Our partnership with RLSS UK

We are so excited and honoured to have extended our partnership with the Royal Life Saving Society UK to continue delivering qualifications to lifeguards across the operator’s swimming pools, helping to keep customers safe and standards high in pools across the country. 

Established in 1891, the RLSS UK charity is the leading provider of lifesaving & lifeguarding training, and water safety education across the UK and Ireland. The charity also certifies more than 60,000 regulated qualifications per year. 

Over the next three years, our lifeguards will continue to be qualified in the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) - the leisure sector’s most robust lifeguarding qualification – which meets CIMSPA’s professional standard for lifeguarding. Continually reviewed to meet the requirements of the leisure sector, the NPLQ blends lifeguard education with advances in technology to give lifeguards the skills they need to reduce risks. 

The deal also sees us commit to the upskilling of its colleagues to become RLSS UK NPLQ Trainer Assessors, RLSS FAAW Trainer Assessors, RLSS Mentors and RLSS National Trainer Assessors. This will empower current team members to train the next wave of lifeguards coming through, as well as providing ongoing training to support their roles. 

There are currently more than 80,000 pool lifeguards – around 95% of all UK pool lifeguards – who hold a NPLQ. 

“Places Leisure exists because healthy communities’ matter, and ensuring we keep our customers and people safe is critical element to achieving this. We are delighted to partner with RLSS to support our commitment to providing a highly skilled workforce that can deliver the highest quality service to our communities and enable them to thrive.” said Keith Evans, Director of Safety and Risk at Places Leisure.” 

Alongside our lifeguards learning about all elements of Pool Rescue Techniques, Lifeguarding Theory, First Aid and CPR from the NPLQ, we have also committed to continue using the wide range of First Aid at Work qualifications for its colleagues who work within their dry facilities, and also within the wider business of Places for People.  

Jo Talbot, Commercial Director at RLSS UK: "We are delighted to have agreed on an extended contract with Places Leisure that will see them continue to deliver RLSS UK qualifications and awards, including the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), at their venues across England. Their commitment demonstrates their belief in RLSS UK’s training and ensuring their team is qualified to industry-leading standards. We look forward to continuing to work with Places Leisure over the next three years.”