Every candidate attending a NPLQ course must be 16-years-old or above 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

The NPLQ covers all elements of Pool Rescue Techniques, Lifeguarding Theory, First Aid and CPR. The course is physically demanding and will include swimming to set times, lifting casualties and diving to the deepest part of the swimming pool. Training and assessment for the NPLQ are in three sections, and candidates must successfully pass all to attain the qualification.

Section 1 – The Lifeguard and the Law, Swimming Pool Supervision

• Element 1 – The Lifeguard and the Law

• Element 2 – Swimming Pool, Hazards and Control Measures

• Element 3 – Swimming Pool Supervision

Section 2 – Intervention and Rescue and Emergency Action Plans

• Element 1 – Intervention and Rescue

• Element 2 – Rescue of a Casualty with a Suspected Spinal Injury

• Element 3 – Emergency Action Plan

Section 3 – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, AED and First Aid

• Element 1 – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• Element 2 – First Aid

• Element 3 – Automated External Defibrillation (AED)

Assessment for the NPLQ takes place at the end of the course. It determines your knowledge and understanding of the principles of working as a pool lifeguard and assesses your ability to apply the skills and knowledge in a work-related environment.

The assessment is split into three sections:

• Practical pool assessment

• Theory Assessment for all three sections

• Practical First Aid & CPR assessment

• An excellent starting point for a career in the leisure industry

• Opportunity for career progression as most leisure managers start as Pool Lifeguards

• Varied working hours

• Work within a team

• The NPLQ is recognised around the world, so potential to work and travel

• A great way for students to fund studies

• Learn essential life skills, including First Aid and CPR

Your NPLQ Cert last for 2 years. Afterward you need to do an renewal assessment.

NPLQ renewal candidates may renew their qualification within the period of validity of their existing qualification as stated on their certificate. This will include a full assessment of lifeguard knowledge and skills by an independent assessor. Candidates must have access to the most up to date copy of ‘The Lifeguard’ manual prior to assessment.

The following is required to be completed by candidates prior to the renewal assessment of their qualification to demonstrate their ongoing professional competence:

20 hours Continued Professional Development within the last two years from the date of previous assessment covering content from the NPLQ syllabus:

• In-water swimming pool rescue skills (at least 4 hrs)

• CPR (at least 4 hrs)

• First Aid (at least 4 hrs)

• Lifeguard theory (at least 4 hours)

Continued Professional Development can be achieved by:

• Attendance at Lifeguard ongoing training and competency assessment* (strongly recommended)

• Attendance at alternative training, face-to-face or online, relating to In-water swimming pool rescue skills, CPR, First Aid and Lifeguard theory