The Royal Life Saving Society National Pool Lifeguard Qualification is widely recognised as the appropriate qualification for those responsible for the supervision of swimming pools. This course is of 38 hours duration and covers accident prevention, water rescue, first aid / resuscitation procedures and more! Candidates must be 16 years of age or over.

Becoming a lifeguard

• First and foremost you are providing an amazing public service. You will, without 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 young 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 events like 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

Requirements to gain NPLQ

Every candidate, prior to commencement of training for the NPLQ must:

Be 16 years of age and be able to meet the following basic fitness criteria:-

• jump / dive into deep water - swim 50 meters in less than 60 seconds
• swim 100 meters 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

Sessions are taken by Chris Nelson who is a qualified lifeguard trainer/assessor.

For more information on Rookie Lifeguard or NPLQ courses please contact us.