Become an NPLQ qualified lifeguard at Wotton Pool in 2026!

We are seeking to recruit lifeguards to supervise at the pool. The first step in that process is getting the NPLQ qualification.

Wotton Pool Ltd. will be running a (36 hour) lifeguarding course in late March into April.

In 2025 the pay rate was over £12 per hour!

plus 12% holiday pay

If you are interested, please get in touch

Questions

When is the course?

The course will take place in late March - early April 2026, with the assessment at the end of the course. The course will include operational training for the procedures at Wotton Pool. It will be split between practical sessions and classroom training. The assessment will take place at the end of the course. The dates are planned to coincide with the school Easter holidays.

How long does an NPLQ course last?

You must have done 36 hours of accredited training. 100% attendance is required in order to take the examination. This will be a combination of theory and practical sessions.

How do I book onto a course?

Contact us

How old do I need to be to do an NPLQ course?

All candidates must be at least 16 years old on the day of the assessment.

If I apply, am I guaranteed a place?

That depends on you, your aptitude and on how many other people apply. Typically we prioritise on a first-come-first-served basis. And we also give preference to candidates from Wotton, Kingswood, Hillesley and Tresham Council districts. 

Do I need to be confident in the water / do I need to be able to swim?

Yes. For obvious reasons, you do need to be fairly confident in the water and able to swim at least 200 metres. In the tests, you will be swimming in a T-shirt.

Do I need to be able to swim underneath the water?

There will be certain elements of the course that involve swimming underneath the water. For example, rescuing a casualty from the bottom of the pool. Again, this can be practised a lot whilst on the course.

Am I allowed to wear goggles?

No. When taking the final examination you are not allowed to wear goggles, and therefore we do not tend to use them for training purposes either. However, you will be allowed to wear them when doing warm-ups and stamina training.

How fast do I need to be able to swim?

The examination includes two timed swims. Test one is to reach a conscious casualty who is 20 metres away and tow them 20 metres in under 65 seconds. Test two involves reaching an unconscious casualty who is 20 metres away and towing them 10 metres before correctly landing them on the side of the pool in under 45 seconds.

Do I need to be of a certain fitness level?

To be a lifeguard, you need to have a basic level of fitness and be happy to push yourself in rescue situations, which may involve you reacting quickly and swimming fast. You do not need to be the complete athlete as seen in Baywatch.

What does the theory section involve?

The theory section involves introducing candidates to the procedures and legalities of poolside and the swimming pool environment. This involves operating procedures, zoning and scanning of the pool, risk assessments, the plant room and the purpose and responsibilities of a lifeguard.

What does the practical section involve?

The practical section involves using lifesaving equipment, dry and wet rescues, spinal injuries, towing casualties, removing casualties from the pool and releases and escapes.

What does the first aid section involve?

The first aid section will give you a thorough understanding of first aid at all accidents that you may have to deal with if you were to work as a lifeguard. This includes health related illnesses, breaks and dislocations, strains and sprains and completing both primary and secondary surveys. The first aid section of the course is very thorough but unfortunately does not qualify people to a first aid at work standard (it does give you a basic first aid award).

What does the CPR section involve?

CPR stands for Cardiovascular Pulmonary Resuscitation and the section involves learning how to do effective CPR on an adult casualty, a child casualty and a baby casualty. The course includes training on the use of defibrillation equipment.

What does the test at the end of the course involve?

The test at the end of the course last for around 3–4 hours and involves being tested on all four areas. The hardest parts of the test are the spinal work and CPR work, as these are probably the worst situations that you may need to deal with if you were to work as a lifeguard. However, you will need to demonstrate a good knowledge of each area to pass. But relax, during the course you will be very well prepared for this test.

How much does the course cost?

We haven't decided yet, but in 2025 we decided to hold the cost of the course down to £150. This was very much lower than commercial training rates for this course

Who is the awarding body of the NPLQ?

The awarding body of the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification is the Institute of Qualified Lifeguards (IQL)

Do I need the NPLQ qualification to work at a swimming pool?

Yes. Virtually all public swimming pools in the UK require lifeguards to hold a valid NPLQ.

Can I use the NPLQ to lifeguard a beach?

No. The NPLQ is a pool lifeguard qualification.

What qualification do I need to lifeguard a beach?

To lifeguard on a beach, lifeguards are required to hold a valid NBLQ (National Beach Lifeguard Qualification). The course is more intense and involves greater detail in dealing with factors that affect the safety of users on a beach.

How deep is the pool?

Our pool is 2.2 metres deep at the deepest point.

I used to have an NPLQ qualification, but it has expired. Can I take a refresher course, or do I need to start from scratch?

If your qualification has expired, unfortunately you will need to retake the full course.

If I pass the exam, what happens next?

Any pool that you want to work at, including Wotton, will want you do a site specific induction – something that makes sure that you know those things that are specific to that pool, including any special requirements or emergency procedures. That normally takes around 2 hours. After that, you will be expected to shadow an experienced lifeguard for up to 3 sessions, and then you will be able to apply for paid work.

If I get work, how much will I be paid?

The rate that we paid in 2025 was over £12 per hour – it won't be less in 2026.

Am I guaranteed to get work at Wotton Pool after successfully completing the course?

Nothing can be guaranteed, but where possible we do try to give successful candidates the chance to apply for slots at the pool

Does the qualification expire?

Yes. The qualification is valid for 2 years and can be renewed if at least 20 hours of training has taken place by the time it expires.

Do you offer that refresher training?

Yes. During the season when the pool is open, we will run training at regular intervals at times that mutually suit the trainer and candidates. We expect you to attend regular training so that we know that you are still up to date with your qualifications and are fit to work.

How many places are there on the course?

The maximum number we can accept is 12 people.