The Institute of Sport and Recreation Management
RLSS (UK) National Pool Lifeguard Qualification 7TH Edition (first revision) - Unit 2
Frequently asked questionsISRM is often asked questions relating to the Unit 2 element of the NPLQ qualification, below you will see some of the more common questions. If after reading this section you still have an unanswered question please contact Ian Wakefield on i.wakefield@isrm.co.uk or call 01509 226474.
1. Do lifeguards need to have chest X-rays every 2 years?All managers should carry out risk assessments relating to any risks that a lifeguard may be exposed to including any exposure to chemicals. It would be very rare that exposure to chemicals should necessitate a chest X-ray and the more advisable route would be to remove the risk by reducing any exposure.
A COSHH assessment should be carried out and steps taken to ensure that staff adhere to risk reduction measures when working with chemicals.
2. Can people begin training as lifeguards before they are 16?The new requirement of the Unit 1 is that people cannot register until they are 16 as the qualification has been applied to the 16-19 and 19+ age groups. Vocational qualifications are not open to the under 16s.
3. Do unit 2 T.A.'s need to register training for each site they are training at?As the qualification is now generic then there is no need to register specific sites. One trainer assessor can deliver both units as long as they have attended the appropriate training/updating.
4. Will ISRM consider a specific membership for unit 2 T.As?All unit 2 T.As are eligible to join ISRM as associate members click here to download an application form. This currently costs £45 for the first year and £105 thereafter. If you have a Sports related degree or equivalent you could qualify for full membership click here for details.
5. Can it be enforced that all Unit 2 T.As have to join ISRM?Not at present but ISRM would encourage all Unit 2 T.A's to become members because of the many benefits membership has to offer.
6. How will we prove competence of candidates if we don't carry out written testing?We are delivering knowledge to candidates and as such our way of testing that knowledge should be in the best interests of the candidate and asking questions and practical demonstrations is the method chosen for unit 2. It is the responsibility of the Trainer Assessor to record the results of this on the assessment matrix. Oral questioning, so long as it is done in accordance with an agreed syllabus and by people who have been trained in that aspect of assessment is a perfectly valid method.
7. What is the minimum recommended training time for lifeguards over the 2 year period?MHSSP recommends the following:
Safe operation of pools generally requires the deployment of lifeguards. It is the responsibility of the pool operator to ensure that they are sufficient in number, adequately trained, effectively organised and diligent in their duties.
Under the MHSWR 1999, pool operators will need to assess the capacities of their staff and ensure they are adequately trained for the duties they carry out. It is good practice to maintain written records for all training sessions which include: names of those involved; what they did, including use of equipment; and length of training sessions. Such records can be kept manually or held on computer.
All lifeguards need to be effectively trained to enable them to carry out their role and tasks efficiently and for the health, safety and welfare of all in their charge. Their duties should be suitably restricted and supervised until the necessary competence has been acquired.
There are a number of ways to ensure that employees receive adequate training and instruction such as on-the-job training and attendance at courses. Effective training will mean a firm base of knowledge and skills application which might reasonably be attributed to the needs of swimming pools in general, and in addition site-specific training which seeks to develop in the lifeguard a full understanding of the PSOP and facilities of a particular pool and how they should be used.
To maintain the skills and competency of a lifeguard, suitable and sufficient training and competency assessment should be conducted regularly ('regularly' means as required to suit the circumstances of the pool and sufficient to maintain competency.
For example, medical authorities recommended that training in CPR takes place at least monthly) by qualified training staff and will need to include:
A fitness programme to include timed swims and towing and rescue methods;
Simulated incident training, working in a team, based on the site-specific EAP;
A dive to the bottom of the deepest part of the pool to recover a simulated casualty (manikin);
The use of poolside rescue equipment;
Revisions to the PSOP due to changed circumstances;
Refresher training in supervision and scanning techniques.
Records of the training undertaken and the objectives achieved for each individual should be maintained and be available for inspection by an authorised person.
Ongoing, regular, suitable and sufficient training and assessment should ensure the competency of lifeguards. This should be supplemented by a two-yearly, external test of core or foundation skills, given by a suitably competent person and provided as a means of assuring the authenticity and appropriateness of the ongoing training programme.
Blue stripe recommends regularly as at least once a month.
No, this is not advisable - it would be the subject of the closest scrutiny in the event of any post-incident investigation.
9. Can we find a mechanism for keeping all Unit 2 TA's updated with current issues?The current licences to deliver is for 2 years. The best way to keep updated on current information is through membership of the ISRM/RLSS, looking at websites and attending relevant seminars and regional meetings.
The Institute also runs regular seminars on a wide range of related subjects, details of which are sent to all members click here for details.
