National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
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. Â
RLSS UK is regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA in Northern Ireland.
About
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.
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
Prerequisities
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
Course Content
The NPLQ covers all elements of Pool Rescue Techniques, Lifeguard 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 pool
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
In some circumstances, candidates may be able to show evidence of prior achievement to exempt themselves from sections of the course. Exemptions may apply to holders of the following awards and qualifications (guided learning time credits are shown in brackets):
RLSS UK National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (12 hours)
RLSS UK National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (6 hours)
RLSS UK Emergency Response Pool Qualification (6 hours)
RLSS UK Open Water Lifeguard Qualification (6 hours)
Regulated First Aid at Work Certificate or Occupational First Aid Certificate (9 hours)
Regulated Emergency First Aid at Work Certificate (3 hours)
Regulated Paediatric First Aid Certificate (6 hours)
Regulated Emergency Paediatric First Aid Certificate (3 hours)
STA Pool Lifeguard Qualification (9 hours)
HABC Pool Lifeguard Qualification (9 hours)
Where candidates wish to claim a training exemption, they must provide the course trainer with original qualifications prior to the start of the course. A maximum of 12 hours of accreditation for prior learning may be claimed.