In swimming, safety is the silent hero of every lesson. While students learn to float, kick, and breathe, their instructors carry a profound responsibility: keeping everyone safe. The National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC) – now in its Seventh Edition – is a course designed exactly for this purpose. It equips swim teachers and coaches with lifesaving skills so they can prevent incidents and respond confidently if an emergency arises. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore what the NRASTC 7th Edition course entails, why it’s so important, and how we at Swim Design Space integrate its principles across our locations in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Blakeney, and beyond.
What is the NRASTC (7th Edition)?
The National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC) is a supervision and rescue qualification tailored for those who teach or coach swimming. Unlike a full lifeguard certification, this award focuses specifically on the scenarios a swim instructor might face during lessons. It was developed by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) in consultation with key swimming bodies (including Swim England, formerly ASA) and hundreds of training experts, ensuring it meets the real-world needs of swim schools and instructors. In essence, NRASTC trains instructors to be the lifeguards of their own class, bridging the gap when a dedicated lifeguard isn’t on hand.
What does the course cover? The Seventh Edition of NRASTC is a comprehensive two-day programme (approximately 12 guided hours) that mixes theory with lots of hands-on practice. Key topics and skills include:
- Understanding Pool Safety & Class Management: Instructors learn how to effectively supervise their swim sessions, conduct risk assessments, and manage classes to prevent incidents. This includes scanning techniques, controlling group behavior, and being alert to hazards in and around the pool.
- Intervention & Rescue Techniques: Trainees practice a range of rescue skills for when a swimmer is in trouble. This could mean wading in to assist a struggling beginner or using a reach pole or throwing aid for a distressed swimmer at a distance. Techniques for supporting a casualty’s airway in water and safe tows to poolside are covered, preparing teachers to act decisively.
- Emergency Action Planning: The course drills the procedures for various emergencies – from minor incidents to serious scenarios. Instructors are taught how to execute an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), raise alarms, evacuate the pool if needed, and coordinate with emergency services or on-site responders.
- CPR and First Aid: A significant portion is devoted to first aid skills, including CPR on adults, children, and infants, plus management of choking, bleeding, shock, and even pool-specific concerns like water inhalation. By the end, candidates can confidently perform resuscitation and basic first aid care if the unthinkable happens.
Prerequisites: The NRASTC course is open to anyone 16 years or older who meets a basic swimming ability standard. Candidates must be able to swim 50 metres front and back, surface dive to retrieve an object from the deepest part of their pool, and climb out without using a ladder. These requirements ensure that trainees have the watermanship needed to perform rescues. No advanced swim technique is required – it’s about basic competence and comfort in the water.
Assessment and Certification: At the end of the two days, an independent examiner tests each candidate’s knowledge and practical skills. This includes a written or oral theory component (covering safety knowledge and understanding of procedures) and a practical demonstration of rescue skills, CPR, and first aid. Passing this assessment earns the instructor their NRASTC certification, which is valid for 2 years from the date of issue. The award is nationally recognised and aligned with Swim England/ASA standards, meaning it’s respected across the UK aquatics industry as “a nationally recognised qualification, in accordance with the RLSS and ASA training syllabus.”
NRASTC vs. NRASTC LIGHT: You might have heard of a “light” version of this course. NRASTC LIGHT is a one-day variant designed for venues that have lifeguards or first-aiders on duty during lessons. It omits some of the first aid content and focuses on supervision and basic rescue, since the assumption is that additional help is readily available if needed.
Many swim schools choose the full NRASTC for their staff if they teach in private pools or situations without on-deck lifeguards, whereas NRASTC LIGHT is an option for, say, a coach who teaches at a leisure centre where lifeguards are present. Both versions share the same commitment to safety – the key difference is simply whether the instructor is the primary responder (full NRASTC) or a secondary responder backing up lifeguards (LIGHT).
Why This Qualification Matters
Every swim instructor’s worst nightmare is a student getting into serious trouble in the water. It could be a child wandering into the deep end, an adult student suddenly panicking, or a health emergency like a seizure or cardiac event. In those critical seconds, an instructor trained through NRASTC can be the difference between a close call and a tragedy. The course instills both the skills and the confidence needed to act swiftly under pressure.
