Lifeguard Courses
Being a lifeguard offers a fantastic foundation to a career in the leisure industry. Become a qualified swimming pool lifeguard
The RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is the most awarded lifeguard qualification in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Combining theoretical work and practical training, you will become a fully accredited pool lifeguard, learning key life skills – first aid, CPR and rescue techniques and gain an internationally recognised lifeguard qualification. The NPLQ course duration is 37.5 hours plus around a 3 hour assessment at the end of the course.
The NPLQ is not just a qualification, it can be a stepping-stone into a career within the leisure industry. As a lifeguard you will be able to provide a much-needed service to the public and help make people feel confident, happy and safe in the water.
Following the RLSS launching their 10th Generation of the NPLQ in 2023, the qualification is now considered a Level 3 award. This means it now carries 8 UCAS points, which can be helpful for candidates who are looking to apply to UK universities in the future.
You will need to have a basic level of fitness to become a lifeguard and during and after your training you’ll be encouraged to stay fit and get fitter.
100% attendance is required to complete the course and put forward to the assessment.
Assessment is made up of both theory (multiple choice paper) and practical sections, which take place on the final day of the course.
For more information visit www.rlss.org.uk
NPLQ TRAINING COURSES WITH ERIC LIDDELL SPORTS CENTRE
Our next NPLQ training courses:
Summer Course 1: Monday 7th – Friday 11th July 2025
Summer Course 2: Monday 28th July – Friday 1st August 2025
Times: 08:30 – 17:30 each day
Price: £320 – The includes course manuals, RLSS registration and assessment fee’s. Full payment is required at the time of booking.
How to book
To book or for more information please call or 0208 851 9111 or email info@elsc.london
Candidate Information
Candidates must be 16 years of age on the day of assessment.
The course covers both units of the assessment: The principles of lifesaving and swimming pool supervision (theory) and the application of supervision and rescue (practice).
In order to apply for the course you must be able to meet the following basic fitness criteria:
- Jump/dive into deep water
- Swim 50 metres in less than 60 seconds
- Swim 100 meters continuously on your front and back, in deep water
- Tread water for 30 seconds
- Surface dive to the bottom of the pool (min of 1.5 metres)
- Climb out of the pool unaided without steps/ladders and where the pool design permits.