Open Water Lifeguard (OWL) Qualifications Open water swimming is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK. The OWL qualification has been specifically designed to equip open water lifeguards with the skills required to supervise and provide rescue cover for planned, organised, and risk-assessed activities in still, non-tidal water. The RLSS UK Open Water Lifeguard Qualification is not suitable for moving water environments. About the Open Water Lifeguard Qualification (OWL) Prerequisites Course Content Become a Trainer FAQs Book on a course Next steps About the Open Water Lifeguard Qualification (OWL) The Open Water Lifeguard (OWL) Qualification was developed by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) to address the role of open water lifeguards and the needs of open water operators. As the open water industry continues to grow, the RLSS UK have endeavoured to respond to change through the ongoing development of this qualification. The OWL qualification can be used to supervise and provide rescue cover for planned, organised and risk assessed activities in still, non-tidal water. To find an Open Water Lifeguard course, click here! OWL Course Prerequisites Every candidate attending an OWL course must: Be 16-years-old or over at the time of assessment Be competent and confident in open-water Be able to submerge under the water confidently Before the course, candidates must be able to swim at least 400 metres in a pool/ open water swimming continuously on their front and show urgency. Current National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) holders can use RPL* from their NPLQ and attend a one-day RPL OWL qualification course, which will include an assessment by an OWL Assessor if successful they will be awarded an OWL qualification valid for 2 years. RPL New candidates: 7hrs + Assessment *Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of recognising a candidate’s previous achievement towards part of a qualification. To find an Open Water Lifeguard course, click here! Course Content The OWL enables candidates with no previous lifeguard experience to become qualified. By attaining this qualification candidates will have been assessed as competent to provide supervision and rescue cover for planned, organised and risk-assessed activities in open water still, non-tidal. The Open Water Lifeguard Qualification, delivered over three days, is valid for two years and is independently assessed. The candidate manual and trainer resources help the Open Water Lifeguard Trainer Assessor deliver through the three sections: Section 1 - The Open Water Lifeguard, environment, hazards and supervision Section 2 - Responding to an emergency and taking action Section 3 - CPR and First Aid New candidates: 18hrs + AssessmentRenewal candidates: 10hrs + Assessment Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Open Water Lifeguard Qualification Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of recognising a candidate’s previous achievement towards part of a qualification. Candidates that hold a current RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) can attend a one-day RPL OWL qualification course and will be externally assessed. Once successfully obtained the OWL qualification can be used as a standalone qualification to supervise and provide rescue cover for planned, organised and risk assessed activities in still, non-tidal water. Note, this course must only be delivered to current RLSS UK NPLQ holders only and should not include non-NPLQ candidates or a combination of both. The RPL Open Water Lifeguard Qualification, delivered over one day, is valid for two years and is independently assessed. The candidate manual and trainer resources help the Open Water Lifeguard Trainer Assessor deliver through the two sections: Section 1 - The Open Water Lifeguard, environment, hazards and supervisionSection 2 - Responding to an emergency and taking action RPL New candidates: 7hrs + Assessment Prerequisites for RPL Open Water Lifeguard Qualification: Must hold a current RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ). Be able to meet the following criteria: Confident in open water Able to swim at least 400 metres in a pool/ open water swimming continuously on their front and showing urgency Able to submerge under the water confidently Must complete minimum guided learning hours Successfully complete the course assessment Become a Trainer For more information about becoming an Open Water Lifeguard Trainer - Click here. Book on a Course To find your nearest OWL courses visit Course Finder or email us for more details [email protected] Next steps Once you have completed your OWL award, your next step is to become a RLSS UK Trainer Assessor (TA) with OWL Specialism, delivering OWL courses throughout the UK or Ireland. You could also go on to upskill and become a Pool to Pond Instructor, Lifesaving Instructor, Rookie Lifeguard Instructor or Water Smart Instructor. You can find information on all the courses we offer by clicking here. 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