Here are a few reasons why the NRASTC 7th Edition is considered essential for swim teachers and coaches:
- Duty of Care: Instructors have a legal and moral responsibility for participants’ safety during lessons. While teaching people to swim, you’re also safeguarding them. The NRASTC certification ensures you understand that duty and are equipped to fulfill it. As RLSS UK points out, teachers must be able to react in an emergency and ensure everyone remains safe under their supervision. Holding this award demonstrates professionalism and accountability – to employers, parents, and the students themselves.
- Prevention as the First Line of Defense: One big emphasis of the training is preventing incidents before they happen. By learning to spot risks (a slippery poolside, an overconfident learner venturing too far, a fatigued swimmer, etc.) and how to mitigate them, teachers can stop accidents from occurring in the first place. This proactive mindset is a cornerstone of the NRASTC course, and it ultimately creates a safer learning environment for everyone.
- Rescue Readiness: Despite all precautions, accidents can still occur – and when they do, every second counts. An instructor with NRASTC training won’t freeze up or waste precious moments figuring out what to do. They’ll have rehearsed these scenarios: supporting a weak swimmer, towing an unconscious casualty, or performing a coordinated spinal injury turn if someone dives and doesn’t resurface properly. This preparation can truly save lives. In fact, after completing the course, teachers are drilled in assessing risks, recognizing a swimmer in trouble, retrieving them quickly, and initiating appropriate rescue and first aid measures. It’s peace of mind for the instructor and for those who trust them. As one swim school owner put it, having all her teachers NRASTC-certified “provides reassurance for me – and the parents – that the teachers can prevent dangerous incidents during lessons and react quickly and without panicking if they do.”
- First Aid and CPR Skills: The ability to perform CPR or give first aid doesn’t just apply to pool incidents – it’s a life skill that could be needed anywhere. For swim coaches, knowing how to handle situations like a drowning scenario, a cardiac arrest, an asthma attack, or even a simple cut on the foot, is invaluable. The NRASTC training covers a spectrum from minor to major first aid situations specific to aquatic environments. With the Seventh Edition updates, it even touches on managing casualties with various medical conditions (like diabetic emergencies or seizures) and water-related injuries (like dealing with suspected spinal injuries safely). This breadth makes instructors not only safer in the pool, but more capable guardians in general.
- Industry Recognition & Requirements: Increasingly, organizations view NRASTC as the gold standard for swim instructor safety training. Swim England (the national governing body for swimming) has worked closely with RLSS UK to integrate lifesaving awards into teacher training. For example, many Swim England Level 2 Teaching Swimming courses now include the NRASTC as a co-requisite or recommendation. Some employers explicitly require it or the LIGHT version, especially if you’ll be teaching without a lifeguard present. Even where it’s not mandatory, having this certification can set a coach apart and open up more teaching opportunities. It signals that you take safety seriously and have gone the extra mile to qualify yourself.
- Maintaining Skills Over Time: Another advantage of the NRASTC framework is that it fosters ongoing development. The certificate expires after two years, at which point instructors must refresh their skills in a renewal course to stay certified. This is usually a shorter one-day update where you practice the latest techniques and confirm your knowledge is up-to-date. Such a renewal cycle ensures that those letters on your certificate actually mean current ability, not just something you learned and forgot. It keeps safety standards from becoming stale. In between formal renewals, instructors are encouraged to log CPD (Continuing Professional Development) hours – in fact, RLSS UK suggests at least 6 hours of relevant refresher training over the 2-year period. At Swim Design Space, we view this as a positive; it aligns with our own ethos of continuous improvement for our team.
In summary, NRASTC matters because it empowers instructors to be proactive safety leaders. It’s about having the confidence to handle the unexpected, which in turn gives students and parents confidence in the program. A swim lesson should be a place of growth and trust – knowing the teacher is rescue-trained makes that trust well-placed.
Trainee swimming instructors practice a rescue rotation during an NRASTC course. Hands-on drills like this give coaches real experience in managing emergencies calmly and effectively.
Course Experience: What to Expect as a Trainee
If you’re considering taking the NRASTC Seventh Edition course, you might wonder what the experience will be like. Over the two days of training, expect a mix of classroom discussion, dry-land practice, and plenty of pool time. Here’s a quick walkthrough of a typical course flow:
Day 1 – Foundations & Prevention
Early on, the trainer will introduce the group (often a small cohort of candidates, maybe 6–12 people) and outline the duty of care you hold as a teacher. You’ll cover topics like pool safety checks, organising a safe lesson (like positioning yourself so all swimmers are visible, setting class rules), and preventing common incidents.
