STA is excited to announce the launch of its newly redeveloped Pool Emergency Responder (PER) qualification, marking the next stage in the development of its lifesaving qualifications.

Launching today, the new qualification follows a comprehensive review and redevelopment of STA’s existing Pool Emergency Responder qualification and builds on the approach introduced with STA’s new Level 3 Pool Lifeguard qualification last year.

Now regulated at Level 3 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with an SCQF Level 6 qualification for Scotland [pending approval], the new PER qualification introduces greater choice in how training can be delivered, alongside updated content, resources and dual first aid certification.

Pool Emergency Responders perform an essential role in helping to maintain a safe environment for pool users, particularly in smaller, shallow-water facilities where constant poolside supervision by a qualified lifeguard may not be required. The qualification provides the knowledge and practical competencies needed to respond to incidents in these environments, including basic life support, emergency first aid and shallow-water rescues, and to support a casualty until further assistance arrives.

One of the key developments is the introduction of blended learning, giving Approved Training Centres (ATCs), employers and learners more choice in how training is delivered.

Learners can complete up to five hours through distance learning, using STA’s Pool Emergency Responder online programme or live remote tutor-led sessions, reducing the minimum face-to-face delivery requirement to 11 hours. A fully face-to-face option remains available at 16 hours, with an additional hour where the optional backboard unit is taken. All practical Pool Emergency Responder training, backboard training and assessments continue to take place face-to-face.

The redevelopment also introduces dual certification for STA’s Award in Adult and Paediatric Emergency First Aid, providing learners with additional recognition for the first aid knowledge and skills incorporated within their Pool Emergency Responder training.

An optional Backboard Application unit has also been introduced, enabling learners to develop additional practical competence in safely managing and extricating a casualty with a suspected cervical spine injury using a backboard.

Alongside the qualification itself, STA has comprehensively refreshed the supporting learner and tutor resources to create a more modern and engaging training experience. This includes updated imagery, new instructional videos accessible through QR codes and new on-course activity resources, including hazard-identification and realistic poolside scenario activities designed to help learners apply their knowledge and develop practical decision-making skills.

The relevelling also makes it eligible for UCAS Tariff points, supporting learners’ progression into further and higher education.

Helen Done, Qualifications and Business Development Manager at Safety Training Awards, said:
“Following the successful redevelopment of our Pool Lifeguard qualification last year, we wanted to apply the same progressive approach to Pool Emergency Responder training.

“Pool Emergency Responders have an important role to play in facilities where constant poolside supervision is not required, so it was important that the qualification properly reflects the knowledge, practical skills and responsibility involved in that role.

“Reviewing the qualification levelling, introducing blended learning and dual first aid certification, and completely refreshing the supporting resources reflects industry needs by giving learners a much more modern and flexible training experience, while importantly retaining the practical, face-to-face training and assessment that is essential for developing competence and confidence.

“For employers and ATCs, the new delivery options can also make training easier to schedule around operational requirements, while the optional backboard unit means the qualification can be tailored further to the needs and risk assessment of individual facilities.”

The new STA Award for Pool Emergency Responders, which continues to align with HSG179: Health and Safety in Swimming Pools, will be available for learner registrations from 1st October 2026. It is regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA Regulation at Level 3. In Scotland [pending approval], the STA Award for Pool Emergency Responders at SCQF Level 6 will also be available, accredited by Qualifications Scotland Accreditation.

As part of the transition, the current Pool Emergency Responder qualification will no longer be available for new course registrations after 1st November 2026, and all courses registered on the existing qualification must be completed by 31st December 2026.

FIND OUT MORE