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How to become a Lifeguard
Pool Rescue Qualifications
There are three NaRS Pool Rescue Qualifications that are externally assessed; the Aquatic Rescue Foundation Unit contains the common core skills for all three qualifications. Candidates who have one NaRS Pool Rescue Qualification may acquire others without the need to undertake the Aquatic Rescue Foundation Unit. Holders of the NaRS Pool Lifeguard and NaRS Pool Attendant may extend their skills by undertaking further additional units as set out on the qualifications below:
STA Certificate for the National Rescue Standard – Pool Lifeguard
Lifeguarding skills for the professional pool lifeguard, complying with the requirements of paragraphs 140-164 of 'Managing Health and Safety in 'Swimming Pools'.
STA Certificate for the National Rescue Standard – Pool Attendant
Lifeguarding skills for the smaller pool with minimal staff and restricted usage, complying with the requirements of paragraph 193 of 'Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools'.
STA Certificate for the National Rescue Standard – Poolside Helper
Rescue skills, CPR and relevant pool safety knowledge for the swimming teacher/coach or poolside helper, complying with the requirements of paragraph 165 of 'Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools'.
National Rescue Standard - Pool Safety Award
Rescue skills, CPR and relevant pool safety knowledge for the swimming teacher/coach or poolside helper, complying with the requirements of paragraph 165 of 'Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools'.
NaRS Pool Rescue Additional Units
Providing qualified lifesavers with the following additional units:
- Unit 3 - Complete Spinal Management
- Unit 4 - Supplementary Oxygen in Life Support
- Unit 5 - Manual Suction in Lifesupport
- Unit 6 - Wound Dressing, Slings and Fracture Support
- Unit 7 - Board Recovery - Non Spinal
NaRS Cross
The aims of the National Rescue Standard Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards programme are personal development of the candidate's water safety, swimming, survival, rescue and first aid skills. With the objective of acquiring the skills and knowledge to respond safely and competently to a situation where it may be necessary to perform a rescue or resuscitation. The teacher assesses the awards and are an ideal introductory training programme for those wishing to become Pool or Beach Lifeguards, alternatively they may be used as additional training for those who have already qualified.
The Candidates will cover the following core elements, which are developed through the awards;
- Water Safety
- Basic Life Support
- Skills Supporting Theoretical Knowledge
- First Aid Knowledge
- Personal Survival Skills
- Speed Swimming Ability
- Rescue Skills
NaRS Teacher/Examiner
A 32 hour course providing underpinning knowledge on how to become a fully qualified NaRS Teacher/Examiner.
NaRS Teacher/Examiner Conversion
Experienced Trainer/Assessors can now convert their qualification to STA either by distance learning or by attending a short 6 hour course.
NaRS Auto-Injection Module
A 2 hour course providing knowledge to first aiders on how to deal with people with Anaphylactic reactions using an Adrenaline Auto-Injector.
NaRS Auto-Injection Tutor Module
A 3 hour course that enables Teacher/Examiners to teach the NaRS Adrenaline Auto-Injection Module.
NaRS Bag-Valve-Mask Module
A 2 hour course providing underpinning knowledge for current first aiders or pool rescuers on how to use a bag-valve-mask resuscitation system as part of a team responding to a casualty requiring resuscitation.
NaRS Advanced Resusciation Teacher/Examiner
A 8 hour course that enables Teacher/Examiners to teach NaRS ER/ER+, NaRS BVM & Manual Suction Modules.
NaRS Spinal Teacher/Examiner
A 8 hour course that enables Teacher/Examiners to teach the Spinal Unit (including Unit 3 - Complete Spinal Management - Pool Environment, Unit 4 - Supplementary Oxygen & Unit 7 - Board Recovery for Non Spinal Injuries)
NaRS Beach Lifeguard
A professional qualification for lifeguards employed on the beach. Co-ordinated by the Surf Life Saving GB, this course can be preceded by a range of other qualifications for volunteer lifeguards. The award also looks at Beach Lifeguarding roles, responsibilities and supervisory requirements, NOP, EAP, legal requirements and other management issues which will assist beach and open water operators to meet their legal responsibilities.
