Work Based Lifesaving Qualifications
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
The NPLQ establishes competence in pool lifeguard skills including water rescue and life support for personnel employed in the leisure industry as a swimming pool lifeguard.
The syllabus covers the criteria laid down in the Health & Safety Executive publication 'Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools.'
Other than good general fitness, eyesight and ability to swim, there are no prerequisites for this award.
National Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NBLQ)
This Lifeguard qualification trains the skills required by those responsible for the direct supervision and safety of those using open water locations for recreational purposes.
The syllabus covers the criteria established in the joint RLSS UK/RoSPA publications 'Safety on Beaches' and 'Safety and Inland Water Sites'.
Other than good general fitness, eyesight and ability to swim, there are no prerequisites for this award.
National Beach Lifeguard Qualification Syllabus (10.75 MB)
National Beach Lifeguard Qualification - Specialist Module Paddle Craft (239.69 kB)
National Beach Lifeguard Qualification Sample Lesson Plans (83.06 kB)
National Beach Lifeguard Qualification Sample Lesson Plans (83.06 kB)
National Beach Lifeguarding Qualification Assessors Mark Sheet (228.36 kB)
National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC)
This qualification trains the practical Lifesaving skills that may be needed by anyone teaching or coaching swimming or another programmed activity in the pool.
The qualification is endorsed by the Amateur Swimming Association, the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management and the Institute of Swimming Teachers and Coaches. It is also recognised in 'Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools' as being appropriate for those supervising programmed activities.
There are no prerequisites for this qualification. This is not a Lifeguard qualification.
NRASTC Assessors Mark Sheet (856.13 kB)
National Water Safety Management Programme
Supporting Employers - Protecting Employees
The National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP) provides a flexible water safety training solution for a wide range of employers who require their workforce to operate safely in or near water.
The NWSMP programme is a key step forward in helping employers meet their civil and statutory water safety management obligations, especially where employees have supervisory responsibilities in or near water. Many people working near the water margins receive minimal or no water safety training due to water safety training often taking a back seat compared to more traditional and recognised health and safety training. Through consultation with industry and lead bodies, RLSS UK have identified this gap in water safety training provision and launched NWSMP to close the gap, improving water safety across a wide range of working environments and operational sectors.
Aims of NWSMP
The aims of the NWSMP are to:
- Equip anyone working in, on or near water with essential knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about managing safety
- Enable group leaders to deliver safer activity at open water sites
- Develop personal safety skills for lone workers operating around water
- Facilitate compliance with Statutory and Civil obligations, especially the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 with related regulations and covering Safe Systems of Work
- Develop effective Emergency Response Skills for those working in a water based environment
Balancing Prevention and Response
The programme embraces contemporary approaches to risk management by balancing the need for simple pro-active safety management practices, with a strong focus on preventative measures - along with effective emergency response skills.
For more information please visit the Water Safety Management Programme website.
Emergency Response Open Water (ER-OW)
The ER-OW qualification has been specifically designed for people who work near or around water such as park wardens, rangers, gardeners or farmers, who don't have any direct responsibility for aquatic safety but may be expected to respond during an emergency.
The syllabus trains candidates in land based rescue techniques, basic first aid and Life Support (CPR).
There are no prerequisites for this qualification. This is not a Lifeguard qualification.
Emergency Response Activity Supervisor (ER-AS)
The ER-AS qualification has been specifically designed for those supervising aquatic activities at open water locations. The syllabus trains candidates in land and water based rescue techniques, basic first aid and Life Support (CPR).
There are no prerequisites for this qualification. This is not a Lifeguard qualification.
Emergency Response Activity Supervisor Syllabus (45.17 kB)
Emergency Response Activity Supervisor Risk Assessment Form (1.81 MB)
Emergency Resposne Activity Supervisor Activity Analysis Form (1.81 MB)
Emergency Response Swimming Pools (ER-SP)
The Emergency Response Certificate (Swimming Pools) is a Certificate of Water Rescue Competence for staff working in a facility where there is a swimming pool but where there is no direct poolside supervision. In addition, the qualification will apply where pool operators wish to provide a suitable programme of training and independent assessment for ancillary staff who may act in support of the lifeguard team. This is not a Lifeguard qualification.
There are no prerequisites for this qualification. This is not a Lifeguard qualification.
Emergency Resposne Swimming Pools Syllabus 3rd Edition (251.45 kB)
Emergency Response Swimming Pool 3rd Edition Registration Form (74.02 kB)
Rescue Test for Supervisors of Swimmers with Disabilities (RTSSD)
This qualification is designed specifically for lifeguards, teachers, coaches and helpers who may be required to assist in a rescue situation whilst responsible for the supervision of swimmers who have disabilities. There are no prerequisites for this qualification.
There are no prerequisites for this qualification. This is not a Lifeguard qualification.
Resuce Test For Supervisors Of Swimmers With Disabilities Syllabus (381.81 kB)
Police Lifesaving Certificate
This qualification is specifically for serving police officers and offers training in water safety, Life Support (CPR), and aquatic rescue as they apply to their normal duties.
