The RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is widely recognised as the professional benchmark in the leisure industry and will provide you with the opportunity for employment at most UK swimming pools. The qualification also has widespread international recognition. You must be at least 16 years of age prior to commencing the training course.

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The qualification consists of two units:

Assessment for Unit 1 takes place at the conclusion of a training course for a minimum of 32 hours for new candidates. It determines a candidate's knowledge and understanding of the principles of working as a pool lifeguard and of his or her ability in a range of lifesaving skills as they relate to rescue in a range of common emergency situations that could occur in any pool.

Unit 2 is continuously assessed over a course of a minimum of a further 7 hours training. It determines the candidate's ability to apply the Unit 1 skills and knowledge in a work related environment as they would apply in a swimming pool.

The National Pool Lifeguard Qualification is awarded upon successful completion of both units and is valid for a period of 2 years. The candidate must attend the entire course and pass the assessment to be awarded the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification.

After we have signed off that you are a competent swimmer, you may enrol onto the Lifeguard course. You will have to fill out an enrolment from with details such as name, address and next of kin. When completing the form, you will be asked to give details of a ‘body’. This person is to be used as your casualty. You will need a ‘body’ to practice on during all water work sessions. Times for these sessions will be confirmed by the assessor.

Once the form is completed, please hand to reception with full payment of £175. This price is inclusive of registration fee, examination, assessment forms and lifeguard folder.

You must be able to demonstrate that you are:

• The National Pool Lifeguard Qualification website

• Course Finder

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