NATIONAL POOL LIFEGUARD QUALIFICATION

Who is the qualification for?

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.

 

Who is this course awarded by?

This course is awarded by RLSS Qualifications and upon successful completion of the course you will receive a nationally recognised certificate of achievement. Whilst your certificate is issued by RLSS Qualifications, the course itself is delivered by Three Whistles, we are an official training provider of RLSS.

 

How long does it take to complete the course?

This course takes place over 5 days, usually on weekends or during half term holidays. The guided learning hours for this course are 40 hours. There may be some self study required for this course taking the total time to 50 hours. 

 

We tend to deliver this course using an in person format, with 5 days of consecutive learning.

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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:

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

 

Qualification Time
40 hours guided learning time plus 10 hours of self study (50 hours total)

 

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

 

Renewal

NPLQ renewal candidates may renew their qualification within the period of validity of their existing qualification as stated on their certificate. 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 following is required to be completed by candidates prior to the renewal assessment of their qualification to demonstrate their ongoing professional competence:

 

20 hours of Continued Professional Development (CPD) within the last two years from the date of the previous assessment 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 hours)

 

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

 

Next Steps
There is the option to obtain additional qualifications during an NPLQ course such as First Aid at Work, Emergency First Aid at Work, Anaphylaxis Management, and Automated External Defibrillation (AED).

 

On completion of the NPLQ, you can use Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to complete other lifeguarding or first aid qualifications. To further your career in the leisure industry, you may also want to consider completing a National Pool Supervisor Qualification (NPSQ) and then a National Pool Management Qualification (NPMQ), or become a Trainer Assessor and train the next generation of NPLQ holders.