The National Pool Lifeguard Qualification

08 July 2022 at 14:12:16

The National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is a nationally recognised qualification enabling successful candidates to work throughout the UK and abroad.  Anyone interested in taking part in our next course is invited to undertake a nationally set fitness test prior to undertaking the course. Successful candidates will be expected to have 100% attendance of the course, demonstrating the required skills in a confident manner.  Additional training will be offered to anyone requiring extra help.  After the course and exam, successful candidates require 20 hours of ongoing training per year, normally 2 hours a month, and then undertake a renewal exam every two years to maintain their qualification.  The initial cost of this course will be £230, future training and renewal costs will be paid for providing training is maintained.

The fitness test is set as guidance for any potential candidates with a view that people not meeting one or two requirements just now have time to work on skills & fitness.  Candidates are invited to take this time to visit Ionad Spors Leòdhais (ISL) and work on these skills; the test should take about 30 minutes and you can practice any time, as the pool timetable allows.  Please register your interest so online profiles can be created for you and course materials ordered. Please e-mail chris.plum@cne-siar.gov.uk with your contact details.  Feel free to spread the word and invite other interested folk!

Fitness requirements below:

•             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

Fitness tests must be booked in advance by e-mailing chris.plum@cne-siar.gov.uk by Thursday 7th July. Fitness tests will be held at ISL on Friday 8th July at 7pm and Monday 11th July at 6pm.

Provisional course dates:

•             Tuesday 19th July

•             Wednesday 20th July

•             Tuesday 26th July

•             Wednesday 27th July

•             Thursday 28th July