Pool lifeguards work in enclosed water like swimming pools and waterparks.
They are trained to use specific equipment according to their situation.
They will generally have to rescue people who got into difficulties because of their limited skills/confidence
or who have suffered from a medical problem.
When they act, they do so as members of a team and they do so over very short distances.
Most pool rescues should involve a swim of less than 15 metres.
Other tasks include looking after bather's comfort and entertainment, or tidying the floats and other toys.
They may need to hop into the pool a few times each day to sort things out.
Pool Lifeguard Qualification
The National Pool Lifeguard Qualification requires a minimum of 31 hours for unit 1 and 7 hours for unit 2 for a new candidate, although exemptions may apply to holders of the following awards.
A current Bronze Medallion or higher award: 12 hours
A Life Support 3 Award: 6 hours
A First Aid at work qualification: 9 hours
Regardless of current qualification a candidate may not be awarded more than 12 hours off the stipulated minimum of 31 hours for Unit 1.
- You must be 16 years old or above to train to be a Pool Lifeguard.
- If you are 16 years old or around that age we recommend taking the Bronze Medallion qualification and Life Support 3
before you start your pool lifeguard training.
- The purchase of a RLSS Pool Lifeguard manual is necessary. It includes:
- the manual
- a form for completion after assessment and
- the cost of the assessment itself
The Pool Lifeguard training sessions will be carried out by an RLSS Pool Trainer Assessor.
An external Assessor will conduct and assess the final Assessment.
Candidates renewing the National Pool Qualification must adhere to 20 hours of ongoing training covering the complete range of skills over a two year period. Where training records are not produced the assessment will not take place.
Please contact your local club for current prices or if you have any questions that are not covered by the above.
| 
