RLSS celebrates launching new standards for lifeguards

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has launched the new generation of its National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), the most awarded lifeguard qualification in the UK and Ireland.

More than 95% of all UK pool lifeguards (over 74,000) proudly hold the NPLQ and more than 35,000 pool lifeguards are qualifying with the RLSS UK every year.

NPLQ Gen 10 is the latest RLSS UK NPLQ edition. It is endorsed against the CIMSPA Lifeguard Standard, sits firmly within the apprenticeship framework, and is still open to anyone aged 16 and over who can meet the course prerequisites.

It’s designed for all pool lifeguards and helps leisure operators stay at the cutting edge of lifesaving, lifeguarding, water safety and life support skills.

Lifeguards carry out an important, responsible job, using their skills every day. RLSS UK respect and recognise the lifeguard’s role in helping people enjoy water safely.

Incidentally, RLSS has raised the NPLQ to a Level 3 qualification registered with UCAS and worth eight UCAS Tariff points (effective May 2024).

RLSS UK is committed to working with research experts and academics to ensure the NPLQ continues to be fit for purpose for the industry and lifeguards are trained with the right skills and knowledge to carry out their role and keep swimming pool users safe.

Working with The University of Chichester over the past five years, RLSS UK has conducted research to shape and develop the content of the NPLQ, focusing on the effectiveness of methods for scanning and supervision and including the impact of training and intervention.

“Lifeguards carry out such an important role with copious amounts of responsibility. First Aid qualifications are Level 3, and we felt lifeguards should get the same recognition for their valuable job. I am delighted NPLQ Gen 10 is a Level 3 qualification,” said Robert Gofton, CEO of RLSS UK.

Here’s an overview of the developments in NPLQ Gen 10:

• New section for customer communication, including videos to help lifeguards understand how to communicate with pool users.
• A new section detailing the importance of mental and physical health and well-being, including helpful links for more information.
• A revised and reduced law section, providing lifeguards with basic and ‘need-to-know’ information.
• Revised risk assessment section, introducing the concept of dynamic risk assessment, with a helpful video to guide lifeguards on identifying hazards throughout a leisure centre and putting control measures in place.
• Revised Pool Safety Operating Procedures (PSOP) information with clear information that a lifeguard should know.New toolbox ideas for Trainers to make the course interactive and fun.

RLSS UK NPLQ Trainer Assessors can get access to all information and update their Trainer Assessor qualification from Tuesday, 4 July 2023.

• For more on the RLSS NPLQ, click here.