NPLQ courses at Riverside
Train to become a lifeguard
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
The NPLQ is the most awarded lifeguard qualification in the UK and Ireland and is also internationally recognised. More than 40,000 pool lifeguards qualify with the RLSS UK every year, and there are currently more than 80,000 pool lifeguards qualified in the NPLQ – 95% of all UK pool lifeguards.
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.
Section 1 – The Lifeguard and the Law, Swimming Pool Supervision
Element 1 – The Lifeguard and the Law
Element 2 – Swimming Pool, Hazards and Control Measures
Element 3 – Swimming Pool Supervision
Section 2 – Intervention and Rescue and Emergency Action Plans
Element 1 – Intervention and Rescue
Element 2 – Rescue of a Casualty with a Suspected Spinal Injury
Element 3 – Emergency Action Plan
Section 3 – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, AED and First Aid
Element 1 – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Element 2 – First Aid
Element 3 – Automated External Defibrillation (AED)
Course requirements
All candidates must meet the following criteria to take part in this course:
- Be aged 16+ on the date of the assessment
- Be able to jump/dive into deep water
- Swim 50m in under 60 seconds
- Able to swim 100m consistently on their front
- Able to swim 100m consistently on their back
- Able to tread water for 30 seconds in deep water
- Able to surface dive to the floor of the pool
- Able to climb out of the pool unaided without a ladder where the pool design permits
Upcoming course dates
- Monday, 11th - Saturday, 16th August
- Monday, 27th October - Saturday, 1st November
Course fee
- £250.00 (including AED training)
How to book?
To enrol onto our NPLQ courses, email rachaelclifford@pfpleisure.org or call us on 01603 671390.
And why stop there? If you become a lifeguard at a Places Leisure Centre, you will have the opportunity to progress your career in leisure, with potential Placemaker, Placemaker Manager, and Duty Manager roles available in the centre.