Get Qualified With Us. Lifesaving Training Academy.
Are you interested in a job as a lifeguard? Or want to learn lifesaving skills? We hold regular Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) courses around Edinburgh.
At Edinburgh Leisure’s Lifesaving Training Academy, we are dedicated to developing the next generation of lifeguards. Our qualifications are designed to equip you with the essential skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to keep swimmers safe and respond effectively in emergency situations. With a strong reputation for delivering high-quality training, we provide courses that cater to all levels.
Whether you’re looking to start your career as a lifeguard or enhance your qualifications with advanced lifesaving certifications, the Lifeguard Training Academy offers a comprehensive range of accredited RLSS UK courses to support your journey.
Follow the links below to explore our full calendar of dates and locations and take the next step in your lifesaving career today!
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)
The NPLQ covers all aspects of pool rescue techniques, lifeguarding theory, first aid, and CPR. This course is physically demanding and includes swimming within set times, lifting casualties, and diving to the deepest part of the pool.
NPLQ Course Pre-Requisites: To attend an NPLQ course, candidates must be at least 16 years old by the final assessment date (proof of age is required, e.g., a passport or driver’s license). If a candidate is not 16 by the last day of the course, they will not be assessed and must rebook for the next available course.
Additionally, candidates must be able to:
- Jump or dive into deep water
- Swim 50 metres in under 60 seconds
- Swim 100 metres continuously on both front and back in deep water
- Tread water for 30 seconds
- Surface dive to the pool floor
Lifeguarding offers flexible working hours, making it ideal for fitting around other commitments. It also provides valuable teamwork experience and opportunities for career progression within the leisure industry, many leisure managers start as lifeguards.
RLSS UK Registration: Before attending an RLSS UK course, you must register for a free RLSS UK Society Number and create an account with RLSS UK.
Register here: RLSS UK registration
If you have previously attended an RLSS UK course, your existing society number can be found on your certificate (an 8-digit number starting with ‘3’).
This course is taught over 5 days and costs £300.
RLSS Pool Lifeguard Trainer Assessor Course
RLSS Pool Lifeguard Trainer Assessors play a vital role in delivering the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) across the UK. If you are an experienced Lifeguard, this course could be the perfect next step in advancing your career within the leisure industry.
The Trainer Assessor course runs over one week and consists of four key modules:
- Train the Trainer
- Train the Assessor
- CPR and First Aid
- National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) Specialism
Course Prerequisites: To enrol in the course, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of assessment.
- Hold a full RLSS NPLQ and be an active RLSS UK member.
- Bring an up-to-date RLSS NPLQ manual.
- Provide valid identification on the first day of the course (as per RLSS regulations).
Assessment will take place throughout the course to ensure competency.
This course is taught over 5 days and costs £655.
RLSS UK National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers & Coaches (NRASTC)
The NRASTC is a supervision and rescue qualification designed for swim teachers and coaches working poolside or in the water during structured activities, such as swimming lessons. This certification is suitable for professionals operating in various swimming pool environments.
Course Prerequisites: To take part in the course, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old on the first day of the course.
- Be able to exit the pool unaided, without using steps or a ladder, where the pool design allows.
- Provide valid identification on the first day of the course, in accordance with RLSS UK requirements.
This course is taught over 2 days and costs £135.
RLSS UK National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers & Coaches (NRASTC) RENEWAL
The NRASTC Renewal is designed for swim teachers and coaches working poolside or in the water during structured activities, such as swimming lessons who already have an exciting NRA qualification. This certification is suitable for professionals operating in various swimming pool environments.
Course Prerequisites: To take part in the course, you must:
- You must have a valid NRA qualification.
- Be able to exit the pool unaided, without using steps or a ladder, where the pool design allows.
- Provide valid identification on the first day of the course, in accordance with RLSS UK requirements.
- Bring evidence of ongoing training and competency assessment records to the first day of the course.
This course is taught over 1 day and costs £63.
Course Conduct, Cancellations, and Refunds.
At Edinburgh Leisure, we aim to provide a positive learning environment for all course participants. Please read the following statements regarding expected standards of behaviour, cancellations, and refunds.
Course Standards of Behaviour
- All candidates are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful and non-disruptive to fellow participants, course tutors, and Edinburgh Leisure staff.
- Any behaviour deemed disruptive, unsafe, or inappropriate may result in removal from the course.
- Candidates must meet all course prerequisites on the first day. Failure to do so may result in removal from the course, and no refunds will be given.
Cancellations and Refunds
- Cancellations made 14 days or more before the course start date are eligible for a full refund.
- Cancellations made within 13 days of the course start date – No refund will be given.
- If Edinburgh Leisure cancels a course – A full refund will be issued. However, Edinburgh Leisure reserves the right to cancel courses based on participant numbers and cannot be held responsible for any loss of earnings, holiday entitlement, or expenses incurred.
- All cancellations must be submitted in writing.
By enrolling in any of our courses, participants agree to adhere to the above statements.
For further information on our polices or further information on all our course offerings and our course calendar, please contact the Lifesaving Training Academy ata@edinburghlesiure.co.uk
Course Prerequsites
Before attending any RLSS UK course, you must have a free RLSS UK Society Number and an active RLSS account.
Register here: RLSS UK Registration.
If you have previously completed an RLSS UK course, your existing Society Number can be found on your certificate (an 8-digit number starting with ‘3’).