National Pool Lifeguard Qualification
NPLQ at Kimbolton Pool
Next course: contact us for information and to register your interest in the next NPLQ.
The National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is widely accepted at swimming pools in the UK and Ireland as the premier pool lifeguard qualification. Accredited by the Royal Life Saving Society UK, the NPLQ is also internationally recognised, opening up opportunities to travel and work as a pool lifeguard around the world!
Price: £280.00 including a text book and initial examination fee. Retakes incur a £35.00 reassessment fee.
Why choose lifeguarding?
Lifeguarding is a rewarding role, with great responsibility. It also opens up long-term career options in the leisure industry. As part of a lifeguarding team (of around 3 to 8 members depending on pool size) you will work with fellow lifeguards and meet customers.
The role does carry responsibility, and lifeguards are the everyday hero of the leisure centre. Lifeguarding is a popular qualification for students wishing to work during school/university term and travel during the holiday and it can offer flexible hours, around study or other commitments.
Why take the NPLQ?
- Over 33,000 lifeguards gain the qualification every year.
- It is a nationally and internationally recognised qualification
- The course develops skills that can be used throughout life including CPR, First Aid and how to use an AED.
The NPLQ qualification is valid for two years and if the holder continues to work and attend training during this time they can renew the qualification. - Many leisure centres and swimming pools pay for their staff to renew the NPLQ qualification.
- NPLQ lifeguards must train at least once a month and have 20 hours of training sessions verified by an IQL trainer to renew their qualification.
- Courses are taught by professional RLSS UK trainers who have extensive experience in the leisure industry.
Course requirements and assessment
- The course is assessed by a multiple choice exam paper and a practical test.
- Attendance at the course must be 100% in order to take the exam.
- Course time is 47.50 hours (includes 10 hours of self study time).
- Time exemptions may apply to holders of the following awards:
- Current RLSS UK National Beach Lifeguard Qualification (12 hours)
- Current HSE Approved First Aid at Work or Occupational First Aid Certificate (9 hours)
- Current STA NARS (PL) Qualification (9 hours)
- Candidates who wish to claim exemption MUST provide the course trainer with the original certificate(s).
- The course is examined by an independent external assessor.
- Assessment consists of an hour multiple choice question paper and a series of practical demonstrations by the candidates in Lifeguarding skills, First Aid and CPR.
- The candidate must pass all the sections to qualify as a lifeguard.
- Candidates with special needs can apply for reasonable adjustment or a special consideration. Candidates must make the trainer aware of this as early as possibl, to allow for extra arrangements prior to the assessment.
Entry requirements for NPLQ
- 16 years old on the day of the exam
- Friendly and outgoing
- Have excellent communication skills
- Fit and healthy
- Responsible
- Willing to work hard
- 100% attendance on the course
- Able to swim 50 metres in under a minute
- Able to swim 100m without pausing
- Able to swim 100m on your back without pausing
- Able to dive from the surface of the water to a depth greater than 1.5 metres.
How to join an NPLQ course
If you would like to join the course please download the enrolment form and return it together with payment.
Kimbolton School Swimming Pool accepts either debit/credit cards or cheques. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Kimbolton School’. Or contact us on the details below to make a booking.