This day usually involves walking around the pool assessing hazards, learning how to use safety equipment (throw ropes, reach poles), and some initial rescue technique demonstrations. By the afternoon, you’ll likely be in the water practising basic interventions – for example, supporting a struggling swimmer from behind and towing them a short distance. Don’t worry, these practices start in shallow water and build up as you gain confidence.
Day 2 – Rescues, First Aid & Scenarios
The second day tends to be more intensive. You’ll delve into simulated emergency scenarios: perhaps one person acts as an unconscious casualty in deep water and you attempt a safe recovery and tow with spinal precautions, or you role-play a situation where multiple swimmers need assistance (testing your judgment on whom to help first). There will also be dedicated time for CPR practice on manikins – expect to do cycles of CPR for both adults and children, and learn to handle a training AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available. The first aid segments might include bandaging and treating conditions like shock or hypothermia.
A good course will tie it all together by the end of Day 2 with realistic scenarios combining water rescue and first aid. By then, you’ve repeated each skill enough to feel prepared. Finally comes the assessment, which is often on the afternoon of Day 2: an evaluator (who wasn’t your main trainer, to keep it fair) will watch you perform selected skills and possibly ask some oral questions. It might sound daunting, but by this stage you’ll have practised everything – essentially, the test is just doing those same rescues and answering the same questions one more time. Pass that, and congratulations, you’re certified!
Fun and Confidence-Building
One thing many participants note is that the course is actually fun and hugely confidence-building. Yes, it’s serious subject matter, but instructors often incorporate teamwork games, encourage questions, and make sure everyone supports each other.
As evidence of the positive experience, an attendee testimonial shared by RLSS UK reads: “The course is fun and engaging… It ensures teachers can prevent incidents and react quickly without panicking. I believe all swimming teachers should gain this certificate.”. By the end of the training, not only do you have new skills – you’ve also likely bonded with fellow swim teachers and gained pride in your ability to keep others safe.
How Swim Design Space Prioritises Safety (The NRASTC Way)
At Swim Design Space, we don’t just talk about safety – we live it. Our mission is to empower everyone to enjoy swimming for life, and that mission rests on a foundation of safe, caring instruction. That is why we embrace the National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches as a key standard for our team.
Certified Instructors
All our lead instructors hold the NRASTC certification or equivalent lifesaving qualifications. When you or your child attends a Swim Design Space class, you can trust that the teacher on deck (and often in the water with you) is trained to handle emergencies calmly and effectively. We regularly hold in-house refresher sessions so that skills stay sharp beyond the official 2-year renewal cycle. Simply put, our coaches don’t just teach swimming – they are also lifeguard-trained for the class setting.
This dual role of teacher and safety supervisor defines our approach. It’s one of the reasons Swim England recognised Swim Design Space as offering a “refreshing alternative to traditional swim schools,” led by passionate instructors with specialist training (a recognition we’re very proud of!).
Safety Protocols in Every Lesson
Having NRASTC-qualified staff means that even before a class begins, safety measures are in motion. Our instructors perform routine checks of the pool environment (water clarity, temperature, exit points, and any hazards) and ensure that rescue aids like throw bags and pole hooks are on hand.
Each session starts with a quick safety briefing appropriate to the level – for beginners, that might be reminders about walking on deck and not going beyond a certain depth; for advanced swimmers, it might include how to signal if they need help. Because our teachers know exactly what to do in an emergency, they are proactive in preventing them: classes are organised so that risk is minimised (for example, keeping novice youngsters within arm’s reach in the shallow end until they’re ready to venture further).
We believe, as the saying goes, that prevention is better than cure – a philosophy reinforced by the NRASTC training our team undergoes.
Emergency Action Plans
Swim Design Space operates in multiple venues, each with a slightly different layout and facility team. For every pool we teach in, we develop a site-specific Emergency Action Plan aligned with NRASTC guidelines and the venue’s rules. Our instructors are briefed on these plans and practice them. This means if an incident were to occur at, say, our Cheltenham venue, the teacher knows the quickest way to clear the pool, where the first aid kit and phone are, and how to liaise with that facility’s staff. If something happened in one of our private lesson pools, our team is ready to take charge until emergency services arrive. We hope such situations never occur, but being prepared is non-negotiable for us. It’s peace of mind for our clients and part of the job for us as professionals.
