National Pool Lifeguarding Qualification
The National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is the official Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) qualification required for lifeguards. It covers all elements of pool rescue techniques, lifeguarding theory, first aid and CPR.
It’s delivered by Medway Sport’s qualified NPLQ tutors.
Course dates and prices
Upcoming course dates:
- Monday 12 February to Friday 16 February 2024 at Strood Sports Centre
- Monday 1 April to Wednesday 3 April 2024 and Monday 8 April to Tuesday 9 April 2024 at Medway Park
- Monday 8 April to Friday 12 April 2024 at Hoo Sports Centre
- Monday 27 May to Friday 31 May 2024 at Strood Sports Centre
- Monday 8 July to Friday 12 July 2024 at Medway Park.
Price: £300
To book a place on the NPLQ course email medwaysport@medway.gov.uk an upfront payment will be taken to secure your space.
Before you apply
To apply for this course, you must meet the following criteria:
- be 16+ years of age on the date of the assessment
- be able to jump or dive into deep water
- be able to swim 50 metres in less than 60 seconds
- be able to swim 100 metres continuously on front and back in deep water
- be able to tread water for 30 seconds
- be able to surface dive to the floor of the pool
- be able to climb out unaided without a ladder or steps and where the pool design permits.
Course description
The NPLQ is an internationally recognised qualification by the Royal Lifesaving Society.
This qualification does not only train you to become a pool lifeguard but is often the first step into a career within the leisure industry.
You must be physical fit as the course is physically demanding. You must also be self-disciplined and have good vision and hearing.
Candidates need to attend 36 hours of training and will need 100% attendance.
NPLQ sections
The NPLQ is made up of three sections:
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, automated external defibrillation and first aid
- Element 1: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Element 2: First aid
- Element 3: Automated external defibrillation.
Assessment
Assessment for the NPLQ is at the end of the course.
It determines your knowledge and understanding of the principles of working as a pool lifeguard. It also assesses your ability to apply the skills and knowledge in a work-related environment.
The assessment is split into 3 sections:
- practical pool assessment
- theory assessment for all 3 sections
- practical first aid and CPR assessment.
You must complete and pass all sections and the assessment to obtain the qualification.
Once the qualification has been achieved, the NPLQ Certificate will be valid for 2 years from the date of successful completion of the course.
Read more about the NPLQ on the Royal Life Saving Society website.