The NPLQ was first launched in 1989 and is constantly being updated, keeping ahead of all new developments in the industry. Pool Lifeguarding continues to be exciting and its progressive development is greatly recognised and praised by the Industry. It has now become the 'de-facto' qualification of the Leisure Industry.

 The pool lifeguard handbook forms the cornerstone of the programme. It incorporates  the protocols in the various skills, disciplines and legal developments and meets the criteria set out in " Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools". Contact us if you require further details. Important information aimed at the Trainer/Assessor is available on the page -  Trainers Assessors

The new Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, enacted by Dail Eireann in 2005 requires a swimming pool operator to carry out a Risk Assessment in order to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of those people who use the pool. In effect this means, amongst other measures, ensuring that lifeguards are sufficient in number, adequately trained, and effectively organised.                            

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The lifesavers (RLSS) National Pool Lifeguard Qualification has become the qualification of choice throughout the Leisure Industry in Ireland.  Course are run in-house at ATCs  for staff members and employees. However, if you are not employed in the Leisure Industry and are interested in doing a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification course you can employ the following options :

1. Contact your Local Pool or National Pool Lifeguard Trainer Assessor.
2. Check our 'Courses' page for details of commercial and independent courses. We publish details of all courses that are brought to our notice.
3. Email the INSTITUTE OF QUALIFIED LIFEGUARDS IN IRELAND  IQL IRELAND for details of possible public courses.

You can check full details and more, with a visit to the NATIONAL POOL LIFEGUARD web page of 'RLSS' This will hold the answers to many of your questions . Click to open the web page link.

●   (Unit 1) Pool Lifeguard

The Unit 1 is delivered by qualified RLSS Trainers, who have undergone specialist training in order to be able to conduct Lifeguard courses. Training lasts around 33 hours.

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● (ISRM Unit 2) Pool Lifeguard

Following on from  the generic training of Unit 1,  candidates complete their training at the pool where they work or where they attended their course. This training is co-ordinated by the Pool Manager and is endorsed by the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM). With the two units, the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification is fully compliant with the requirements listed in  " Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools" and is endorsed by the world governing body for lifesaving, International Life Saving (ILS). You may link here to the websites of  Institute of Sport and Recreation Management and to International Life Saving Federation

IQL  IRELAND operates to ensure that all aspects of lifesavers (RLSS)  Lifeguard training is undertaken to the highest standards and approved protocols are maintained.

IQL IRELAND  provides information not only on Approved Training Centres but on the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification and on Extended Life Support  incorporating Oxygen Therapy and AED (Defibrillation). Go direct to IQL IRELAND information page.

For further information on POOL LIFEGUARD courses  held throughout the country please contact -

Key Benefits