Duration: 3 Days – Monday to Friday, 0900hrs – 1700hrs daily.

Prerequisites:

Every candidate attending an OWL course must:

Be 16-years-old or over at the time of assessment
Be competent and confident in open-water
Be able to submerge under the water confidently
Before the course, candidates must be able to swim at least 400 metres in a pool/ open water swimming continuously on their front and show urgency.

Current National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) holders can use RPL* from their NPLQ and attend a one-day RPL OWL qualification course, which will include an assessment by an OWL Assessor if successful they will be awarded an OWL qualification valid for 2 years.

Certification: Upon successful completion of the RLSS Open Water Lifeguard Qualificationyou will receive certification which is valid for two years and is independently assessed.

Cost: £250.00 inc vat (Please note all prices include vat @20%)

Location: South West Maritime Academy, Cromhall, Cromhall, South Gloucestershire, GL12 8AA

If you need to renew your RLSS Open Water Lifeguard Qualification

What is RLSS Open Water Lifeguard course?

The Royal Life Saving Society Open Water Lifeguard courseto address the role of open water lifeguards and the needs of open water operators. As the open water industry continues to grow, the RLSS UK have endeavoured to respond to change through the ongoing development of this qualification. The OWL qualification can be used to supervise and provide rescue cover for planned, organised and risk assessed activities in still, non-tidal water.

The Open Water Lifeguard course enables candidates with no previous lifeguard experience to become qualified. By attaining this qualification candidates will have been assessed as competent to provide supervision and rescue cover for planned, organised and risk-assessed activities in open water still, non-tidal.

The Open Water Lifeguard Qualification, delivered over three days, is valid for two years and is independently assessed. The candidate manual and trainer resources help the Open Water Lifeguard Trainer Assessor deliver through the 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

New candidates: 18hrs + Assessment
Renewal candidates: 10hrs + Assessment

[product_page id=”40281″]

This course contains some exercises that are physically demanding. Any candidate unsure of their fitness for such activities should consult their doctor before booking onto the course.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will this course help my career progression?

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.

What will RLSS Open Water Lifeguard (OWL) certification enable me to do?

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.

Will I get cold and wet during the practical training?

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.

Do I need to have a good level of physical fitness to do this course?

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

Do I need to do all modules?

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

Do I need to provide any of my own equipment?

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.

I already have a different RLSS UK qualification. Do I need to do all three days?

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

How can I book onto the course?

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.

Contact us

Please contact us if you require any further information about this course or wish to book on behalf of a company:

Telephone: 01454 260130
Email: info@southwestmaritimeacademy.com

Normal office hours are (UK time):
Monday – Friday: 08.30 – 17.00

Please be aware that online bookings will be confirmed with course joining information within one working day of the booking being made. Confirmation of payment will be received by email.

There is a wide range of local accommodation, some of which are within walking distance of the training centre to suit everyone’s budget. For a list of local accommodation please click here.

Please click here for a list of local accommodation