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  1. Home
  2. Become a Lifeguard

Become a Lifeguard

Training to be a lifeguard is an excellent career choice no matter what stage of life you’re in (e.g. college student, new parent, over 50, etc). The skills learned and developed during RLSS UK lifeguard courses can be widely transferred to various careers - check out our #IStartedAsALifeguard page to discover a range of career path stories to inspire you.

Three different types of lifeguard certifications are available depending on what environment(s) you’d like to work in, pool lifeguard, beach lifeguard, or open water lifeguard training. RLSS UK offers the UK's most popular lifeguard qualifications.

Find a course and start your lifeguard journey today!

National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)

National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)

The NPLQ is the UK’s most popular pool lifeguard qualification. Read more

Published: 10th September, 2018

Updated: 5th June, 2025

Author: James Soley

National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ)

National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ)

Learn how to operate effectively across a range of beach environments. Read more

Published: 4th September, 2018

Updated: 31st March, 2025

Author: James Soley

Open Water Lifeguard (OWL) Qualification

Open Water Lifeguard (OWL) Qualification

Gain the skills required to supervise and rescue in still, non-tidal water. Read more

Published: 3rd September, 2018

Updated: 1st May, 2026

Author: James Soley

International Lifeguarding Qualification

International Lifeguarding Qualification

Eligibility requirements for the ILS International Certificate. Read more

Published: 2nd September, 2018

Updated: 3rd June, 2025

Author: James Soley

#IStartedAsALifeguard

#IStartedAsALifeguard

Stories about how being a lifeguard helped peoples' future careers. Read more

Published: 3rd August, 2018

Updated: 15th April, 2026

Author: James Soley

What our Lifeguards love about being a Lifeguard

What our Lifeguards love about being a Lifeguard

Reasons RLSS UK lifeguards have told us they love their jobs. Read more

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 12th February, 2025

Author: Kelly Key

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Latest

  • Child Drownings Report 2026

    Child Drownings Report 2026

  • Mirror launches 'Save Lives for Sam' water safety campaign

    Mirror launches 'Save Lives for Sam' water safety campaign

    6-week water safety campaign to lobby the government.

  • 5K Fun Run

    5K Fun Run

    I am fundraising to support the Drowning Prevention Campaign

  • Triple Olympic Champion Tom Dean MBE joins RLSS UK as an Ambassador to champion the charity’s water safety education outreach

    Triple Olympic Champion Tom Dean MBE joins RLSS UK as an Ambassador to champion the charity’s water safety education outreach

    The Celebrity Ambassador role for RLSS UK, a leader in lifesaving, lifeguarding and water safety education, highlights the mutual vision of creating communities free from drowning.

Most read

  • Your RLSS UK Account

    Your RLSS UK Account

    Find out how to log in to your RLSS UK Account (powered by tahdah), view our how-to guides, and all the latest FAQs.

  • National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)

    National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)

    The NPLQ is the UK’s most popular pool lifeguard qualification.

  • Find a Course (RLSS UK Course Finder)

    Find a Course (RLSS UK Course Finder)

    Looking to find a course? This page will direct you to where you need to go.

  • RLSS UK Qualifications and Awards

    RLSS UK Qualifications and Awards

  • National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ)

    National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ)

    Learn how to operate effectively across a range of beach environments.

  • National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC)

    National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC)

    NRASTC is a supervision and rescue qualification for teachers working on the poolside or in the water during programmed activities, such as a swimming lesson.

  • Cold Water Shock – the Facts

    Cold Water Shock – the Facts

    Cold water can be from the temperature of a swimming pool and below.

  • National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) Renewal Information

    National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) Renewal Information

    How to renew your NPLQ qualification

  • Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools

    This information supports the HSE document ‘Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools’ 2018 edition.

  • Open Water Lifeguard (OWL) Qualification

    Open Water Lifeguard (OWL) Qualification

    Gain the skills required to supervise and rescue in still, non-tidal water.

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Assisted Lifeguard Technology - Related Pages NWSMP - DEFRA


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Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is a registered charity in England, Wales (1046060), and Scotland (SC037912) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (3033781). Its registered office is RLSS UK, Red Hill House, 227 London Road, Worcester, WR5 2JG.

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