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

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

Courses at Teddington Pools and Fitness Centre:

• Saturday 6 to Wednesday 10 April 2024, 8am to 5.30pm daily
• Wednesday 31 July to Sunday 4 August 2024, 8am to 5.30pm daily
• Wednesday 14 to Sunday 18 August 2024, 8am to 5.30pm daily
• Wednesday 30 October to Sunday 3 November 2024, 8am to 5.30pm daily

Courses at Pools on the Park, Richmond:

• Monday 15 to Friday 19 July 2024, 9am to 6.30pm daily
• Monday 22 to Friday 26 July 2024, 9am to 6.30pm daily
• Monday 29 July to Friday 2 August 2024, 9am to 6.30pm daily
• Monday 19 to Friday 23 August 2024, 9am to 6.30am 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 2 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

Course 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