Qualifications COMING VERY SOON!

We are excited to be pre-launching the new NPLQ Gen 10 at the RLSS UK Conference 2023 and bringing the industry a new version of NPLQ. With changes to industry, law, and research, as well as feedback from candidates, Leisure operators and Trainer Assessors (TAs), the new qualification training will remain current, professional and realistic - providing operators with great lifeguards!

The RLSS UK Conference 2023 will be the first opportunity for TAs to complete the NPLQ Gen 10 Update and see the new candidate manual.

Below are some important dates for your diaries:

Friday 23 June 2023 NPLQ Gen 10 pre-launch at the much anticipated RLSS UK Conference 2023

Tuesday 4 July 2023 Sales of NPLQ Gen 10 candidate manuals and assessment credits open - available from your RLSS UK Account and RLSS UK Shop

NPLQ Gen 10 TA Update available in TAs RLSS UK Accounts

Tuesday 4 July to Friday 29 Sept 2023

Sunday 31 Dec 2023

Exchange your NPLQ Gen 9 assessment credits for NPLQ Gen 10 assessment credits

Deadline for completion of the NPLQ Gen 10 TA Update

Monday 1 Jan 2024 NPLQ TAs who have not completed the NPLQ Gen 10 TA Update will no longer be qualified to deliver the NPLQ.

Only the Gen 10 version of the NPLQ can be delivered. NPLQ Gen 9 will no longer be available to purchase or deliver.

We will be communicating with NPLQ TAs over the forthcoming months with more information, so keep an eye out!

The launch in March of our Combined Paediatric First Aid (PFA) and First Aid at Work (FAW) saw us amalgamating two of our most popular first aid qualifications to offer a three-day course that covers a range of CPR and first aid skills for both adults and paediatrics, providing employers and staff with the skills to reduce the risks and dangers in your workplace.

The course has endorsed CPD points by CIMSPA. It’s also in line with the First Aid Awarding Organisation Forum (FAAOF).

We have received a fantastic response and are already working on the other qualification combinations you have requested.

National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP)

In February 2023 we were thrilled to launch our newly revised and improved National Water Safety Management Programme (NWSMP), which further supports businesses with crucial water safety.

The programme’s updated awards have benefitted from contributions from industry-leading experts, existing Trainers and Instructors and water safety specialists to ensure that they meet the current Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) standards for those working on, in or near water during structured activities. To find out more, visit www.rlss.org.uk/ nwsmp

I felt that it was important to deliver the NWSMP because there is a real need for practical and informative training to ensure those who work in or near the water are doing so safely.

The course is engaging and interactive, and its flexible approach allows a wide and diverse range of people to receive training in a way that will add real value to their everyday work.

I believe this qualification is critical for all employers and staff who work in or near the water. It not only informs them of how to work safely and effectively in or near the water but also provides some basic lifesaving knowledge that can be used in real-life situations.

Technical Questions

Q: Can swimming teachers upskill to become Rookie Instructors?

A: If a swimming teacher holds a Level 2 swimming teaching qualification and a lifesaving qualification or award, they can make an application in the ‘My Details’ section of their RLSS UK Account. The Opportunity costs from £10 depending on the awarding body of the teacher’s Level 2 qualification. You can find more information visit www.rlss.org. uk/become-a-rookie-lifeguard-instructor

Q: Who is Rookie Lifeguard aimed at?

A: Rookie Lifeguard is designed to appeal to children aged 8-11 years and is ideal for those children who swim at Stage 7 and above. Rookie Lifeguard is the perfect way to either introduce new children to a Lifesaving Club or for Swim Schools to retain children in their lessons once they have completed the Learn to Swim awards.

Q: Will my Lifesaving Instructor award become invalid if I don’t complete the free National Lifesaving Academy (NLA) update in my RLSS UK Account?

A: Yes, at the end of December 2023, all Lifesaving Instructors will need to have updated to the new Lifesaving Academy Instructor award; this is to ensure that our instructors have a high level of current knowledge and are able to deliver the new NLA programme.

Q: How does the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) work for the National Lifesaving Academy (NLA)?

A: When a candidate has achieved one of the Bronze Medallion awards, they can receive seven hours of RPL against the relevant vocational lifeguard qualification. The seven hours of RPL are mapped in the NLA Guidance document, where there is a list of modules that the candidate will not need to cover. Candidates will still complete the full assessment for the lifeguard qualifications and, therefore, should be encouraged to revise the content from the candidate manual before the assessment. The Bronze Medallion RPL is valid for a period of two years, the same duration as the award.

Q. Can I become an RLSS UK First Aid Trainer if I am already registered to deliver first aid training with another awarding organisation?

A. Yes, providing you meet the prerequisites, you can apply to become an RLSS UK First Aid Trainer through your RLSS UK Account. To find out more details visit www.rlss.org.uk/become-a-first-aidtrainer-assessor