Clayesmore

Sports Centre Courses NPLQ Courses

NPLQ Courses

NPLQ Course Documents

So you want to be a Lifeguard?

To become a Lifeguard you need to undertake the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) which is recognised by swimming pool operators for pool lifeguards in the UK.

The NPLQ is awarded by the Institute of Qualified Lifeguards (IQL) the professional awarding body managed by the Royal Lifesaving Society UK (RLSS).

The qualification teaches the skills required to be a professionally qualified lifeguard and is valid for two years.

If you are interested in becoming a qualified lifeguard, you need to ensure you meet the following criteria as laid out by the IQL.

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

Be 16 years of age;

Be able to meet the following basic fitness criteria:-

- 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

To become a lifeguard you need to have a good level of swimming ability, the course is both physically and mentally demanding.

The course follows a syllabus and document entitled “The Lifeguard” and aims to fulfill the requirement of the Health and Safety Commission “Managing Health and Safety in SwimmingPools”.

Training and assessment for the qualification is in two sections:

Unit 1 – The principles of lifesaving and swimming pool supervision.

Unti 2 – The application of supervision and rescue in a swimming pool.

Unit 1 is assessed in an exam conducted by an independent RLSS Trainer & Assessor. The Unit one is split into several elements which cover the principles of pool lifeguarding, Water rescue and management of Spinal Cord Injuries along with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (BLS) and of course First Aid.

Unit 2 is continually assessed throughout the course by the trainer and includes the following:

• The qualified Lifeguard and the law

• Codes of Practice

• Operating Plans

• Use of play equipment in the pool environment

• Diving and Jumping in the pool environment

• Supervision of waterslides and other water features

All of the sections must be passed together to gain the full qualification.

The course is usually run over a 6 day period, with total contact training time being 39 hours. The course will be carried out at our RLSS Approved Training Centre by a qualified NPLQ Trainer.

For further details of the next course download the below document or contact sports centre reception: 01747 813135