Become a Lifeguard: Summer Courses open for registration now!

The NPLQ is the most widely recognised lifeguard qualification in the UK, and covers all elements of Pool Rescue Techniques, Lifeguarding Theory, First Aid and CPR. The course is physically demanding and will include swimming to set times, lifting casualties and diving to the deepest part of the swimming pool. Training and assessment for the NPLQ are in three sections, and candidates must successfully pass all to attain the qualification.

The course costs £250 per person and dates are available throughout the Summer at Tidworth Leisure Centre, Melksham Community Campus, The Activity Zone in Malmesbury, Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre in Salisbury, Springfield Campus in Corsham, Olympiad Leisure Centre in Chippenham, Trowbridge Sports Centre and Lime Kiln Leisure Centre in Royal Wootton Bassett.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said, With the Summer holidays just starting and the temperatures rising, water safety is a key national priority and ensuring we keep residents safe locally is a fundamental part of our business plan.

We operate 16 swimming pools across the county meaning that once qualified, there are lots of opportunities for casual, part time or full-time roles. Training to be a lifeguard is an excellent career choice no matter what stage of life you're in, whether you are a student, new parent or looking for extra income. Lifeguards benefit from varied working hours, where it can be worked around other commitments, and it can open new opportunities into other roles. People with an NPLQ will also benefit from extra UCAS points, which could help towards obtaining a university placement. Put simply, it's a really rewarding and important role and we'd love to hear from people who want to take on the challenge.

To register for an NPLQ course, participants must be at least 16 years of age on the day of the assessment and be able to meet a number of pre-course requisites before attending.

Full details of the courses including the prerequisites, plus information on dates and booking can be found: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-promotions