
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on adult, child and infant
First Aid where you will demonstrate a knowledge of selected first aid conditions and advising on poolside treatment.
The Lifeguard, the Law, Regulations and Codes of Practice
The Swimming Pool and the Role of the Lifeguard
Normal Operating Plans
Emergency Action Plans
Provision and Use of Play Equipment in Swimming Pools
Diving and Jumping in Swimming Pools
Flumes, Waterslides and other Water Features in Swimming Pools.
RLSS UK NPLQ Course Assessment
Assessment takes place at the conclusion of a training course for a minimum of 38 hours for new candidates. It determines your knowledge and understanding of the principles of working as a pool lifeguard. Your ability is assessed in a range of lifesaving skills which enable you to deal with common emergency situations in pools.
Assessment is in three parts:
- The lifeguard and the law, swimming pool and supervision
- Intervention and rescue and emergancy action plans
- CPR, AED and First aid
- The National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is awarded upon successful completion. You 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 may only renew the qualification when they hold the full National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
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 Lifesavers Direct, which has been updated with the most recent updates.
- 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.
RLSS UK NPLQ Course Charges
£200 per person
Booking an NPLQ Course
Please contact Danny Costello on danny@aberdeensportsvillage.com




