Pool Safety
Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS)
National Pool Lifeguard Award
- Maximum number of 12 delegates per course
The Pool Lifeguard qualification is in two units that cover a period of 38hrs.
Unit 1 provides training and assessment in the knowledge of general aspects of pool operation, supervision, accident prevention and rescue skills, along with resuscitation and First Aid. Assessment for Unit 1 takes place at the conclusion of a training course of a minimum of 31hrs for new candidates.
Unit 2 is continually assessed over a course of a minimum of a further 7 hours training. It determines the candidates’ ability to apply Unit 1 into practice at the pool-training venue.
Usually, courses will be delivered including both units of the qualification - you must have both units to complete the qualification.
For all courses, the following pre-requisites apply:
- At least 16 years of age prior to commencing training
- Be able to jump/dive into deep water
- Swim 50 metres in less than 60 seconds
- Swim 100m continuously on front and back in deep water, then tread water for 30 seconds
- Surface dive to the floor at the deepest part of the pool
- Climb out of the pool unaided without ladder/steps
The award is valid for 2 years subject to regular ongoing training (minimum of 20 hours).
National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers & Coaches (NRASTC)
- Maximum number of 12 delegates per course
- Course booklet and Certificate
The Health and Safety executive acknowledges that because participants are being continually supervised ‘programmed’ activities in theswimming pool carry a lower risk to the safety of those taking part. Whilst there are no substitutes for continuous vigilance and careful planning to reduce the risk of something going wrong, accidents and the unexpected do occasionally happen, even in a controlled environment. The aims and objectives of NRASTC are to identify:
- Potential Hazards
- The importance of Pool Safety Operating
- Procedures
- Appropriate emergency action
All candidates must be able to swim 40 metres comfortably and be prepared to learn some simple practical lifesaving skills. Age and physical stature should be no barrier to completing this award successfully. Training will take approximately 12 hours, and will be followed by an assessment, which lasts about 1½ hours. The award is then valid for 2 years.
