Pool lifeguards work as part of a team to keep a close watch over the pool and its users in order to anticipate potential problems and act to prevent them, identify emergencies quickly and take appropriate emergency action and first aid where necessary.

The National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ 7th Edition) meets all the criteria required for the training and certification of pool lifeguards and is accepted by most swimming pools as the benchmark qualification needed to work as a lifeguard. The qualification is recognised in the National Qualifications Framework as the Level 2 Certificate in Swimming Pool Supervision and Rescue and can be used as evidence when working towards a number of S/NVQ units.

What will I have to do on the course?

The qualification is in two units. Unit 1 provides training and assessment in the knowledge of general aspects of pool operation, supervision, accident prevention and rescue skills, along with resuscitation and First Aid.

Unit 2 puts the skills and knowledge into practice at the pool training venue. Usually, courses will be delivered including both units of the qualification - you must have both units to complete the qualification.

Commercial courses are run regularly in the North Tyneside area, but to get a taster of lifeguard training, why not come along to one of our sessions listed in the Upcoming panel above.