Lifeguard Courses
The Royal Life Saving Society UK is the national governing body for training and education in lifesaving, lifeguarding and water safety. They offer a wide variety of courses, but for lifeguards, the two worth looking at to begin with are the National Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NBLQ) and the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), which are the leading awards. It is also worth noting that these awards are recognised by the International Lifesaving Federation and as such are valid in Australia, New Zealand and America.
Surf Life Saving GB is the awarding body for the professional Beach Lifeguard Qualification, an award backed by the RNLI. The qualifications they offer are also internationally recognised and allow you to hold a job in countries other than Britain.
Beach Lifeguard
National Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NBLQ) and National Rescue Standards Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NaRS BL) These courses cover Beach Lifeguard theory and preventing incidents. Open Water rescue skills where you will take part in simulated rescues in the sea. Life support resuscitation techniques for adults and children. And first aid which may include HSE First Aid at Work, a valuable qualification to all employers. Both qualifications also allow you to add on specialist modules. Age restrictions and minimum levels of fitness and competence both in and out of the water may be pre-requisites for this course. Please check with your chosen course provider.
For pool lifeguards, as well as the Royal Life Saving Society already mentioned above, there is also the Swimming Teachers Association.
Pool Lifeguard
National Aquatic Rescue Standard (NaRS) and National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) These courses last about 32 hours in total, usually taught over a six day period. The course content will be a mix of theory and practical of the theory learned. Safe pool practice, lifesaving techniques and emergency situations are the focus of the course. The final day will be reserved for assessment. Pre-requisites for the courses are not usually too demanding, though you should check with the course provider to see whether you qualify to take part.
We spoke to Chris about her experience as a Beach Lifeguard in Cornwall. "I think I was always going to be a lifeguard. I grew up by the sea and spent most weekends at the beach with my friends. My best friend's brother was a lifeguard and he encouraged me to get the NBLQ qualification. I did the course at Lusty Glaze Beach in Newquay. We had to do quite a bit of theory, CPR and first aid. But the open water skills were the most enjoyable and where I learned the most about the job - using a torpedo buoy to get to and rescue a casualty, that kind of thing. I had a part time job at the local beach but there wasn't the opportunity to go full time during the summer, so I managed to get a job in America. That's another benefit of the qualification, that you can use it in other countries!"
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