Please find below a list of our commonly asked questions. If your questions are not answered here, please feel free to contact us.

What is the minimum number of training and competency-based assessment hours for an NPLQ renewal?

A minimum of 20 hours training is required for the purposes of NPLQ renewal. '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 in the 20 hours ongoing training?

The HSE published “Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools”, HSG 179 and this document gives the following guidance, page 60.

In-service and ongoing staff training

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 (Include full text) 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 days period.

Can a candidate wear goggles?

Yes, but only during training.


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.

What can I find more details of IQL’s Customer Service Statement and Equal Opportunities Policy?

Both these documents are available to download 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 prior to commencing a course of training.

Do courses for either Unit 1 or 2 need to be registered?

No, but if they are notified to River House we can assisting in placeing individuals to courses within their area.

Will ISRM consider a specific membership for unit 2 TA’s?

All Unit 2 TA’s are eligible to join ISRM as associate members.

Can a Unit 2 TA self certify her/himself?

No.

Can we find a mechanism for keeping all TA’s updated with current issues?

All TA’s are currently issued with Cards of Authority through to end of December 2006. Both IQL and ISRM arrange courses, seminars, conferences and publish magazines to keep TA’s updated on current issues. The Lifesavers magazine is published quarterly and contains technical updates as appropriate.

Are lifeguards qualified to supervise on the poolside if they’ve just completed Unit 1?

The NPLQ comprises two Units; both must be successfully assessed before a lifeguard can be regarded as qualified.

Can all Unit 1 TA’s become Unit 2 TA’s?

No they have to meet pre set criteria. visit : www.isrm.co.uk

Why is the award still separated into 2 Units?

To meet the guidance published by The HSE in ‘Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools’ and in accordance with the endorsement of the qualification by the Government’s Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.