- 3 Day Course
- RLSS Regulated
- Certificate 2 years
Introduction to the RLSS UK Open Water Lifeguard Qualifications
The Open Water Lifeguard (OWL) Qualification was developed by the Royal Life Saving Society UK to 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.
RLSS UK has also developed an Open Water Lifeguard ‘bolt-on’ Module, targeting qualified swimming pool lifeguards. The ‘bolt-on’ module equips lifeguards with both the knowledge and experience to supervise and provide rescue cover for planned, organised and risk assessed activities in still, non-tidal water.
Note – The Open Water Lifeguard ‘bolt-on’ Module will only be available until the end of the 2019 open water season. Candidates that hold a current RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) can now attend a one-day RPL OWL qualification course and will be externally assessed, to gain a 2 year OWL qualification.
Syllabus
The Open Water Lifeguard qualification 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 and Renewal candidates: 10hrs + Assessment
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 a OWL qualification valid for 2 years.
