Information
Lifeguards are an integral part of the staff at a swimming pool. They keep an eye on everything happening from poolside and are qualified to intervene and even save someone’s life if they are in trouble.
For many, life guarding provides an excellent foundation for a career in the leisure industry – many pool managers began their professional careers as a lifeguard.
So you want to be a lifeguard?
We think there are loads of great reasons why you’d want to become a lifeguard and we guess you must think it’s a pretty good idea too!
Reasons why we think you’d love it…
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First and foremost you are providing an amazing public service. You will without a doubt make people feel confident, happier and safer just by being on the poolside and you could potentially save a life.
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Being a lifeguard offers a fantastic foundation to a career in the leisure industry. Many senior managers began their rise to leisure stardom by life guarding at their local pools.
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The opportunity to get fit. Not only will you have to have a basic level of fitness to become a lifeguard but you will be encouraged to stay fit and get fitter.
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You get to work with a team of young like minded people, so there’s plenty of opportunity to increase your social circle!
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If you’re a competitive type there is plenty of opportunity to show off your life guarding talents in events like the National Pool Lifeguard Championships (team event) and the Lifeguard Triathlon.
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Lastly, but still very importantly, you will gain a skill that will come in handy for the rest of your life.
Pre-requisite and competency test for the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
Every candidate, prior to commencement of training for the NPLQ must be at least 16 years old and must be able to:
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Jump/dive into deep water
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Swim 50 metres in less than 60 seconds
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Swim 100 metres continuously on front and back in deep water
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Tread water for 30 seconds
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Surface dive to the floor of the pool (1.8 metres deep)
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Climb out unaided without ladder/steps and where the pool design permits
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Have 100% attendance on the course
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Be at least 16-years-old
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Have read the course information
