Funding
options:         View here

Tutor:             Various RLSS Affiliated Tutors with an assessment on the final day of the      course

Places:          12 Places only per course

Times:            08:00-17:30

Course: National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)


​Cost: £299.00

Venue - Brighton Swimming Centre

Course times are 08:00 - 17:30 every day
​unless stated otherwise.
Dates
26, 27, 28, 29, 30 October 2020
15, 16, 17, 18, 19 February 2021
5, 6, 7, 8, 9 April 2021
26, 27, 28, 29, 30 July 2021
9, 10, 11, 12, 13 August 2021
16, 17, 18, 19, 20 August 2021

Venue - Eastbourne College

​Course times are 08:30 - 17:30 every day
​unless stated otherwise.
Dates​
​
No dates currently confirmed at this venue.

Course: National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) with First Aid at Work, AED and Anaphylaxis


​Cost: £325.00

Venue - Cygnet Leisure Centre, Gravesend

Course times are 08:00 - 17:30 every day
​unless stated otherwise.
Dates​
No date currently confirmed at this venue

Take a look at the NPLQ in action:
What is this qualification? 
The aim of the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification is to teach learners a wide range of lifeguarding related skills, that will be required in a leisure centre facility. 

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 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. 100% attendance is required. 

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.

​For full details on the courses content and to view IQL UK policies, please visit www.rlss.org.uk

There is also an opportunity to travel with this qualification as it is recognised by the International Life Saving Federation (ILS). For more information email info@swimuk.org for the ILS application form. 

How is the qualification assessed?
Assessment for the NPLQ takes place at the end of the course.
The assessment is split into three sections:
  • Practical pool assessment
  • Theory Assessment (exam) for all 3 sections
  • Practical First Aid & CPR assessment
 
If you do not successfully complete one or more sections of the assessment, you have 28 days to be reassessed. All re-assessments organised by Swim UK will take place in Brighton. Please see the Swim UK NPLQ Re-Assessment Policy for more information. 

Accredited Prior Learning
Some qualifications will exempt learners from sections of training and assessment.

​Exemptions may apply to holders of the following awards and qualifications:
• Current RLSS UK National Beach Lifeguard Qualification / National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification
• Current First Aid at Work Certificate or Occupational First Aid Certificate
• Current STA NARS [PL] Qualification
• Current HABC Pool Lifeguard Qualification
 
Original certification should be provided to Swim UK prior to the start of the course.
Please contact Swim UK for more details if you believe you may be exempt. 
Pre-requisites
Candidates must be:
  • At least 16 years of age at the start of the course.
  • Able to swim a minimum of 100 metres on their back and front continuously. 
  • Able to swim 50 metres in 60 seconds.
  • Able to dive to a depth of 3 metres.
  • Able to swim efficient breaststroke and have some knowledge of sidestroke.
​
In order to perform lifeguard duties candidates must be physically fit, have good vision and hearing, be mentally alert and self-disciplined*.
*HSE Managing Health & Safety in Swimming Pools (HSG179) Paragraph 148

There is an element of communication (discussing, presenting, reading and writing) involved. Therefore, it is recommended for learners to have Functional Skills in English pitched at Level 1.

What will I need to bring to the course? 
You are required to bring the following items to the course:
  • Photographic Identification (must be shown to the trainer on the first day of the course)
  • A whistle
  • Swimming costume
  • Towel
  • Shorts and t-shirt to be worn in the water
  • Pen / pencil
 
Some of the days may include water work on more than one occasion and candidates may prefer to bring two sets of towels, shorts and t-shirts.

How to Pay? 
Book Online: Please click the "Book Now" link above 
Card: We are able to take card payments over the phone (01273 434400)

Please ensure you have read the "Booking Procedure & Conditions" and "NPLQ Re-assessment Policy" below before booking. 

Results
Once you have successfully completed the course, results can take up to 12 weeks to be processed. 
Certificates will then be sent out to your home or work address, as listed on your booking details. 

Funding
If you want to know if you're eligible for funding, check out our funding page here
NPLQ re-assessment policy