NPLQ courses

Learn to save lives

National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) Courses

We are running an NPLQ course here at Balham Leisure Centre. Learn valuable life saving skills and become qualified for a job in lifeguarding.

And why stop there? If you become a lifeguard at a Places Leisure Centre, you will have the opportunity to progress your career in leisure, with potential Placemaker, Placemaker Manager, and Duty Manager roles available in the centre.

NPLQ stands for National Pool Lifeguard Qualification and is widely accepted by swimming pools in the UK and Ireland as a minimum qualification as a role of a lifeguard within the swimming pool. The course is split into 4 sections:

Section 1 – The Lifeguard and the Law, Swimming Pool Supervision

Element 1 – The Lifeguard and the Law
Element 2 – Swimming Pool, Hazards and Control Measures
Element 3 – Swimming Pool Supervision

Section 2 – Intervention and Rescue and Emergency Action Plans

Element 1 – Intervention and Rescue
Element 2 – Rescue of a Casualty with a Suspected Spinal Injury
Element 3 – Emergency Action Plan

Section 3 – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, AED and First Aid

Element 1 – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Element 2 – First Aid
Element 3 – Automated External Defibrillation (AED)

The course includes swimming pool rescue skills, basic life support, basic First Aid, managing a casualty suffering from a spinal injury, managing a swimming pool environment, identifying hazards that could cause harm to users and much more.

Am I eligible to take part?

Every candidate attending a NPLQ course must be 16-years-old at the time of taking the NPLQ final assessment and be able to:

  • Swim 50 metres in less than 60 seconds
  • Swim 100 metres continuously on front and back in deep water
  • Tread water for 30 seconds
  • Climb out unaided without ladder/steps and where the pool design allows

What will I receive if I am successful?

Successful candidates will receive:

  • RLSS NPLQ certificate
  • RLSS AED certificate 
  • Management of Anaphylaxis certificate

Course details:

Upcoming dates:

April 2025:

  • 5th-6th and 9th-12th April | 8.00am-5.00pm

July 2025:

  • 18th-20th and 25th-27th April | 8.00am-5.00pm

Course price: £310

Information on the course:

Travel
  • Free parking is not available on-site. We recommend using public transport, with Balham being the nearest station.
  • Bike racks are available at the front of the centre for those cycling.
  • Please plan your journey in advance to ensure timely arrival.
What to Bring
  • Bring your own food and drinks. There will be regular breaks, and you may visit the high street for food if needed.
  • A pen and notebook are essential. A course manual will be provided on the first day.
  • A padlock is required to secure belongings in the lockers while using the pool.
  • Swimwear, dark shorts, and a t-shirt must be brought daily, as pool sessions will take place once a day for at least two hours.
Before the Course
  • Full payment must be made at least one week before the course start date.
  • Ensure you have created an account on RLSS Tahdah. You can do so here: create your account
During the Course
  • Arrive by 7:45 AM each day for an 8:00 AM prompt start.
  • 100% attendance is required for all course days.
  • On the first day, check in at reception for directions to your training room.
  • Be punctual for all start times and scheduled breaks.

How to book?

For more information and to book, email JoanneHunter@pfpleisure.org