Qualification details

IQL Level 2 Certificate in Swimming Pool Supervision and Rescue (National Pool Lifeguard Qualification - NPLQ)

Qualification summary

The Certification in Swimming Pool Supervision and Rescue (known as the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification - NPLQ) is the most popular vocational qualfication for pool lifeguards in the UK. The qualification meets the criteria for pool lifeguard qualifications as set out in the HSE publication "Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools” (third edition published October 2003 ref paragraphs 140-164). Pool operators have to meet the criteria set out in the document for pool lifeguard qualifications. Therefore this qualification meets the needs of the individual for employment and the needs of the employer regarding the HSE guidance.

Qualification details

100/2850/X
2
VRQ - Vocationally-Related Qualification
Accreditation start date:
01/03/2003
Operational start date in centres:
Accreditation end date:
31/12/2010
Certification end date:
31/12/2010
For information on the approval of qualifications for funding in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, see the links to DCSF, DIUS, DCELLS, DELNI and DENI below.

When undertaking a qualification that does not appear on the governments' lists as eligible for funding for specific age ranges, users must be aware of legal requirements. Not all qualifications are suitable for all age ranges.
For further information on 14-19 qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DCSF Section 96 website.

For further information on 19+ qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DIUS Section 97 website.
For further information on Wales, visit the DCELLS website.
For further information on Northern Ireland, visit the DELNI and DENI websites.
Germany - Guernsey - Isle of Man - Jersey - United Arab Emirates
English
The qualification allows individuals to seek employment as a lifeguard in the leisure industry with the opportunity to progress to senior lifeguard, supervisory or duty management levels.
Health and Fitness Instructor
Holiday Centre/Worker Manager
Leisure Centre Assistant
Pool/Beach Lifeguard
Sports Coach
Sports Professional
  • 08 Leisure, Travel and Tourism
    • 08.1  Sport, Leisure and Recreation
38
Pass
Coursework
Oral Examination
Practical Demonstration / Assignment
Practical Examination
Each Approved Training Centre Coordinator manages the assessment process with clear criteria regarding independent assessment in IQL's Approved Training Centre Manual. Text taken directly from manual as follow regarding assessment below:-

Assessors MUST be wholly independent of the training of the candidates and the trainer. The test of independence is whether or not, when asked, an independent person, knowing of any link between the Assessor and the Trainer / candidates might see the possibility of bias.

The following examples are an indication of the circumstances where an assessor would not be deemed to be independent:

-the spouse, partner, child, brother or sister of the Trainer or candidate.
-a person who works at the same facility as the Trainer or candidate.

The above is checked by the External Verification process that each Approved Training Centre undertakes on an annual basis.
All units are mandatory
  • D/101/7558 - Foundation: The Principles of Lifesaving and Swimming Pool Supervision
    Assessment Methods (these supersede the ones in the Unit Details):
    • Oral Examination.
    • Practical Examination.
  • H/101/7559 - Professional: The Application of Supervision and Rescue in a Swimming Pool
    Assessment Methods (these supersede the ones in the Unit Details):
    • Coursework.
    • Oral Examination.
    • Practical Demonstration / Assignment.