National Pool Lifeguard Qualifications

Published: Thursday, 27 March 2025

Have you ever thought about a career within the leisure industry? If you are 16 or over, you may wish to consider training as a Pool Lifeguard.

South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture provides various training courses throughout the year offering an exciting opportunity for you to gain your National Pool Lifeguard Qualification.

Obtaining this award could open a world of opportunities by giving you the appropriate award necessary to pursue job opportunities within your chosen career as a Pool Lifeguard as this award is recognised throughout the United Kingdom.

Courses may be subject to change or cancellation.

Swim Test

The swim test takes place before the course and must be passed in order to continue.

You must be able to complete the following:

Jump/dive into deep water
Swim 50 metres in less than 60 seconds
Swim 100 metres continuously on your front and 100m continuously on your back in deep water
Tread water for 30 seconds
Surface dive to the floor of the pool
Climb out unaided without ladder/steps and where the pool design permits.

Candidates must be 16 years old or older on the day of the assessment. 100% attendance is required, without this candidates will not be put forward for the final assessment. If you cannot make the swim test date(s), we may be able to offer alternatives.

The course cost is £294.30 which is non-refundable unless you fail the swim test, or if the course is cancelled.

Courses

The next course will be held in Coalburn Leisure Complex. The course dates and times are as follows:

Swim test: Sunday 6 July, 12:00pm - 4:00pm.
This is a window, candidates may attend any time between these times. The swim test will take roughly 30 minutes.