ISRM qualifications

National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)


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Full information on the 2010 ISRM and IQL Lifeguarding Triathlon is HERE

 

Introduction to the NPLQ

The National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is the benchmark qualification for professional lifeguards in the UK.  It is recognised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority who refer to it as the Certificate in Swimming Pool Rescue.

How do we know it’s the benchmark qualification?

The NPLQ has come about, through close co-operation between the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS/IQL) and the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM). Experts from these leading organisations have brought their respective specialism’s together, namely lifesaving skills from (IQL) and management of facilities from (ISRM) to create a ‘world leading’ qualification. 

The qualification was created to meet the requirements of the Health & Safety approved guidance ‘Managing Health & Safety in Swimming Pools (HSG 179)‘.

But don’t just take our word for it by the end of 2009 we predict 40000 lifeguards will have completed the NPLQ a number which is growing year on year.

So you want to become a lifeguard? To find out the pre requisites for doing an NPLQ click here

For information on course availability click here

Summary of the two different NPLQ Units

Unit 1

The Principles of Lifesaving and Swimming Pool Supervision

Assessment for Unit 1 takes place at the conclusion of a training course for a minimum of 31 hours for new candidates.  It determines your knowledge and understanding of the principles of working as a pool lifeguard.  Your ability is assessed in a range of lifesaving skills which enable you to deal with common emergency situations in pools.  Unit 1 comprises four elements:-

Unit 2

The Application of Supervision and Rescue in a Swimming Pool
Unit 2 is continually assessed over a minimum 7 hours training.  It determines your ability to apply the Unit 1 skills and knowledge in a work-related environment as they would apply in a swimming pool.

Both units must be attained for the NPLQ edition (first revision)

If you have unanswered questions about the NPLQ you may find your question is answered here - NPLQ FAQs.

Competitive Lifeguarding

Lifeguarding can be a very rewarding job, knowing that you have the knowledge and ability to save a life is rewarding in itself, but actually preventing an injury/fatality or performing a successful rescue brings with it a satisfying reassurance that, had you not been there things could have turned out very differently. 

Getting things wrong is not something a lifeguard wants consider could happen to them.  For these reasons Managing H&S in Swimming Pools and IQL/ISRM  recommend regular and ongoing training for lifeguards (see HSG 179 for details)

Performing under pressure is a key factor to being an effective lifeguard the ISRM and IQL believe that bringing a competitive element to lifeguarding is effective in:

Each year ISRM and IQL run 2  National Pool Lifeguard events, these are:

 

What are the National Pool Lifeguard Championships?

 

 

The National Pool Lifeguard Championships is an annual event run jointly by the ISRM and IQL.  The event consists of 5 modules each designed to test the individual and team skills of a 'Professional' lifeguard team to the limit. The winning team being crowned 'National Pool Lifeguard Champions'.

 

Spectacular new venue  for the NPLC - Surrey University Sports Park the 2010 event will be on October 23rd 2010.

 

Last year Team Birmingham were in first place followed by Leeds City Council in second place and Cardiff Dragons in third position. There will be a maximum of 24 teams so please return your entry form as soon as possible to avoid any disappointment.


Download application form here

Download rules here

To see the venue in all its glory click here

 

 


 

The 2009 event was sponsored by

 


 


 

 


 

 

Previous event results

Media coverage

Event documentation

Contact the event organisers alexblackwell@iql.org.uk or i.wakefield@isrm.co.uk

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Full information on the 2010 ISRM and IQL Lifeguarding Triathlon is HERE