Open Water Lifeguard

Exclusive new course for lifeguards wanting to work in open water.

The new and unique Open Water Lifeguard ‘bolt-on’ module is the first of its kind and allows all pool lifeguards who hold the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) to develop their skills and knowledge to lifeguard open water.

Open water swimming is the fastest growing sport world wide and due to increasing popularity, there is a risk that lifeguards without all of the skills they need maybe asked to lifeguard open water. This ‘bolt-on’ module will bridge the gap and equips lifeguards with both the knowledge and experience to keep people safe in open water.

We are the leading experts in pool lifeguarding and want to replicate this in open water with Open Water Lifeguard. We want open water swimmers to be able to swim in the knowledge the lifeguards are highly trained but also want lifeguards trained in our qualification to make it possible for more open water swimming sites to be available to the public.

Open Water Lifeguards can support a host of events and locations including –

• Open Water Swim Competitions
• Triathlons
• Public inland bathing sites
• Adventure Races

On Sunday 19th June, RLSS UK West Region is running an Open Water Lifeguard course at Marine Lake, Clevedon. The course is a six-hour module award that will build on existing skills and knowledge and prepare them for the open water environment. Candidates will be assessed on their confidence and ability in open water and by the end of the course, will be able to supervise and provide rescue during controlled activities, such as triathlons and adventure races in non-tidal waters.

Participants must have the following pre-requisite:

• National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) and
• Be able to swim 400m in a swimming pool.

Booking is essential and can be completed online at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rlss-uk-open-water-training-session-clevedon-tickets-22770265477

The session will start at 10am (participants are invited to arrive from 9.30am) and will incorporate both land and water based sessions. The session will end at 5pm. The session is being funded by RLSS UK and is being delivered free of charge by volunteers.

Participants will need the following:

• Suitable warm clothing including hat and coat (pre- and post-swims);
• Suitable footwear, for general wear and suitable for transiting concrete and for swimming;
• Vaseline (for prevention of friction rub);
• Swimming kit;
• Wet Suit, strongly recommended as per RLSS UK Open Water Training Guidelines;
• Silicone cap x 1 (not white – red hats are available to buy on the day for £2);
• Waterproof sunscreen;
• Towel x 2 minimum;
• Bag (suitable for carrying all kit and nutrition);
• Thermos flask;
• Drinking water;
• Snack.

A medical form will need to be completed for all participants: Open Water Festival Medical Form.