National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
Level:
3
Duration:
6 days
Course code:
RL/2025/06001
Max group:
12
he NPLQ is the UK's leading lifeguard qualification, with 95% of UK pool lifeguards certified.
Course Summary
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
The NPLQ is the most awarded lifeguard qualification in the UK and Ireland and is also internationally recognised. More than 40,000 pool lifeguards qualify with a RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) every year, and there are currently more than 80,000 pool lifeguards qualified in the NPLQ – 95% of all UK pool lifeguards! RLSS UK is regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA in Northern Ireland.
Course Contents
The NPLQ covers all elements of Pool Rescue Techniques, Lifeguarding Theory, First Aid and CPR. The course is physically demanding and will include swimming to set times, lifting casualties and diving to the deepest part of the swimming pool.
Training and assessment for the NPLQ is in three sections and all must be successfully passed to attain the qualification.
Section 1 – The Lifeguard and the Law, Swimming Pool Supervision
Element 1 – The Lifeguard and the Law
Element 2 – Swimming Pool, Hazards and Control Measures
Element 3 – Swimming Pool Supervision
Section 2 – Intervention and Rescue and Emergency Action Plans
Element 1 – Intervention and Rescue
Element 2 – Rescue of a Casualty with a Suspected Spinal Injury
Element 3 – Emergency Action Plan
Section 3 – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, AED and First Aid
Element 1 – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Element 2 – First Aid
Element 3 – Automated External Defibrillation (AED
Assessment
The instructor conducts a practical and written assessments at the end of the course. Upon successful completion, learners will receive the qualification and certification. External assessors are required for this qualification.
Duration
The course requires a minimum of 40 hours, distributed over at least five days. While it is ideal to complete the course over five consecutive days, we can adjust the schedule to suit your specific needs, as long as the course is completed within 6 weeks of starting and each training session lasts at least 8 hours.
Certification Validity
This qualification is valid for two years. To renew it, learners must complete the assessment again having provided evidence of training hours throughout the qualification period.
Further Information - Course Numbers
A maximum of 12 students can be accommodated on this course and all candidates must be a minimum of 16 years of age to qualify.
Assessment method: Activities, test papers.
Pre-requisite:
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 permits
Suggested progression:
recommended refresher training and CPD