The RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is the most awarded lifeguard qualification in the United Kingdom and Ireland that complies with the industry guidance contained within the HSE Generally, the NPLQ is a recruitment requirement for a number of jobs from Pool Lifeguard to Centre Manager. On successful completion of the course you will be fully qualified to work as a Pool Lifeguard.
The NPLQ course duration is 36 hours with an optional bolt on element of Automated External Defibrillation which is 1.5 hours. The course comprises of physical training and theoretical classroom work, followed by a practical in-water and out-of-water assessment on pool rescue, first aid, CPR and lifesaving skills. The qualification is internationally recognised and is incorporated on the Qualifications Framework at Level 2.
The NPLQ is valid for 2 years from the date of issue and a further 20 hours of ongoing training and competency assessment must be completed before a lifeguard can renew their qualification prior to the expiry of their existing award. We offer this course from a number of venues within the East Midlands area, please see our course calendar for scheduled courses dates and venues.
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 is in three sections and all must be successfully passed 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)
Every candidate attending a NPLQ course must be 16-years-old 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
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 3 sections
- Practical First Aid & CPR assessment
NPLQ Generation 9 accredited details with Ofqual and Specification
The National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is the marketing name for this qualification – its ‘accredited title’ as listed with Ofqual is: IQL Level 2 Award in Pool Lifeguarding, Intervention, Supervision and Rescue qualification number 603/3309/1
Note. the minimum number of credits required to achieve a ’pass’ = 5 credits
This qualification is made up of the following units:
- Unit 1 – Swimming Pool Safety Operation and Supervision unit number J/617/0924 credit value = 2
- Unit 2 – Pool Lifeguard Emergency Rescue Skills L/617/0925 credit value = 1
- Unit 3 – First aid, illness and Injury Management in a Pool Environment R/617/0926 credit value = 2
Lifeguard Staff Training
We offer Lifeguard Training for existing lifeguards from your workplace. Some of our clients have included North West Leicestershire District Council, Green Bank Leisure Centre, The Snow Dome, Loughborough University. Sessions comprise of 1 Hour water based training & 1 hour theory based training. All sessions contribute to the 20 hours required to renew the NPLQ qualification.