National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)

6 day lifeguard courses

Available Course Dates

The ticket you book will show day 1 of the course

Please be aware that a substantial portion of the course takes place in the water. The pool is unheated and outdoors, which means temperatures may be quite cold, especially in April and May. Wetsuits are available for use throughout the course

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

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 90,000 pool lifeguards qualified in the NPLQ – 95% of all UK pool lifeguards.

About 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.

Training is 37.5 hours in duration and delivered over 5 days (Typically Monday - Friday, 9:00 - 18:00), with Assessment on Saturday or Sunday. The ticket you book will indicate day 1 of the course.

About the 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:

• Practical pool assessment
• Theory Assessment for all three sections
• Practical First Aid & CPR assessment

There is the option to obtain additional qualifications during an NPLQ course. The following qualifications are included:

• Automated External Defibrillation Certificate (AED)

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. 

Benefits

• An excellent starting point for a career in the leisure industry
• Opportunity for career progression as most leisure managers start as Pool Lifeguards
• Varied working hours
• Work within a team
• The NPLQ is recognised around the world, so potential to work and travel
• A great way for students to fund studies
• Learn essential life skills, including First Aid and CPR
• The NPLQ now carries eight UCAS Tariff points valid from May 2024!

FAQs

How good do I need to be at swimming?

• If you meet the criteria for attending, you should be capable of passing the assessment. Obviously, having a higher swimming ability will make meeting the assessment criteria easier so it's worth training before attending the course.

What happens if I can't attend some sessions?

• Candidates must complete a minimum of 37.5 hours of training and attend 100% of the course. In certain circumstances time exemptions may apply. Usually, all sessions must be attended.

Will I get a job at the end of it?

• Lifeguards are in high demand. There are regularly jobs advertised for casual/seasonal and full-time employment at holiday parks, leisure centres, lidos, water parks etc.

Will I get a job at Lymington Sea Water Baths if attending one of our courses?

• Attending a course with us does not necessarily mean we will have a job to offer you. However, we regularly need to add lifeguards to the team during summer. Candidates that perform well during the course would be in a strong position if applying for a job with us. 

How long is the qualification valid?

• The qualification is valid for 2 years from the assessment date. Over this period, you should continue regular training so that you have the number of hours required when you need to retake the qualification after the two year period. If you have evidence of 20 hours lifeguard training and you're within the 2 years, you only need to attend an assessment, not the whole course to renew your qualification.