NPLQ Lifeguard

Overview

The National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is awarded by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK). RLSS UK says it is the most awarded lifeguard qualification in the UK and Ireland and is recognised internationally. On the Ofqual register it is titled RLSS UK Qualifications Level 3 Award in Pool Lifeguarding (NPLQ Gen 10), and it is regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA in Northern Ireland.

Who can apply

Every candidate must be 16 or over at the time of the final assessment, and must be able to:

• jump or dive into deep water;

• swim 50 metres in under 60 seconds;

• swim 100 metres continuously on the front and back;

• tread water in deep water for 30 seconds;

• surface dive to the floor of the pool;

• climb out unaided, without a ladder or steps, where the pool design allows.

Exam pattern

Training and assessment are in three units, and a candidate must pass all of them:

Assessment takes place at the end of the course and is split into a practical pool assessment, a theory assessment covering all three sections, and a practical first aid and CPR assessment. The minimum to pass is 5 credits.

After the exam

To renew, a candidate must be assessed in full by an independent assessor within the validity period shown on their certificate. Beforehand they must complete 20 hours of continued professional development in the previous two years, with at least 4 hours each of in-water pool rescue skills, CPR, first aid and lifeguard theory. RLSS UK also says the NPLQ carries eight UCAS Tariff points.

How to apply

Book a course through an RLSS UK approved training centre. Holders of some other awards can claim up to 12 hours of exemption from the course by showing the original certificates to the trainer before the course starts.

FAQs