Culture of Ongoing Training
Safety is not a one-and-done checkbox. Just as swimmers progress through levels, instructors must keep learning too. Our internal culture encourages instructors to share safety tips, new rescue techniques, or “near miss” learnings with each other. If one coach attends a workshop on updated CPR methods or a seminar on child water safety, they bring that knowledge back to the whole team.
In fact, during our staff meetings, we often include a short safety refresher or scenario discussion (much like the scenarios in NRASTC courses). This aligns with RLSS UK’s expectation that award holders do continuous development, and it ensures that Swim Design Space stays at the forefront of best practices. We never get complacent – the safety of our swimmers is too important for that.
Safety at Our Swim Design Space Locations
One of the hallmarks of Swim Design Space is that we bring a consistently high standard of safety and teaching to every location we operate. Whether you join us in a bustling town facility or a quiet countryside pool, our approach (and our instructors’ qualifications) remain the same. Here’s how safety and rescue readiness play out at our three main locations in Gloucestershire:
Cheltenham – Structured Classes, Confident Swimmers
In the heart of Gloucestershire, Swim Design Space Cheltenham offers lessons at two venues: the Dean Close School pool for children and Everlast Gym Cheltenham for adults and teens. Both sites are equipped with modern safety features and, importantly, staffed by our vigilant, qualified coaches. In Cheltenham, our instructors create a calm, professional learning environment where students of all ages feel secure.
Class sizes are kept small and focus on structure and progress with an underlying emphasis on safety. For example, children’s lessons at Dean Close School integrate water safety skills from day one – kids learn how to enter and exit the pool safely, float if they ever fall in, and understand pool rules as part of their Swim England Stage 1–3 fundamentals. Meanwhile, adults training at Everlast Cheltenham can take comfort that their coach not only guides their stroke technique but is also ready to assist if anyone feels uneasy or needs help in the water.
This blend of encouragement and assurance defines our Cheltenham programs. (Curious to start? You can Lear more for Cheltenham classes and experience our structured, safety-first approach.)
Gloucester – Building Confidence with Care
Our Gloucester location embodies the motto “confidence first, technique follows.” Here, we teach at venues like Sir Thomas Rich’s School (for kids) and Everlast Fitness Gloucester (for adults), serving a community that deeply values quality coaching and safety. Every Gloucester lesson is led by an NRASTC-trained instructor who knows the importance of trust: many of our adult learners come with some fear of water, and seeing that their coach is attentive and rescue-ready helps replace that fear with confidence.
In practical terms, safety in Gloucester means our instructors position themselves strategically poolside to watch everyone, give nervous swimmers extra attention, and use supportive equipment (like arm bands or floatation noodles from our stash) to keep beginners at ease. Parents often comment that our Gloucester teachers are “patient, warm, and clear” in communication – a style that keeps children comfortable and safe while they learn.
We also encourage the use of training aids to boost both fun and safety; many families gear up with kickboards, floaties, and brightly colored goggles from our training gear collection to make lessons more enjoyable. All of these elements create a secure space in which Gloucester swimmers can flourish.
(If you’re in the area, learn more and book your classes we welcome swimmers of all ages and abilities in our safe, friendly classes.)
Blakeney – Peaceful Setting, Personal Attention
In the village of Blakeney, on the edge of the Forest of Dean, we run lessons in a private indoor pool at Etloe House Farms – a truly unique setting that pairs rustic tranquillity with professional instruction. Safety here starts with the environment: a smaller pool (10×5 m) with warm water and controlled depth (1–2 m) provides an ideal learning space for beginners.
Our NRASTC-certified instructors in Blakeney turn this peaceful atmosphere into an advantage – without the noise or crowds of a public pool, learners (especially those who are anxious) can focus and relax. During lessons, you’ll often hear only the gentle voice of the instructor and the splash of water, which is perfect for anyone who might be nervous about swimming.
