Rookie Lifeguard Pool Programme RLSS UK’s Rookie Lifeguard Pool programme enables children to learn valuable water safety skills in a fun, engaging, educational, and social swimming pool environment. The Rookie Lifeguard Pool programme teaches children interchangeable skills that help build their confidence, promote teamwork, and foster leadership skills. Rookie Pool Lifeguards develop the basic survival, rescue and lifesaving skills that will empower them to respond effectively in emergency situations. The Rookie Lifeguard Pool programme can run parallel to your child’s current swimming lessons and enhance the skills they learn in the pool. Find a Rookie Lifeguard Pool Programme near you Testimonials for the Rookie Lifeguard Pool Programme “Even though I was scared, I remembered my [Rookie Lifeguard] lessons ... I’d remembered ‘don’t panic and float.’ I am so grateful to all my swim teachers and my drowning prevention lessons.” Walter, Rookie Lifeguard Pool Programme participant who self-rescued in open water “I made some good friendships during Rookie Lifeguard with other participants, and I had a fantastic instructor named Daryl who pushed me to do my best. I thought he was a great role model and motivator.”Connor Elliot, Rookie Pool Lifeguard Programme Graduate “I am so proud of them and so pleased they both continued their swimming skills by taking Rookie lifeguard lessons… All the first aid they are learning is priceless and covers all eventualities and accidents.”Rebecca Mansfield, Mother of two Rookie Pool Lifeguard Programme Graduates "I am so grateful for RLSS UK for some incredible experiences and my fantastic lifesaving teacher, Michelle Hayward, who sparked my love for lifesaving from a young age. I started the Rookie Lifeguard Programme at my school, Edgbaston High School for Girls, and progressed to become an NPLQ Lifeguard - even working at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games!" Isabel May Jones, Rookie Pool Lifeguard Programme Graduate Prerequisites for the Rookie Lifeguard Pool Programme The programme is ideal for children aged 8-12 years. Able to meet the swimming skills at the Stage 7 Swim England Learn to Swim programme or an equivalent level (e.g. swim 25 metres front and back stroke). Stages of the Rookie Lifeguard Pool Programme The Rookie Lifeguard Pool programme involves three core course content stages – Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each stage of the Rookie Lifeguard Pool programme is divided into three levels, and each stage runs roughly for eight to ten weeks. The programme also includes speciality awards that can be achieved at any stage to add variety and fun. Certificates and badges/stickers are available for each award, and Rookie Pool Lifeguards can also record their achievements in the Rookie Lifeguard Progress Book. Shop Rookie Lifeguard Pool Programme Products More details for each stage of the Rookie Lifeguard Pool programme: Bronze Stage Awards 1-3 During the Bronze Stages of the Rookie Lifeguard Pool programme, children learn and complete the following skills: Enter shallow water safely and confidently and wade Tread water and signal for help Swim continuously in clothing for 50m Swim Lifesaving Backstroke Scull head and feet- first Hold the ‘HELP’ position Demonstrate a non-swimmer, weak swimmer, and an unconscious casualty Demonstrate a ‘Shout and Signal’ rescue Throw an aid Demonstrate a reach rescue Enter deep water safely and confidently Perform a feet-first surface dive and swim underwater Climb out in deep water without using the steps Silver Stage Awards 1-3 During the Silver Stages of the Rookie Lifeguard Pool programme, children learn and complete the following skills: Swim continuously in clothing for 200m on your front and back Demonstrate a reaching rescue Throw a buoyant aid to a casualty 8m away Enter shallow water and wade to a casualty Using a throwing aid, instruct the casualty on what to do Using a rigid aid, instruct the casualty on what to do The support position Tread water for 3 minutes Swimming, surface dives and object recovery Shallow turn and rescue an ‘unconscious casualty’ Coil and throw a rope to a casualty 10m away and pull it to the side in less than 45 seconds Enter deep water using a straddle jump Demonstrate a fall-in entry into clear, deep water Swim 20m continuously with your head out of the water on your front Gold Stage Awards 1-3 During the Gold Stages of the Rookie Lifeguard Pool programme, children learn and complete the following skills: Coil and throw a rope to a casualty and pull to the side Swim 400m continuously in clothing Demonstrate Lifesaving Backstroke, Sidestroke, Breaststroke or Front Crawl Tread water, remove clothing, then swim 50m Climb out of deep water unaided Demonstrate fall-in, compact jump or shallow dive Demonstrate a Reverse Demonstrate a Standoff Rescue an unconscious casualty at depth in less than 2 minutes 30 seconds Demonstrate supported rescue breathing whilst waiting for help Demonstrate the support position Demonstrate non-contact rescues Treat for shock Hand signals Using any recognised competitive stroke, swim 400m continuously, in less than 12 minutes Speciality Awards The Rookie Lifeguard Pool Speciality Awards can be completed at any stage in the programme, adding variety and fun. Speciality Awards List: Life Support (first aid) Water Safety Winter Safety Communications Sport – Bronze, Silver & Gold Diving Paddleboard Beach Running Rookie Master Pool Lifeguard Award The Rookie Master Pool Lifeguard Award recognises Rookie Pool Lifeguards who have achieved an outstanding standard through the Rookie Lifeguard Pool programme. Instructors can present the awards to those who have achieved the following criteria within the Rookie Lifeguard Pool programme: Gold Level 3 Water Safety (Speciality Award) Life Support (Speciality Award) Plus three other speciality awards Find a Rookie Lifeguard Pool Programme near you Leisure centres and lifesaving clubs across the UK and Ireland deliver the Rookie Lifeguard Pool programme. The average cost is around £75.50 per 10-week award course plus the cost of award certificates. Find a Rookie Lifeguard Pool Programme near you Rookie Lifeguard FAQs Still have unanswered questions? Read our Rookie Lifeguard FAQs page for the answers to common questions about the the Rookie Lifeguard Pool programme. Rookie Lifeguard FAQs Become a Rookie Lifeguard Pool Instructor If you are interested in becoming a Rookie Lifeguard Pool Instructor and/or including the Rookie Lifeguard Pool programme in your swimming lesson schedule, please visit our How to Deliver Rookie Lifeguard page to learn more about the prerequisites and the steps involved. Find out more about delivering the Rookie Lifeguard Pool programme Next Steps After completing the Rookie Lifeguard Pool programme, graduates can progress onto: National Lifesaving Academy (12+) National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (16+) First Aid Essentials Suite (16+) Manage Cookie Preferences