What do you mean by First Aid? 

First Aid, put simply, is the immediate action taken in an emergency. It can stop a condition from worsening, encourage recovery and even save a life. It is an invaluable aspect of any working environment or indeed any life situation where an accident or sudden illness can occur.

What are the requirements for First Aid in the Workplace?

The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to enable first aid to be given to employees if they are injured or become ill at work.

What is the minimum first aid provision I must provide?

The minimum first aid provision in any workplace is:

• Having a first-aid box containing the right equipment.
• Having a person appointed to oversee first aid provision

This applies to all workplaces including those with five or fewer employees, and to the self-employed.

What is an Appointed Person?

An Appointed Person is the person who is assigned to take charge of First Aid. This means taking control when someone is ill or injured, including calling 999. They are responsible for First Aid equipment and keeping boxes stocked up. An Appointed Person should be available at all times, so it may be necessary to appoint more than one to cover the workplace fully.

What is a First Aider?

A First Aider is a person who has successfully attended a 4 day First Aid At Work training course and who holds a current First Aid at Work certificate. More than one First Aider may be needed but a First Aider can undertake the duties of an Appointed Person.

How can I determine what First Aid training is needed?

The following list should help determine whether more than the minimum First Aid provision (i.e. a first aid box and someone to maintain this box) is required.

• If you have 5 or more employees and an assessment identifies significant risks in your workplace, then first aiders may be needed.
• If there any specific risks, for example: dangerous equipment, hazardous substances, then you will need to consider specific training for First Aiders and possibly extra First Aid equipment placed in the right position.
• Patterns shown by the records of accidents and illness may affect where First Aiders and equipment are located and what type of First Aid equipment you have.
• The number of people working on-site can affect whether or not First Aiders are needed and if so how many should be available on-site.
• If anyone who works on site has a disability or health problem, then you may need more qualified First Aiders or special equipment sited in the correct place.
• If the organisation has a number of sites or numerous floors, then you will need to consider provision in each building or on several of the floors.
• If employees do shifts or out-of-hours working, then First Aid facilities need to be available all the time when people are at work.
• If the workplace some distance away from emergency medical services, then Medical services will need to be informed of your location and you may need to make special arrangements with the emergency services.
• If some of your employees travel extensively or work on their own, then Personal First Aid kits and mobile phones may need to be issued.
• If any employees work at sites shared by other employers, then you will need to discuss provision with the other employers.
• Any trainees on work experience need to be protected by your First Aiders and/or equipment.
• If members of the public visit the premises, then you have no legal responsibilities for the public regarding First Aid but the HSE recommends that you include them in your First Aid provision.

Can anyone come on the course?

You must be 16 years old or over to attend the course. There is no upper age limit for attendance on the course as long as you can meet the following fitness criteria.

• Jump or dive into deep water

• Swim 50m in 60 seconds

• Swim 100m continuously on both front and back stroke

• Tread water for 30 seconds

• Surface dive to a depth of 1.8m

• Climb out of the pool unaided

Do I have to be a world class swimmer?

No, as long as you are a competent swimmer and can meet the fitness criteria.

How is the course structured?

A typical session might include:

• Pool Lifeguard theory training
• Pool rescue skills
• Spinal Cord Injury Management (SCIM)
• Life Support resuscitation skills
• First Aid training

I have a hearing disability - can I take the NPLQ?

Yes, provided that you are able to communicate effectively without necessarily having face-to-face contact (such as would be the case when giving CPR). No special provisions can be made.

Do I need 20/20 vision to take the NPLQ?

If you wear spectacles or contact lenses then as long as you can function in a rescue situation efficiently without them then this should not pose a problem. For example, you are not allowed to wear goggles during the assessment so if you wear contact lenses then you would have to make sure you could function without them. No special provision can be made.

How difficult is the exam?

The assessment will test your learning, practical skills and ability to think and act clearly in the four main areas (Life Support, First Aid, Theory, Pool rescue skills). There are two timed swim/tows of no more than 40m in the assessment. The resuscitation and Spinal Cord Injury Management skills are perhaps the most technical, but you will have plenty of time to practise.

What happens if I can't attend some sessions?

This must be discussed with the trainer. You have to complete at least 31 hours contact time with the trainer for unit 1 and 7 hours for unit 2, except where exemptions apply. Usually all sessions must be attended.

Do I have to sit a full course if I already hold other lifesaving / lifeguard awards?

A number of awards and qualifications are recognised as approved prior learning and can reduce the minimum training time required. This is only possible where it will not disrupt the course or disadvantage other candidates and is therefore at the discretion of the trainer.

Exemptions may apply to holders of the following awards and qualifications:

• Current RLSS UK Bronze Medallion or higher award (inc Beach Lifeguard) 
• Current HSE-approved First Aid at Work certificate
• Current RLSS UK Life Support 3 award
• Current STA NARS (PL) Qualification

All awards must still be valid and evidence of achievement will be required.  The maximum accreditation for prior learning that may be claimed is 12 hours in total.

What do I get out of it?

You get out as much as you put in. Hopefully you will be taught skills for life to save life. You should come out of the course with the ability to know how to help - not just in a lifeguarding context but in any life-threatening situation you come across.

While saving lives is a serious business, you should also have a lot of fun on the course and the qualification you receive at the end is excellent for university applications and CVs and can also count towards a number of S/NVQ units.

What S/NVQ units does the pool lifeguard qualification count towards?

The Pool Lifeguard qualification counts towards a number of S/NVQ units for Sport and Recreation at Level 2 as listed below:

A52 - Support the work of the team
C13 - Maintain sport and recreation facilities and equipment
C22 - Contribute to maintaining a safe and secure environment
C27 - Deal with substances hazardous to health
C28 - Maintain the safety of swimming pool users
C32 - Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with customers
C33 - Make information and advice available to customers
C35 - Deal with accidents and emergencies

Will I get a job at the end of it?

There are always opportunities for casual and full time employment in swimming pools across the country from age 16, and the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification is the minimum qualification required.

What will it cost me?

Costs of the course vary according to the provider, but will normally be between £200 and £250.

How long is the qualification valid?

The qualification is valid for 2 years from the assessment date. Over this period you should continue regular training.  This training should be logged so that you have the number of hours required when you need to retake the qualification after the two year period.

How can I renew my qualification?

You can renew your qualification at any time during the 2 year period by taking the assessment only. This is providing that you can show written evidence of having completed a minimum of 20 hours lifesaving, CPR, first aid training and competency assessment in conjunction with the undertaking of lifeguard duties during the 2 year validation of your qualification.

What happens if my qualification expires?

If your qualification expires before it is renewed you will be required to attend the full course as if you were a new candidate.

Who does the training?

You will be trained by experienced RLSS Pool Lifeguard Trainers and then assessed by an independent Assessor.

Can I work on a beach with a Pool Lifeguard Qualification?

No, the Beach and Pool Lifeguard Qualifications are two separate courses, though if you take the Pool Lifeguard course you will already have acquired a lot of the knowledge needed for Beach Lifeguard Qualification.

I'm a beach lifeguard - do I need to take the Pool Lifeguard Qualification to work in a pool?

Yes, though you should already be familiar with a lot of the skills.

What happens after the course has finished?

When you have successfully completed your assessment for Unit 1 and Unit 2 you will receive a copy of your assessment form, which acts as your proof of qualification until your certificate and qualification card is sent to you through the post (usually within 1 month).

The end of the course is not the end of your training. All lifeguards must complete regular training in all knowledge and skills to keep their qualification current. This training must be at least 20 hours in the 2 year validation of your qualification. Ongoing training is essential if you are to refresh, develop and extend your skills.

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