RLSS UK
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification
(7th Edition)
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
Welcome to the RLSS UK National Lifeguard Training Programme.
Over 30,000 people each year gain the NPLQ - the Leisure Industry's premier lifeguard award. Whether you already work as a lifeguard (paid or unpaid), would like to gain employment as a lifeguard, or simply wish to develop your lifeguard potential, the NPLQ is the award for you - the accepted leisure industry standard for lifeguards.
This leaflet explains all you need to know about the RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification.
RLSS UK RLSS UK is the principal provider of lifeguard training in the United Kingdom. RLSS UK works closely with other national and international recreational and safety organisations and co-operates fully with the emergency services.
RLSS UK is incorporated by Royal Charter and is a registered charity. RLSS UK is a leading member of RLSS Commonwealth and International Life Saving (ILS).
Institute of Qualified Lifeguards IQL is the awarding body of RLSS UK. Through its Approved Training Centre Scheme, it verifies training providers to ensure that robust quality standards are maintained.
Approved Training Centre The IQL Approved Training Centre Scheme is a quality assurance assessment programme designed to provide for high standards in training delivery and competent course assessments. Only organisations that have been externally verified and approved by IQL are permitted to conduct RLSS UK NPLQ courses and relevant in-service training. West Dunbartonshire Council Leisure Services have been rigorously assessed and awarded Approved Training Centre status.
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification The qualification is in two units:
Unit 1 The Principles of Lifesaving and Swimming Pool Supervision
Element 1 Theory - The Principles of Pool Lifeguarding
Element 2 In-Water Rescue and Spinal Injury Management
Element 3 Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Element 4 First Aid at Work
Unit 2 The Application of Supervision and Rescue in a Swimming Pool
Element 5 The Lifeguard, the Law, Regulations and Codes of Practice
Element 6 The Swimming Pool and the Role of the Lifeguard
Element 7 Normal Operating Plans
Element 8 Emergency Action Plans
Element 9 Provision and Use of Play Equipment in Swimming Pools
Element 10 Diving and Jumping in Swimming Pools
Element 11 Flumes, Waterslides and other Water Features in Swimming Pools.
Unit 1: Training is provided by an RLSS UK Trainer/Assessor and assesses the candidate's generic knowledge of and skills relating to the principles of lifesaving and swimming pool supervision.
Unit 2: Training is continually assessed by an Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM) Trainer/Assessor and addresses a candidate's ability to apply the generic skills and knowledge to the swimming pool environment.
Course Duration The NPLQ course is of 38 hours duration (new) and 20 hours duration (renewal).
Assessment The NPLQ assessment is conducted by an RLSS UK Trainer/Assessor who has made no contribution to, or had any influence on, the training of the candidates. He/she will work to the current RLSS UK Code of Practice and adhere to the syllabus and assessment criteria specified for the award.
The Unit 1 assessment is in four parts:
practical pool assessment
theory assessment
first aid assessment
CPR assessment
A candidate must be successful in all four sections to attain the qualification. In the event that a candidate fails a section, he/she will be advised of areas for improvement and credited with sections passed. A re-assessment of the failed section may be organised within 28 days of the original assessment date. The course trainer will advise on procedures for re-assessment.
Equal Opportunities There shall be no unnecessary barriers which prevent candidates from participating and effectively demonstrating their attainment.
Candidates will be asked to complete a Candidate Profile Form. The information requested on this form is for monitoring purposes only and will be treated confidentially.
Processing of Awards Completed assessment reports will be sent to the Approved Training Centre's Assessments Officer who will forward the assessment reports with payment to IQL for processing. A carbon copy of the Assessment Report Form will be retained by the candidate as proof of successfully gaining the award.
IQL will despatch, by normal post, the NPLQ certificate and training logbook to the candidate's home address.
The validity period of the award is two years from the date of the assessment.
Candidate Pre-requisites
Candidates for the NPLQ Unit 1 should meet the following requirements prior to registering for the course:
Be aged 16 or over on the date of the assessment
Be able to swim 400 metres on front and back
Be able to swim 50 metres in under one minute
Be physically fit, have good eyesight and hearing (with the use of spectacles, contact lenses or hearing aids as appropriate), and have no medical conditions which might adversely affect their ability to undertake training (seek advice of course Trainer if unsure).
Course Fees Candidate fees for the award will be £190.00. This includes: Candidate Pack, including copy of RLSS UK publication 'The Lifeguard'; course materials; training fees; assessing fees; award fees; and administration fees.
Candidates who fail a section shall be given the opportunity to re-sit that section within 28 days. A re-assessment fee of £35.00 will be payable.
A non-refundable deposit of £50.00 is payable at the time of course registration. The balance must be paid prior to the assessment. Candidates who have not paid course fees in full will not be presented for assessment.
Payment may be made at the training venue's Reception in cash or by cheque, made payable to 'West Dunbartonshire Council'. Receipts will be given for all payments made.