10. Do guidelines exist for the use of pools by children regarding appropriate supervision?The ISRM has prepared a document called ISRM risk assessment guidance for child admission policies Click here to view the document and to purchase .
11. Are lifeguards qualified to stand on the poolside if they've just done the foundation module?"The NPLQ comprises two Units; both must be successfully assessed before a lifeguard can be regarded as qualified".
12. Can all Unit 1 T.A's become unit 2 T.A's?No they have to meet pre set criteria below:
Qualifications:| Essential | Desirable |
| Current NPLQ | Hold a Level 3 Training/Teaching Qualification |
| Up to date knowledge of relevant ISRM Publications and Information, including Policy Statements and Codes of Practice. | Hold a A1 (D32 D33) Award |
| Unit 2 Trainer Assessors will be required to maintain their individual membership of the Institute |
Experience:
| Essential | Desirable |
| Have delivered recorded training to learners, such as staff training, within the last 12 months. | |
| Have experience, and be competent, in using PowerPoint as a teaching/training aid | |
| Unit 2 Trainer Assessors will be required to maintain their individual membership of the Institute |
People Skills and Organisational Skills:
| Organisational Skills | People Skills |
| To act as an ambassador for the Institute of Sport & Recreation Management; the RLSS and IQL, by setting a good example and promoting the aims of all partners. | Well organised, and show good attention to detail. |
| Be able to maintain confidentiality, and security of information, and protect the interests of the Institute. | Builds a positive/ supportive relationship with the learner, develop empathy, listens attentively, and adjusts own communication style to best meet the need of the learner. |
| Understands the importance of accurate completion of assessment documentation and training/learner documentation. | Demonstrate leadership skills; an ability to influence others; and take responsibility to for setting standards; adhere to policies (health and safety, etc); and apply best practice solutions. |
| Be able to maintain confidentiality, and security of information, and protect the interests of the Institute. | Is fair, honest and accurate when giving feedback to learners; ensures a balance of praise and developmental elements and explains what support will be given to help skills refinement/further development. |
| Stays objective whilst keeping an open mind, and bases judgements on sound evidence. | Uses open questions and a range of developmental techniques/activities to meet the learners individual needs. |
"To meet the guidance published by The HSE in 'Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools' and in accordance with the endorsement of the qualification by the Government's Qualifications and Curriculum Authority".
14. Why is the timed swim still deemed so important?The timed swims represent a realistic test of basic fitness to do the job. Original trials were measured against known physiological demands, as best we could, and still come as close as we can to a realistic assessment of applied fitness.
15. How do we make managers aware of their legal responsibilities and their responsibilities towards the provision of staff training?By bringing attention to relevant documents i.e. MHSIP (HSG 179) buy this document here, Health and safety legislation, industry best practice, and unfortunately by raising awareness of fatalities.
16. If something happens, who is responsible?The manager and the organisation will carry ultimate responsibility, but it will depend on the incident and who has been deemed negligent. Lifeguards may be held responsible particularly if there is the possibility of negligence. Recent judgements have found against the individual lifeguard.
For information on the recently introduced Corporate Manslaughter Act click here
17. How can we ensure training happens?Providing a sound training plan which covers all aspects of the renewal of the award is important encouraging attendance at training sessions is often a problem and it is important that we recognise the changing needs of staff with regard to training and deliver training in a far less formal manner. This has been extensively discussed at the update sessions and lots of good practice shown.
Trainers need to try be a little more inventive and enthuse about what they do. Training needs to be promoted and recognised as being good for business and not a necessary evil.
18. Is training available about flumes etc?Guidance is given in our publication, specific training could be organised if required. ISRM produce a manual called 'Waterslides - a code of practice for their safe operation, priced £21 click here to purchase.
19. How long do we keep training records for?It is recommended they are kept for at least 7 years
20. If we train to become a new TA will it also cover Unit 2?No, they will remain as 2 separate courses at present.
21. What guarantees are there that TAs have knowledge of that site?They don't need specific knowledge of the site, this will be given by the induction carried out by someone deemed as competent by the manager. The delivery of the knowledge for unit 2 is supported by the material provided.
It is the employer's responsibility to provide induction and ongoing training and competency assessment, specific to the site".
22. What has to be incorporated in the 20 hours ongoing training?This is detailed in HSG 179 on page 60.
Definition of AbbreviationsNOP - Normal operating plans
EAP - Emergency action plans
PSOP - Pool safety operating procedures
PPPE - Provision of personal protective equipment
PPE - Personal protective equipment
SSOW - Safe systems of work
HASAWA - Health and safety at work act
MoHsAW - Management of health and safety at work
H & S - Health and safety
COSHH - Control of substances hazardous to health
PAT - Portable appliance testing
No diving < 1.5m - no diving in depths less than 1.5m