Enquire about our courses
For more information on any of these courses contact the Beckett Sport Education team.
Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
national pool lifeguard qualification
Start your career to become an internationally-recognised National Pool Lifeguard today.
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) – 10th edition
Become a qualified pool lifeguard with our comprehensive National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) 10th Edition course, the UK’s leading and most widely recognised qualification for pool lifeguards.
What is the NPLQ?
The NPLQ is a Level 3 qualification approved by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK). This qualification trains you in lifesaving, water safety, rescue techniques, first aid, and CPR — providing the essential skills needed to work professionally as a lifeguard in swimming pools across the UK and internationally.
Who Should Apply?
- Individuals aged 16 or looking to start a career or gain employment as a pool lifeguard.
- Those seeking physically active roles within the leisure or aquatic industry.
- People who want to develop critical lifesaving skills and first aid proficiency.
- Anyone pursuing further education who can benefit from the UCAS points awarded upon completion.
Course Entry Requirements
To enrol, candidates must be able to:
- Jump or dive into deep water safely.
- Swim 50 metres in under 60 seconds.
- Swim 100 metres continuously on both front and back in deep water.
- Tread water for at least 30 seconds.
- Perform a surface dive to the bottom of the pool.
- Climb out of the pool unaided, without using a ladder or steps.
Participants will complete a swim test before their place on the course can be confirmed to ensure water readiness.
Our NPLQ course runs over a minimum of 42 hours, typically spread across five full days. It covers three core competency areas:
- The Lifeguard, Swimming Pool, and Supervision
Lifeguard legal responsibilities
Identifying and managing swimming pool hazards
Maintaining effective pool supervision
- Intervention, Rescue, and Emergency Action Plan
Developing effective rescue techniques
Handling suspected spinal injuries safely
Implementing emergency action plans
- CPR, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and First Aid
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Use of AED device
Comprehensive first aid skills tailored for aquatic environments
Course Exam/Certificate
In order to gain an NPLQ certificate which is valid for 2 years, you must:
- Attend all course hours and successfully complete both the theory and practical assessments
Course Duration: 42 hours
Course Venue: Carnegie Sports Centre, Headingley Campus, Leeds, LS6 3QQ
Financial Implications for applicants not attending courses
The following cancellation policies apply for Coach Education Qualifications
- Before 20 working days of the start date - full Refund OR Fee Transfer
- Between 20 and 11 working days of the start date - £10 Admin Charge deducted from your refund
- Between 10 working days to the start date - NO refund or transfer
See the full Frequently Asked Questions and Essential Course Information on our website.
Course Dates
| Tuesday 7 April 2026 | 9:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday 8th April 2026 | 9:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday 9th April 2026 | 9:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday 10th April 2026 | 9:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday 11th April 2026 | 9:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday 12th April 2026 | 14:00 - 18:00 (assessment) |
Course Fee
- External Candidates: £315
- Leeds Beckett Students/Staff: £295
