National Lifeguard & Rescue Training Courses
Lifeguarding and rescue qualifications aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some courses are designed to qualify you as a lifeguard, while others are built for teachers and coaches who supervise lessons in deeper water.
This page helps you quickly choose the right option by showing what each course is for, who it suits, and the next available dates — so you can book with confidence.
National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC)
Next Available Dates: 17 – 18 August 2026 (Full) · 18 August 2026 (Renewal)
The National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC) equips swimming teachers and coaches with the skills required to safely supervise swimming lessons and respond confidently to poolside emergencies.
We offer two options: a two-day full course for new candidates, and a one-day renewal for those already holding a valid NRASTC. Both cover lifesaving skills, first aid, and effective class management in a real teaching environment.
What you'll learn
- Pool and class management
- Intervention and rescue techniques
- Emergency action planning
- CPR and first aid
- Poolside supervision and awareness
- Safe and effective rescue responses
- Clear communication in emergencies
- Age 16+ on final day
- Swim 50m on front and back
- Surface-dive to deepest part of the pool
- Climb out unaided (venue permitting)
What's refreshed & reassessed
- Pool and class management
- In-water rescue skills
- Emergency action plans
- CPR, AED and first aid
- Practical rescue demonstrations
- CPR & first aid competence
- Independent RLSS UK assessment
- Current, in-date NRASTC (not expired)
- 6 hrs CPD in the last 2 years
- Same swimming abilities as full course
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
The National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is the UK's industry-standard lifeguard qualification, awarded by RLSS UK and recognised across swimming pools and leisure facilities nationwide. Swim Design Space delivers NPLQ training and assessments in Cheltenham and Gloucester.
Choose the five-day full course to qualify for the first time, or the one-day renewal if your NPLQ is still in date. Both cover pool rescue, casualty management, CPR, first aid, and lifeguarding theory, and are assessed by an independent RLSS UK assessor.
What you'll learn
- Pool rescue and casualty recovery
- Lifeguarding theory and risk management
- CPR, AED and first aid
- Rescue response and decision-making
- Practical CPR and first aid scenarios
- Safe supervision and communication
- Age 16+ on date of assessment
- Swim 50m in under 60 seconds
- Swim 100m continuously on front and back
- Tread water 30 seconds · surface-dive to pool floor
- Climb out unaided (venue permitting)
What's refreshed & reassessed
- In-water pool rescue skills
- Casualty recovery and spinal management
- CPR, AED and first aid
- Lifeguard theory updates
- Full practical & theory reassessment
- Independent RLSS UK assessor
- Same standard as the full qualification
- Current, in-date NPLQ (renewal must be before expiry)
- 20 hrs of ongoing training / CPD in the last 2 years
- Written evidence of CPD & your NPLQ certificate
- Access to the latest edition of The Lifeguard manual
Adults' Swimming Accessories
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Don’t wait any longer to gain this invaluable skill. Sign up for swimming lessons today and take the first step toward becoming a confident, capable swimmer. Whether you want to refine your technique, build endurance, or simply enjoy the water, we’re here to help you reach your goals.
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