National Pool lifeguard qualification
16 years+
The course comprises of physical training and theoretical classroom work, followed by a practical in-water and out-of-water assessment on pool rescue, first aid, CPR and lifesaving skills.
The new Generation 10 NPLQ is worth 8 UCAS points to anyone successfully completing the independent assessment.
Find out more about NPLQ Generation 10 here: https://www.rlss.org.uk/News/whistle-whistle-whistle-lifeguard-going-in
Course Dates for 2025
FEBRUARY – £250
Saturday 1st February
11:00 – 21:00
Sunday 2nd February
11:00 – 21:00
Saturday 8th February
11:00 – 21:00
Sunday 9th February
11:00 – 21:00
Saturday 15th February
11:00 – 21:00
Sunday 16th February
13:30 – 21:00
The independent assessment will take place on Saturday 16th February
and last the duration of the final 3 hours of the course.
Friday 23rd May
16:00 – 22:00
Saturday 24th May
12:00 – 21:00
Sunday 25th May
12:00 – 21:00
Monday 26th May
12:00 – 22:00
Tuesday 27th May
12:00 – 22:00
Wednesday 28th May
16:00 – 22:00
The independent assessment will take place on Wednesday 28th May
and last the duration of the final 3 hours of the course.
AUGUST – £275*
Friday 15th August
16:00 – 22:00
Saturday 16th August
12:00 – 21:00
Sunday 17th August
12:00 – 21:00
Monday 18th August
12:00 – 22:00
Tuesday 19th August
12:00 – 22:00
Wednesday 20th August
16:00 – 22:00
The independent assessment will take place on Wednesday 20th August
and will last the duration of the final 3 hours of the course.
OCTOBER – £275*
Friday 24th October
16:00 – 22:00
Saturday 25th October
12:00 – 21:00
Sunday 26th October
12:00 – 21:00
Monday 27th October
12:00 – 22:00
Tuesday 28th October
12:00 – 22:00
Wednesday 29th October
16:00 – 22:00
The independent assessment will take place on Wednesday 29th October
and will last the duration of the final 3 hours of the course.
*These months will feature additional content in the form of a new Pool Extraction Board.
Terms & Conditions
This is a professional qualification, which is nationally recognised, taught over an intensive period and includes both dry and poolside time. There will be an exam at the end.
Every candidate attending a NPLQ course must be 16 years+ at the time of taking the NPLQ final assessment and 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 unaided without ladder/steps and where the pool design permits
Candidates will need to bring their own refreshments, appropriate swimwear, shorts, t-shirt, pen and paper.
Exemptions may apply to holders of the following awards and
qualifications:
Current RLSS UK National Beach Lifeguard
Current HSE approved First Aid at Work Certificate or Occupational First Aid Certificate
Current STA NARS qualification
Where candidates wish to claim a training exemption, they must provide course trainers with original qualifications prior to the start of the course.
(photocopies will NOT be accepted).
There are only 12 spaces available on each NPLQ course. To ensure a space, the enrolment form for the course must be returned completed and payment must be made in full at the time of booking. Candidates will not be accepted onto the course with either a partial payment or an incomplete enrolment form.
