National Pool Lifeguard Qualification

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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.  

RLSS UK is regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA in Northern Ireland.

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.

Element 1 – The Lifeguard and the Law
Element 2 – Swimming Pool, Hazards and Control Measures
Element 3 – Swimming Pool Supervision

Element 1 – Intervention and Rescue
Element 2 – Rescue of a Casualty with a Suspected Spinal Injury
Element 3 – Emergency Action Plan

Element 1 – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Element 2 – First Aid
Element 3 – Automated External Defibrillation (AED)

 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

12th - 17th Apr 2025 - Colton Hills - Wolverhampton - 8 places remaining

14th - 19th Apr 2025 - Xcel LC - Coventry - 3 places remaining

25th - 30th May 2025 - Snowdome - Tamworth - 12 places remaining

24th - 30th May 2025 - Colton Hills - Wolverhampton- 12 places remaining

26th - 31st May 2025 - Xcel LC - Coventry - 12 places remaining

Now taking bookings for Easter 2025 onwards - please click below

Enquire now for future course dates.

Click on the button below for details of courses currently available to book

Need to renew? Not sure what you need to do?

Please click the button below to contact us with full details including your current qualification expiry date and how many training hours you have - remember you must be able to prove your hours in order to renew.