Pool & Lifeguard Training
Practical RLSS UK pool rescue and lifeguard training for individuals, leisure teams and organisations.
From qualifying new lifeguards to providing rescue training for swimming teachers, therapists and wider facility teams, Poolsmart can help you identify and deliver the training that fits your operation.
Find the Right Qualification
Different roles around a swimming pool require different levels of supervision, rescue and emergency response training.
The right qualification will depend on the role being performed, the activities taking place and the emergency arrangements within the facility.
Explore the options below or contact Poolsmart if you are unsure which training is most appropriate.
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
What is it?
The RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification is designed for those responsible for directly supervising swimming pools and responding to emergencies.
Training covers pool lifeguarding, supervision, rescue skills, CPR and first aid.
Who is it suitable for?
The NPLQ is suitable for people looking to work as pool lifeguards and organisations that need to train new members of their lifeguarding team.
Candidates must meet the current RLSS UK course prerequisites and be at least 16 years old at the time of assessment.
NPLQ Renewal & Ongoing Training
What is it?
Maintaining an NPLQ involves more than simply reaching the renewal date.
Poolsmart can support lifeguards and operators with ongoing training, competency development and preparation for NPLQ renewal in line with current RLSS UK requirements.
Who is it suitable for?
Existing NPLQ holders approaching renewal and organisations looking to maintain the skills and competency of their lifeguarding teams.
Poolsmart can also help operators structure ongoing lifeguard training as part of a wider Training & Competency System.
National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches
NRASTC
The National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches is a supervision and rescue award for swimming teachers, coaches and instructors working during programmed activities such as swimming lessons.
It is designed for situations where the teacher or coach may need to provide the immediate rescue and emergency response.
Typical Format
12 hours plus assessment.
NRASTC LIGHT
NRASTC LIGHT provides rescue and emergency skills for swimming teachers and coaches working where suitable lifeguard or first aid backup is available to respond quickly.
Typical Format
6 hours plus assessment.
Who is it suitable for?
Swimming teachers, coaches, instructors and organisations delivering programmed swimming activities.
The appropriate version should be based on the facility's risk assessment and the emergency support available
Swimming Pool Emergency Rescue award (SPERA)
What is it?
The Swimming Pool Emergency Rescue Award (SPERA) provides staff with the skills to respond to a swimming pool emergency, perform a rescue and support the wider emergency response.
It is not a replacement for a lifeguard qualification and is intended for staff who may need to respond to or assist during an emergency rather than routinely supervise the pool as a lifeguard.
Who is it suitable for?
Duty managers, fitness teams, operational staff and other employees who may be expected to support a swimming pool emergency response.
It can be particularly useful where operators want to strengthen the number of staff within the building who are able to assist during an emergency..
Typical Format
12 hours of training, normally delivered over two days, plus assessment.
Aquatic Therapy Pool Rescue Award (ATPRA)
ATPRA
The Aquatic Therapy Pool Rescue Award is designed for aquatic therapists and support workers operating during programmed activities within therapy and hydrotherapy pool environments.
It develops supervision, rescue, emergency response, CPR and first aid skills relevant to the aquatic therapy environment.
Typical Format
12 hours plus assessment.
ATPRA LIGHT
ATPRA LIGHT is designed for aquatic therapists and support workers where suitably qualified lifeguard or first aid backup is available to respond quickly in an emergency.
Typical Format:
6 hours plus assessment.
Who is it suitable for?
Physiotherapists, aquatic therapists, therapy assistants, support workers and organisations operating hydrotherapy or aquatic therapy services.
The appropriate version will depend on the facility's emergency arrangements and available backup.
Trainer Assessor Mentoring
Becoming a Trainer Assessor is only the beginning of the development process.
Poolsmart can provide mentoring support for probationary RLSS UK Trainer Assessors as they progress through their initial course delivery and assessment requirements.
Support can include preparation, course delivery, assessment processes, feedback and development towards full Trainer Assessor status.
Who is it suitable for?
Probationary RLSS UK Trainer Assessors who require an approved mentor to support their progression.
Training Your Team?
Poolsmart can deliver pool and rescue training at client facilities where suitable, allowing organisations to train staff together and reduce unnecessary travel and disruption.
We can work with you to identify the qualification that best matches the roles, risks and emergency arrangements within your facility.
Training can support:
- New staff and lifeguard recruitment
- Existing team development
- Qualification renewals
- Swimming teachers and coaches
- Therapy and hydrotherapy teams
- Emergency response arrangements
- Wider competency and operational improvements
Not Sure Which Qualification You Need?
Tell us what your staff do, how your pool is supervised and what you need them to be able to respond to.
Poolsmart can help you identify the training route that best fits your facility and operational requirements.