Open Water Lifeguard - Bolt On

Open Water Lifeguards can support a host of events and locations including – 

• Open Water Swim Competitions
• Triathlons
• Public inland bathing sites
• Adventure Races
• Triathlon events
• Stand up paddle board lessons / sessions

The Open Water Lifeguard ‘bolt-on’ module is the first of its kind and allows all pool lifeguards who hold the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) to develop their skills and knowledge to lifeguard open water.

This ‘bolt-on’ module will bridge the gap and equips lifeguards with both the knowledge and skills to keep people safe in open water.

RLSS UK are the leading experts in pool lifeguarding and want to replicate this in open water with Open Water Lifeguard. RLSS UK want open water swimmers to be able to swim in the knowledge the lifeguards are highly trained but also want lifeguards trained in our qualification to make it possible for more open water swimming sites to be available to the public.

Pre‑requisites for this course:

Candidates must hold a current National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (or equivalent) – evidence will be required.

Candidates should also be able to meet the following basic fitness standards.

• Before beginning the course, candidates should be able to complete a continuous swim of at least 400 metres in a pool.
• Candidates should be able to dive to a depth of up to two metres without danger to their hearing.

The course is a minimum of a six-hour module award that will build on existing skills and knowledge and prepare candidates for the open water environment.

The course is continually assessed throughout by the course staff.

The course includes elements of:

• The open water lifeguard, environment, hazards and supervision
• Assessing Lifeguards confidence and ability in open water
• Being able to supervise and provide rescue during controlled activities, such as triathlons and adventure races in non-tidal waters
• Responding to an emergency and taking action