RLSS Lifeguard Training Courses
Are you interested in a job as a lifeguard? Or want to learn lifesaving skills?
We hold regular Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) courses around Edinburgh:
- RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification
- RLSS UK National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers/Coaches (Options for Lite or renewal courses available)
- RLSS UK Trainer Assessor Course
Follow the links below to see our full programme of dates and locations and to book online.
RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification
The NPLQ covers all elements of Pool Rescue Techniques, Lifeguarding Theory, First Aid and CPR. The course is physically demanding and will include swimming to set times, lifting casualties and diving to the deepest part of the swimming pool. Training and assessment for the NPLQ are in three sections, and candidates must successfully pass all to attain the qualification.
Lifeguard Course Pre-Requisites
Every candidate attending an NPLQ course must be 16-years-old. Proof of age will be required to be shown - i.e. driver's licence or a passport. If the candidate is not 16 on the last day of the course then they will not be assessed and will need to rebook the full course at the next available date. At the time of taking the NPLQ final assessment and be able to:
- 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
What is it like being a lifeguard?
Lifeguards benefit from varied working hours, which can easily fit around other commitments, the experience of working within a team, and the opportunity to progress within the leisure industry - most leisure managers start as pool lifeguards.
You must be registered for a free RLSS UK Society Number and an account with the RLSS prior to attending all RLSS UK courses. To register please go to https://rlssuk.tahdah.me/account/registernew
If you have attended a RLSS UK course previously you will have an existing society number on your certificate (8-digit number beginning with a ‘3’).
RLSS UK National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers & Coaches (NRASTC)
The NRASTC is a supervision and rescue qualification for teachers/coaches working on the poolside or in the water during programmed activities, such as a swimming lessons. It is suitable for teachers/coaches working in a wide range of swimming pools.
NRASTC Prerequisites
- You must be at least 16 years old on the first day of the course and be able to climb out of the pool unaided, without ladder/steps, where the pool design permits.
- Due to Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) legislation you are required to bring a form of identification with you on the first day of the course.
Assessment will take place on the last day of the course.
You must be registered for a free RLSS UK Society Number and an account with the RLSS prior to attending all RLSS UK courses. To register please go to https://rlssuk.tahdah.me/account/registernew
If you have attended a RLSS UK course previously you will have an existing society number on your certificate (8-digit number beginning with a ‘3’).
RLSS UK National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers & Coaches (NRASTC) RENEWAL
The NRASTC Renewal is a supervision and rescue qualification for teachers/coaches working on the poolside or in the water during programmed activities, such as a swimming lessons. It is suitable for teachers/coaches working in a wide range of swimming pools.
NRASTC Renewal Prerequisites
- You must have a valid NRA qualification and be at least 16 years old on the first day of the course and be able to climb out of the pool unaided, without ladder/steps, where the pool design permits.
- Due to Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) legislation you are required to bring a form of identification with you on the first day of the course.
Assessment will take place on the last day of the course.
You must be registered for a free RLSS UK Society Number and an account with the RLSS prior to attending all RLSS UK courses. To register please go to https://rlssuk.tahdah.me/account/registernew
If you have attended a RLSS UK course previously you will have an existing society number on your certificate (8-digit number beginning with a ‘3’).
*Please note that venues may be subject to change*
Terms and conditions
- Cancellations and refunds
- If notice is given for cancellations 14 days prior to the course start date we can offer a full refund.
- For cancellations made within 13 days of the course starting no refund will be given.
- In the event of Edinburgh Leisure cancelling a course; a full refund will be given. Edinburgh Leisure reserves the right to cancel a course depending upon numbers booked and cannot be held responsible for any loss of earnings, holiday entitlement or expenses incurred.
- Cancellations must be received in writing.
- Course standards of behaviour
- All course candidates must behave in a way that is not disruptive to other candidates, the course tutor and members of the Edinburgh Leisure staff.
- Any behaviour which is deemed disruptive, unsafe or inappropriate could result in the individual being removed from the course.
- Any candidate who does not meet the pre-requisites of the course on day one may be unable to continue and complete the course. Should this occur no refunds will be given.
RLSS UK Trainer Assessor
RLSS Pool Lifeguard Trainer Assessors are responsible for the delivery of the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) throughout the UK. If you are an experienced Pool Lifeguard, then this could be the next step in your leisure career.
The Trainer Assessor course is a week in duration and comprises of four modules:
- Train the Trainer
- Train the Assessor
- CPR and First Aid
- National Pool Lifeguard Qualification specialism.
Pool Lifeguard Trainer Assessor Prerequisites
- You must be at least 18 years old at the time of taking the assessment and be a member of the RLSS holding a full NPLQ.
- Candidates must bring an up to date RLSS NPLQ manual.
- Due to Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) legislation you are required to bring a form of identification with you on the first day of the course.
Assessment will take place throughout the course.
You must be registered for a free RLSS UK Society Number and an account with the RLSS prior to attending all RLSS UK courses. To register please go to https://rlssuk.tahdah.me/account/registernew
If you have attended a RLSS UK course previously you will have an existing society number on your certificate (8-digit number beginning with a ‘3’).