National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)

National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)

The Royal Life Saving Society UK's (RLSS UK) NPLQ is the most awarded lifeguard qualification in the UK and Ireland and is also internationally recognised. More than 46,000 pool lifeguards qualify with the RLSS UK course every year, and there are currently more than 75,000 pool lifeguards qualified in 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 are in three sections, and candidates must successfully pass all to attain the qualification.

The NPLQ is a Level 3 qualification and by completing the course you can gain eight UCAS Tariff points. This could help you secure a place at university or further education. Completing other Level 3 courses including first aid can help you accumulate more UCAS points.

What is it like being a lifeguard?

Lifeguards benefit from varied working hours, which can easily fit around other commitments, the experience of working within a team, and the opportunity to progress within the leisure industry - most leisure managers start as pool lifeguards.

Lifeguarding doesn't discriminate against age, religion, race, gender identity, socio-economic status or sexual orientation. Lifeguards are representative of wider society and the lifeguard workplace is welcoming and inclusive.

To perform lifeguard duties you must be physically fit, have good vision, good hearing and be mentally alert.

What Does The Course Involve?

The NPLQ course requires a minimum of 36 hours of training and 100% attendance.

The NPLQ covers all elements of pool rescue techniques, lifeguarding theory, first aid and CPR. The course includes swimming to set times, lifting and moving casualties and diving to the deepest part of the swimming pool. Upon completion of the training, the NPLQ is assessed by an independent assessor. 

Course Syllabus

This qualification comprises the following units:

Unit 1 - Swimming Pool Safety Operation and Supervision
Unit 2 - Pool Lifeguard Emergency Rescue Skills 
Unit 3 - First Aid, Illness and Injury Management in a Pool Environment

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

Identification

All candidates registering for training and assessment courses must provide suitable identification to the Trainer and
Assessor who must check and record details of identification prior to candidates being admitted to courses and
assessments. Identification can be verified using the following:

• A passport
• A driving licence
• Other photographic ID card

Where the candidate does not have access to any of the above forms of identification an Approved Training Centre/Provider (ATC/P) may accept another form of identification containing a signature such as a debit or credit card or proof of identification provided/confirmed by their current employer or line manager.

Other Course Requirements

Candidates should wear appropriate and comfortable clothing such as trousers and flat shoes, there is a requirement to participate in practical learning and skills application, including pool based activities. During swimming pool sessions candidates should wear suitable swimwear and shorts and T-shirt and have a whistle.

During The Course

Candidates must:

• Complete the minimum Guided learning hours
• Complete all activities and revision questions in the course candidate manual "The Lifeguard"
• Be assessed against all learning outcomes in the units taken

Reasonable Adjustments / Special Considerations

Should any reasonable adjustments need to be considered with regards to the theory/practical assessment please contact us at academy@everybody.org.uk as soon as possible to allow us time to look into any available options and consult with the qualification awarding body if required.

It is important that you let us know of any medical conditions / additional learning requirements or disabilities during the booking process or, as a minimum, at least 30 days prior to the start of the course.

Course 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:

1. Practical pool assessment
2. Theory Assessment for all three sections
3. Practical First Aid & CPR assessment

Course Validity

Following the assessment, the NPLQ qualification will remain valid for 2 years. 

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

Policies

Copies of Everybody Academy policies are available on request.

Copies of RLSS policies are available from www.rlss.org.uk

Cancellations & Refunds

Full refunds (less administration fee) will be issued for all cancellation requests received more than 4 weeks in advance of the start of the course or event.

Cancellation / refund requests received between 14 and 28 days prior to the start of the course / event will have the option of either a 50% refund or a voucher for 100% of the fee paid that can be used on an alternative Everybody Academy course / event. This must be used within 12 months of the date of issue.

Cancellation / refund requests received with less than 14 days notice prior to the start of the course/event will not be eligible for a refund/voucher

We reserve the right to consider claims of exceptional circumstances for cancellation/refund requests made in advance of the start of the course/event. Please note that you may need to provide evidence to support claims of exceptional circumstances.

All refunds will be made to the original payment method.

We will not refund or provide vouchers for candidates who fail to meet the stated minimum requirements or prerequisites for any course/event