The RLSS UK Open Water Lifeguard qualification has been specifically designed to
equip you with the skills required to supervise and provide rescue cover for planned,
organised and risk-assessed activities in still or non-tidal water.

It will help you if you are hoping to pursue a career in the outdoor leisure sector or if
you work at a centre where water-based activities take place in fresh water such as
rivers, lakes and docks.

Passing this course also demonstrates that you can learn and retain information, that
you are capable of taking responsibility for yourself and others and that you can be
relied upon in difficult and stressful situations.

Open water swimming is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK. The OWL
qualification has been specifically designed to equip open water lifeguards with the
skills required to supervise and provide rescue cover for planned, organised, and
risk-assessed activities in still, non-tidal water.

You will be able to use this qualification to lifeguard at venues and events, so long as
the water is non-tidal.

There is practical training/assessment in the water on all three days, so we ask
candidates to bring a wetsuit with them, as well as warm clothing for after/in between
the different practical elements. If you do not own a wetsuit, please ask at the time of
booking and we may be able to help.

Candidates will need to meet the following criteria to book onto this course:

Be confident in open water
Able to swim at least 400 metres in a pool/open water swimming continuously
on their front and showing urgency
Able to submerge under the water confidently

Yes, you will need to complete 100% of the course to pass. For new candidates this
is 18 hours, plus assessment. The Open Water Lifeguard Qualification is delivered
over three days, is valid for two years and is independently assessed. It is divided
into three sections:

Section 1 – The Open Water Lifeguard, environment, hazards and supervision
Section 2 – Responding to an emergency and taking action
Section 3 – CPR and First Aid

When attending the course, please bring with you:

Photo identification (to show to the trainer on day one)
Wetsuit (plus neoprene accessories, if needed, eg swim socks)
Brightly-coloured swim cap (available to buy on site)
Towel
Warm clothes/changing robe
Notebook/pen
Lunch/snacks/thermos (warm drinks provided)

We will supply you with your RLSS UK OWL coursebook as well as access to all the
equipment you need to practise the first aid elements and in-water rescue skills.

If you hold a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) or National Beach Lifeguard
Qualification (NBLQ) then this may count as prior learning, meaning you can do a one-
day RPL qualification. Find out more here click here

Click the ‘book now’ button, email info@southwestmaritimeacademy.com or call us
on 01454 260130. Payment will be due in full at the time of booking to confirm your
place on the course.