The NPLQ is the most awarded Lifeguard Qualification in the UK and Ireland and is also internationally recognised around the world and is regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA in Northern Ireland.

There is potential to work and travel. Excellent career in the leisure industry, opportunity for career progression, varied working hours, team work, learn essential life skills, including First Aid and CPR.

NPLQ GENERATION 10

THE COURSE

RLSS UK Qualifications Level 3 Award in Pool Lifeguarding Qualification (Qualification number: 610/2603/7,

COO Number: C00/4788/7)

Note: the minimum number of credits required to achieve a 'pass' = 5 credits

This qualification comprises the following units:

  Unit 1 - Swimming Pool Safety Operation and Supervision (F/650/6714 - credit value = 2)

  Unit 2 - Pool Lifeguard Emergency Rescue Skills (L/650/6709 - credit value = 1)

  Unit 3 - First Aid, Illness and Injury Management in a Pool Environment (D/650/6713 - credit value = 2)

The courses run Monday - Friday, with Saturday’s where additional qualifications are involved, re-assessments and also some courses are spread over weekends.

Times:  08:00-17:00. *Subject to change and approximately.

LIFEGUARD COURSE PREREQUISITES

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 meet the following criteria:

 Must be 16 years of age at the date of the final assessment

•  Jump/dive into deep water
•  Swim 50 metres in no more than 60 seconds
•  Swim 100 metres continuously on front
•  Swim 100 metres continuously on 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

Must complete minimum guided learning hours

Complete all activities and revision questions in the course candidate manual 'The Lifeguard' and be assessed against all learning outcomes in the units taken.

THE NPLQ
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.

Learn essential life skills, including First Aid and CPR, varied working hours, suitable for all, team work.

opportunity to progress your career within the leisure industry as most leisure managers start off as pool lifeguards.

Brilliant and interesting. Additional courses available including Open Water Lifeguard, First Aid courses, Automated External Defibrillation and Management of Anaphylaxis. These will require additional hours.

IDENTIFICATION

Identification can be verified using the following:

  A Passport

  A driving licence

  Other photographic ID card

ASSESSMENT AND VALIDATION

This qualification is valid for a period of 2 years. The candidates should re-take this qualification prior to the certificate expiry date to remain qualified.

The assessment methods used for this qualification are practical assessment and theory questions.

All candidate assessment results and feedback will be recorded on course records.

The course is assessed throughout with an independent assessment at the end.

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: Pool work, First Aid & CPR and Theory for all 3 sections.

The assessment will include multiple-choice question papers, practical demonstrations of water rescue skills, CPR and First Aid.

Upon qualifying, the NPLQ certificate is valid for two years from the date of successful completion.

*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 accreditation for prior learning may be claimed.

RENEWAL NPLQ CANDIDATES

NPLQ renewal candidates may renew their qualification within the period of validity of their existing qualification as stated on their certificate.

20 hours monthly/CPD training hours within the last two years from the date of previous assessment are required as evidence before an assessment can be organised and a valid current certificate and photo ID.

This will include a full assessment of Lifeguard knowledge and skills by an independent assessor.

Candidates must have access to the most up to date copy of ‘The Lifeguard’ manual prior to assessment.

The Continued Professional Development covering content from the NPLQ syllabus:

• In-water swimming pool rescue skills (at least 4 hrs)
• CPR (at least 4 hrs)
• First Aid (at least 4 hrs)
• Lifeguard Theory (at least 4 hrs)

Continued Professional Development can be achieved by:

• Attendance at Lifeguard ongoing training and competency assessment* (strongly recommended)
• Attendance at alternative training, face-to-face or online, relating to in-water swimming pool rescue skills, CPR, First Aid and Lifeguard theory.

*If you have any requirements and considerations please let us know prior to the course.