So you want to be a lifeguard?

We think there are loads of great reasons why you’d want to become a lifeguard and we guess you must think it’s a pretty good idea too, which is why you are here…

Reasons why we think you’d love it…

• First and foremost you are providing an amazing public service. You will without a doubt make people feel confident, happier and safer just by being on the poolside and you could potentially save a life.

• Being a lifeguard offers a fantastic foundation to a career in the leisure industry. Many senior managers began their rise to leisure stardom by lifeguarding at their local pools
• The opportunity to get fit. Not only will you have to have a basic level of fitness to become a lifeguard but you will be encouraged to stay fit and get fitter. Many pools will give their lifeguards discounted or even free memberships
• You get to work with a team of young like minded people, so there’s plenty of opportunity to increase your social circle!
• The hours are flexible and perfect for those of you who need to fit studying into your busy days
• If you’re a competitive type there is plenty of opportunity to show off your lifeguarding talents in events like the National Pool Lifeguard Championships (team event) and the Lifeguard Triathlon
• If you find you really enjoy lifeguarding you can take it up as a competitive sport and compete regularly for your local club
• Lastly but still very importantly, you will gain a life skill that will come in handy for the rest of your life

What will you need to do to get the NPLQ?

Every candidate, prior to commencement of training for the NPLQ must

• Be 16 years of age;
• Be able to meet the following basic fitness criteria:-
  • 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 unaided without ladder / steps and where the pool design permit

Training and assessment for the NPLQ is in two units:

Unit 1 – The Principles of Lifesaving and Swimming Pool Supervision

Assessment for Unit 1 takes place at the conclusion of a training course for a minimum of 31 hours for new candidates.  It determines your knowledge and understanding of the principles of working as a pool lifeguard.  Your ability is assessed in a range of lifesaving skills which enable you to deal with common emergency situations in pools.  Unit 1 comprises four elements:·

• The principles of pool lifeguarding;
• Water rescue skills, including times swim rescues, conscious and unconscious casualties;
• CPR skills on adult, child and infant;
• First Aid, where you will demonstrate a knowledge of selected first aid conditions and advising on poolside treatment.

Unit 2 – The Application of Supervision and Rescue in a Swimming Pool

Unit 2 is continually assessed over a minimum 7 hours training.  It determines your ability to apply the Unit 1 skills and knowledge in a work-related environment as they would apply in a swimming pool.

The National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is awarded upon successful completion of both units.  You must successfully complete both Units of the assessment within a 6 month period.  All elements of Unit 1 must be successfully assessed within a 28 day period, and for renewal candidates, within the period of validity of your existing qualification.