What is the length of validity for the RLSS UK NPLQ?The RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification is valid for 2 years from the date of assessment.
What is the minimum number of training and competency-based assessment hours for an NPLQ RENEWAL candidate?A new candidate is 38 hours and for a renewal candidate a minimum of 20 hours training is required. 'Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools' (HSE) provides more general guidance on lifeguard training and competency assessment. For those that have completed other RLSS UK awards like the Bronze Medallion or Life Support 3 a maximum of 12 hours can be accredited towards the training time.
What has to be incorporated within ongoing training and competency assessment?The HSE published “Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools”, HSG 179 and this document gives the following guidance, page 60:- To maintain the skills and competency of a lifeguard, suitable and sufficient training and competency assessment should be conducted regularly* by qualified training staff and will need to include:
- A fitness programme to include timed swims and towing and rescue methods
- Simulated incident training, working in a team, based on the site-specific (EAP)Emergency Action Plans
- A dive to the bottom of the deepest part of the pool to recover a simulated casualty (manikin)
- The use of poolside rescue equipment
- Revisions to the PSOP (Pool Safety Operating Procedures) due to changed circumstances
- Refresher training in supervision and scanning techniques
*Regularly means as required to suit the circumstances of the pool and sufficient to maintain competency. For example, medical authorities recommend that training in CPR takes place at least monthly. Records of the training undertaken and the objectives achieved for each individual should be maintained and be available for inspection by an authorised person. Ongoing, regular, suitable and sufficient training and assessments should ensure the competency of lifeguards. This should be supplemented by a two-yearly, external test of core or foundation skills, given by a suitably competent person and provided as a means of ensuring the authenticity and appropriateness of the ongoing training programme.
How long have candidates got to complete the award?The assessments for both Unit 1 and Unit 2 must be successfully completed within a 6 month period. In addition, all elements of the Unit 1 assessment must be successfully completed within a 28 day period.
Can a candidate wear goggles?Yes, but only during training.
Can the NPLQ expiry date be extended without going through the renewal process?No
Can a candidate with a hearing disability take the NPLQ? A lifeguard should have a good level of physical fitness. A lifeguards level of hearing and vision should be appropriate to the environment in which they are working. For further details see IQLs Equal Opportunities Policy.
Can a first aid qualification be included in the NPLQ programme?Yes, provided that the trainer is also an HSE approved FAW Trainer. The NPLQ syllabus incorporates sufficient material to cover the syllabus for the Emergency Aid Certificate. A full HSE First Aid at Work Certificate can be included within the programme but this will extend the course. Full details are available by contacting IQL UK Ltd.
Where can I find more details of IQL’s Customer Service Statement and Equal Opportunities Policy?Both these documents are available from our download area.
Can a depth endorsement be changed on the NPLQ card?No, BUT where a lifeguard is re-assessed in a deeper pool, the outcome should be recorded within the candidate's log book and within the training records of the ATC.
Can people begin training as lifeguards before they are 16?Candidates must be 16 years of age or older prior to commencing a course of training.
I have a questions regarding technical aspects of the NPLQFor all technical questions regarding any aspect of the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification call:-
Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm Ian Prosser (Technical Officer) on 01789 774210
Lifeguard Qualifications from abroadCan I use my Lifeguard qualification from abroad in the UK?
The responsibility for ensuring the health and safety of both employees and members of the public in swimming pools in the UK is that of the employer, the pool operator. It is set out in the Health and Safety at Work, etc., Act 1974. This includes the decision on whom to employ as a pool lifeguard. Pool operators rely upon the guidance published by the Health and Safety Executive [HSE], in fulfilling this responsibility. That guidance is contained in a publication, "Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools" [2003], which has a specification for a pool lifeguarding qualification. It is the pool operator who decides if a particular qualification meets that specification.
RLSS UK, through IQL (its specialist pool lifeguarding body), provides a pool lifeguarding qualification, the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification [NPLQ], which meets the specification in the above HSE publication. We recommend that qualification to pool operators. We are unable to evaluate other qualifications.
If I lose or damage my NPLQ certificate can I get it replaced?Yes - contact River House and ask for NPLQ processing on 01789 774206 / 208. There is a small admin fee of £10 per duplicate certificate. Payment can be made via cheque or over the phone using recognised credit or debit cards.
I have a question about the Approved Training Centre schemeContact Sarah Hiden or Alex Blackwell on 01789 773994 or email SarahHiden@rlss.org.uk / AlexBlackwell@iql.org.uk