National Pool Lifeguard Qualification

The UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification is the most awarded lifeguard qualification in the UK and Ireland that complies with the industry requirements and is supported by RLSS, ASA, ISRM and HSE.

About the qualification

This qualification is a recruitment requirement for a number of leisure jobs from Pool Lifeguard to Centre Manager. On successful completion of this course you will be fully qualified to work as a Pool Lifeguard in the UK.

These courses are held throughout the year at both Teddington Pools and Fitness Centre and Pools on the Park in Richmond.

Course dates and times

You will need to attend all five days of the course.

Teddington Pools and Fitness Centre

Courses are available at TPFC on the following dates:

• Wednesday 30 October to Sunday 3 November 2024 (fully booked)
• Monday 17 to Friday 21 February 2025
• Monday 7 to Friday 11 April 2025
• Monday 28 July to Friday 1 August 2025
• Monday 18 to Friday 22 August 2025

TPFC courses run from 8am to 5.30pm daily.

Pools on the Park

Courses are available at Pools on the Park on the following dates:

• Sunday 27 to Thursday 31 October 2024 (fully booked)
• Monday 17 to Friday 21 February 2025
  

Pools on the Park courses run from 9am to 6.30pm daily.

Course details

The NPLQ course comprises both physical training and theoretical classroom work, followed by a water based practical test, dry assessment on pool rescue, first aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and lifesaving skills.

This course consists of two units:

• Unit 1 - The Principles of Lifesaving and Swimming Pool Supervision
• Unit 2 - The Application of Supervision and Rescue in a Swimming Pool

A qualification will only be awarded on the successful completion of both units and is valid for 2 years from the date of issue. 100% attendance is required to be able to enter the assessment.

This course includes an AED (defibrillator) training qualification.

Applicant criteria

All applicants must be 16 years or over on the last date of the course and must 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 of pool unaided (without ladder/steps) where pool design permits

Cost

Courses cost £300 per person (Richmond Card discount not applicable). Price valid from 1 April 2024 onwards.

Course cancellations will only be accepted in writing. More than one month’s notice will result in a full refund being given. Less than one month will result in a forfeit of the full course amount. The course may be transferred if there is a medical reason why it cannot be completed, however medical certificate proof will be required.

How to apply

Once you have checked the availability of places on the course, complete the enrolment form below and return with full payment to the centre where the course is taking place.

• Pools on the Park NPLQ with AED enrolment form (pdf, 183 KB)
• Teddington Pools and Fitness Centre NPLQ with AED enrolment form

NPLQ contact

Email: leisure@richmond.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 3772 2999