National Pool Lifeguard Qualification

The National Pool Lifeguard Qualification is the most awarded lifeguard qualification in the UK and Ireland and is also internationally recognized.

More than 40,000 pool lifeguards qualify with the RLSS UK every year.

There are currently more than 80,000 pool lifeguards qualified in the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification – 95% of all UK pool lifeguards.

RLSS UK is regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA in Northern Ireland.

Lifeguard Course Prerequisites

Every candidate attending a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) course must be 16-years-old or above at the time of taking the NPLQ final assessment and be able to:

Jump/dive into deep water
Swim 50 metres in less than 60 seconds
Swim 100 metres continuously on front and back
In deep water, tread water for 30 seconds
Surface dive to the floor of the pool
Climb out unaided without ladder/steps and where the pool design permits

About the NPLQ

The NPLQ covers all elements of Pool Rescue Techniques, Lifeguarding Theory, First Aid and CPR. The course is physically demanding and will include swimming to set times, lifting casualties and diving to the deepest part of the swimming pool. Training and assessment for the NPLQ are in three sections, and candidates must successfully pass all to attain the qualification.

About the assessment

Assessment for the NPLQ takes place at the end of the course. It determines your knowledge and understanding of the principles of working as a pool lifeguard and assesses your ability to apply the skills and knowledge in a work-related environment.

The assessment is split into three sections:

Practical pool assessment
Theory Assessment for all three sections
Practical First Aid & CPR assessment

Duke of Edinburgh

Through training with GJH Training Services, your NPLQ experience can go toward your Physical, Skills, Volunteering and Residential sections of your Duke of Edinburgh Award.

UCAS Tariff points

The NPLQ is a Level 3 qualification and by completing the course you can gain eight UCAS Tariff points. This could help you secure a place at university or further education. Completing other Level 3 courses including first aid can help you accumulate more UCAS points.

Train with GJH Training Services

I am running another lifeguard course this year, more details can be found via this link:

16th – 20th February 2026 – Leeds Grammar School

I look forward to welcoming you on my course! if you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

To book onto my next course, or for more information, please don’t hesitate in contacting me

NATIONAL POOL LIFEGUARD QUALIFICATION