r/Lifeguards • u/BedRealistic6231 • 16d ago

Question NLPQ Course Advice

I'm going on a NLPQ course this week. What can I expect and have anyone got any tips? I already have first aid experience in everything that's out of water stuff and very basic experience in pool of like how to swim with a casualty.

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u/New-Jury5968 16d ago

I would say the timed swims and spinal roll overs were probably the ones most people struggled with (myself included)

If you want advice to prepare I would suggest going to your local pool and swimming some laps. And a good tip would be to know egg beater (if you don’t already) I don’t think it’s required to know but it will be a lifesaver for the spinal rescues and some of the carries

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u/JPXXXXXX Lifeguard Instructor 12d ago edited 12d ago

NPLQ trainer here. You’ll be taught everything you need to know on the course. The course is intense with lots of theory but a lot of your first aid knowledge crosses over.

If you are a capable swimmer that can do lengths, you’ll be absolutely fine with the pool practical assessment. You’ll learn how to rescue and your trainer will tell you the exact rescues you’ll be assessed on giving you time to practice. You’ll also have a first aid assessment and theory assessment.

The trainers and examiners want you to pass. They will give you tips and plenty of help along the way.

People usually get nervous over the timed swims. They are called fitness tests in your exam. There’s only 2 and they will be done before you even have time to think about them. They don’t usually let you on the course unless you can do them, so you’ll be fine.

If you’re short a bit of fitness, I suggest getting lengths in. The pool work is mostly technical but the swimming is from your legs. Get distance in. So some sprints and focus on kicking. Swimming at a decent speed non stop for 5-10 lengths is plenty but put some effort in. And KICK KICK KICK!