Personal attention is a big part of our safety approach here: class sizes are very small, sometimes one-on-one or just a few students, meaning the instructor is never far from any swimmer and can physically assist immediately if needed. Parents choosing Blakeney often mention the “calm, safe environment” where their children thrive and even timid adults find the courage to glide for the first time. And despite the rural location, our standards are the same – the coaching and safety protocols mirror those in Gloucester and Cheltenham, so you get the best of both worlds: countryside calm with big-city professionalism.
(Ready for a different kind of swim class? Learn more and Book your child’s swimming lesson in Blakeney or adult swimming lesson in Blakeney to join our program in this gem of a location.)
Gearing Up for Safety: Equipment and Resources
While skilled instructors are the cornerstone of safety, having the right gear also plays a supporting role. Swim Design Space ensures that each venue is equipped with essential safety and teaching tools – from throw ropes and first aid kits to an assortment of floatation aids for learners who need extra support. We also advise our swimmers on personal gear that can make their learning both safer and more comfortable. Here are a few recommendations:
- Quality Goggles: A good pair of snug-fitting, anti-fog goggles can help a new swimmer tremendously. Clear vision underwater means less panic and more confidence. Swimmers who can see clearly are more likely to remain calm and orient themselves safely. (Plus, no stinging chlorine in the eyes!) We encourage investing in reliable goggles that won’t leak or slip – it’s worth it.
- Check out our handpicked selection of goggles if you need guidance. Every goggle we carry is tested for comfort and clarity, so you can focus on your lesson and not on rubbing your eyes.
- Swim Caps: Apart from keeping hair out of the face, swim caps (especially brightly colored ones) add a visibility factor. In a busy pool, a neon cap helps an instructor keep an eye on each swimmer. We often provide caps as part of our kids’ lessons uniform for this reason. They also keep the pool cleaner and hair out of one’s eyes – a win-win for safety and hygiene.
- Flotation Aids & Confidence Tools: For those just starting out or still building water confidence, using flotation aids can be like training wheels on a bicycle – a temporary support that lets you learn balance and movement without fear. Tools such as kickboards, foam noodles, and hand floats (like our fun “Floatie Friends” for kids) allow swimmers to practice strokes in a safer, supported way. Our Water Confidence collection features instructor-approved aids designed to build skill while keeping learners buoyant and secure. For instance, a nervous adult might begin by holding a float during kick practice – this keeps them feeling safe and gradually fosters independent swimming as they gain trust in the water.
- Training Fins and Paddles: How do fins or paddles relate to safety? By improving technique and strength, they actually help swimmers feel more in control. Short training fins can help a beginner float better (because of the extra propulsion) and learn the correct kicking motion without sinking. Agility paddles, used under guidance, encourage proper hand positioning and give instant feedback on stroke technique. When swimmers use these tools, they often progress faster and with more confidence – reducing the likelihood of struggles or fatigue-based issues in the pool. We often integrate such equipment in our advanced classes (with safety precautions), and you can find these items in our shop as well, under training gear.
Remember, equipment is not a crutch but a coach. Used appropriately, these tools enhance learning and safety side by side. Our team can always advise on what gear might help you or your child practice more safely, so never hesitate to ask.
Conclusion: Empowerment Through Safety
The National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (Seventh Edition) is more than just a course – it’s a commitment to safety and excellence that resonates through every Swim Design Space lesson. By ensuring our instructors are armed with lifesaving skills and knowledge, we create an environment where swimmers can thrive with confidence. From a toddler’s first splash in Cheltenham to an adult’s freestyle laps in Gloucester or a teenager’s stroke refinement in Blakeney, every session is backed by the quiet assurance that our teachers are ready if anything should happen
For us, reaching the top tier of swim instruction isn’t just about teaching the fastest stroke or winning competitions; it’s about earning the trust of our swimmers and their families. That trust is built on the twin pillars of expert coaching and vigilant safety. So when you see a Swim Design Space instructor guiding a class, know that they carry, tucked in their metaphorical back pocket, the skills of a rescuer – a guardian in goggles, so to speak.
Ready to experience the difference that trained, caring instructors make? Come join us at Swim Design Space. Enrol in a program at your nearest location, be it Cheltenham, Gloucester, or Blakeney, and enjoy peace of mind as you or your child embark on the journey of learning to swim. We’re here to support you every stroke of the way – safe, structured, and inspired.
Dive in with us, and discover how empowering (and enjoyable) swimming can be when safety leads the way. Book a class today and take the plunge toward a confident, secure swimming experience!