National Pool Lifeguard Qualification

NATIONAL POOL LIFEGUARD QUALIFICATION (NPLQ) (Generation 10)

Bookings for 2025/2026 courses can be made through our Events Portal 

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

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

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

Cancellations & Refunds

Wherever possible we will transfer you to an alternate course.

Refund policy:

• Full refunds will only be issued with more than 28 days written notice.
• Cancellations with 14 to 28 days notice will receive a 50% refund
• No refunds will be made for cancellations with less than 14 days notice (except in exceptional circumstances).
• All refunds will be subject to an administration fee.

Refunds will not be issued for candidates who have stated that they can meet the minimum requirements / pre-requisites of a course and then are unable to do so.

To find out more please email –  [email protected]