Become a Lifeguard
NPLQ Qualifications
Next Course Dates Coming Soon
The National Pool Lifeguarding Qualification is a widely recognised qualification provided by the The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS). This course is the leading provider of lifeguard and lifesaving training across the UK.
The qualification is widely recognised and can lead to employment opportunities as a lifeguard, both at home and abroad. The NPLQ is also an excellent opportunity for career progression in the leisure industry, allowing development into roles such as Duty Managers, training providers and Operations Managers.
The course will teach you the practical skills involved in lifeguarding, such as water rescue, casualty recovery, CPR and first aid.
Bluecoat Sports puts safety first and we are delighted to offer the National Pool Lifeguarding Qualification at our pool here in Horsham, West Sussex. Keep an eye on this page, as well as our Instagram and Facebook, for our next course dates.
To enroll on our next course, or for further information, please contact us on bcstraining@christs-hospital.org.uk. We will then be in touch with further details. Please note, all candidates must be enrolled 2 weeks before the course start date.
National Pool Lifeguarding Qualification
The National Pool Lifeguarding Qualification 8th Edition meets all the criteria for the training and certification of pool lifeguards. It is accepted by the majority of swimming pools, including Bluecoat Sports, as the benchmark qualification needed to work as a lifeguard. The course is run over 5 days and is usually from 8am to 6pm each day (excluding assessment). The course includes the RLSS course manual together with all the assessment and certification costs.
Essential for the NPLQ:
You must be aged 16 or above and be able to:
- Jump/Dive into deep water
- Swim 50 metres in less than 60 seconds
- Swim 100 metres continuously on front & back
- Tread water for 30 seconds in deep water
- Surface dive to the floor of the pool
- Climb out unaided without the aid of a ladder/steps
- A swim test will be required by each candidate before confirming your space on the course to ensure you are swim-ready.
Course Syllabus:
Training for this qualification is split into three sections (or QCF units).
- The Lifeguard, Swimming Pool and Supervision
- Intervention, Rescue and Emergency Action Plan
- CPR, AED and First Aid.
To enrol on our next course, please contact us on bcstraining@christs-hospital.org.uk. We will then be in touch with further details. Please note, all candidates must be enrolled 2 weeks before the course start date.
Develop your skills
Once you have completed all sections of the National Pool Lifeguarding Qualification, an assessment is carried out by an Independent Assessor to ensure you have met all the criteria.
If you have any questions regarding the National Pool Lifeguarding Qualification, please contact us using 01403 247 572 or email bcstraining@christs-hospital.org.uk. Please note, all candidates must be enrolled 2 weeks before the course start date.
