To become a beach lifeguard, you must complete the National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ). If you want to become a pool lifeguard, you will need the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ). It is recommended to do both so that you have all qualifications which enable you to work wherever.

What do Lifeguards have to do?

Safety

The number one task of each lifeguard is to ensure the safety of each swimmer. Having all areas under highly attentive observation. 

Safety rules

If any swimmers disobey rules, the lifeguard will also have to be consequential and ensure the person is not endangering any of the other swimmers.

Rescue

Lifeguards must be quick; quick action is required in an emergency. In some instances, the lifeguard will have to perform first aid.

Additional tasks of pool Lifeguard: 

Ensure the pool temperature and chemical level are correct. Clean the pool if needed.

Additional tasks of beach Lifeguard:

Check up on the weather and sea conditions and set the safety flags accordingly. 

It is a bit more engaging as it is a larger area, and the sea currents are also an additional difficulty. 

What are the Requirements?

To be a lifeguard, you must: 

– be over 16

– have a clear background check

– be able to swim quite well

To even qualify for the training, you will have to be able to prove your swimming capabilities.

To be able to take the pool lifeguard qualification, you will have to:

– swim 50 meters in less than 60 seconds and swim 100m without stopping on your front and back

– be confident enough in jumping and diving into deep water, as well as diving to the floor of the pool

– tread in water for 30 seconds

Beach lifeguard:

As previously mentioned being a beach lifeguard is a bit more engaging as it is a larger body of water. 

You should be able to:

– swim 200m in less than 5 minutes

– swim 400 meters in less than eight minutes

– dive as deep as 1.50m below surface level

– tread in water for two minutes

This Assessment should be passed to qualify for either the National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ) or the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ).

What does the National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ) incorporate?

To get the qualification, you must be a member of SLSGB. 

Both the NVBLQ and the NPLQ incorporate first aid training. 

By the end of NVBLQ, you will have acquired all of the units below:

– Understanding a beach environment, beach patrolling

– Working practices

– Communications

– Level 1 and 2 first aid skills

– Basic life support and Paediatric Life support

– Further practical practise

The Assessment has various forms:

– Online Tests, Physical Fitness tests, Practical and theoretical Assessments 

The Assessment will be carried out by an SLSGB Trainer Assessor.

What does the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) incorporate?

The NPLQ covers Lifeguarding theory, practical pool rescue techniques, and First aid and CPR.

Training and Assessment are separated into three sections:

The first section will include everything you need to know about the career and the laws. Learn more about the swimming pool, factors such as hazards and control measures.

The last element is pool supervision which will also incorporate all the needed information on keeping the pool condition safe for swimming.

The second section will be all about rescue and emergency action plans. This will include intervention and rescue, how to act when a suspected spinal injury, and how to rescue such a casualty. What to do in case of emergency, all steps in detail, so you are prepared for anything.

The last section will teach you how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (AED), First aid and Automated External Defibrillation (AED).

The Assessment will also be split into three segments: 

– Practical pool assessment

– Theory on all three sections: The Lifeguard and the Law, Swimming Pool Supervision, Intervention and Rescue and Emergency Action Plans, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, AED and First Aid

– Practical First Aid and CPR assessment

Being a lifeguard is quite a rewarding job. You will learn a great amount of responsibility and life-saving skills, and you will be able to keep up your physical fitness. It definitely is a fun job to keep you on your toes and also meet new people!

Lifeguard Services

Lifeguard services provide an easy way to hire a fully qualified lifeguard for permanent, short and long-term hire. We provide an easy way to make sure your allocated water is in safe hands. We can come to your school, outdoor event, party and more. To find out more and book, please see our booking page.