Become a Qualified Lifeguard – Weekend NPLQ Course in Redbridge This November
Become a Qualified Lifeguard – Weekend NPLQ Course in Redbridge This November
Want to become a qualified lifeguard but can't commit to a full Monday-to-Friday training course?
Elite Lifesaving Skills is running an RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) course in Redbridge this November, delivered across three weekends.
The weekend format gives candidates the opportunity to complete their lifeguard training around work, college, university and other weekday commitments.
What is the NPLQ?
The National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) is the UK's leading qualification for pool lifeguards and is widely used throughout the leisure industry.
The course combines practical pool training with essential theory, first aid and emergency response skills.
Candidates develop the knowledge and practical ability required to help prevent incidents and respond effectively when an emergency occurs in a swimming pool environment.
What will I learn?
The NPLQ isn't simply about being a strong swimmer.
Throughout the course, candidates develop a range of practical lifesaving and emergency response skills, including:
- Pool supervision and lifeguarding responsibilities
- Identifying potential hazards
- Recognising swimmers who may be in difficulty
- Practical swimming pool rescues
- Casualty recovery
- CPR
- First aid
- Emergency procedures
- Teamwork and communication
- Responding to incidents in and around a swimming pool
Training includes both classroom learning and practical pool sessions, giving candidates plenty of opportunity to practise their skills.
Why are we running the NPLQ over weekends?
Traditionally, many NPLQ courses are delivered intensively across a working week.
That works well for some candidates, but not everyone can take five weekdays away from work, education or family commitments.
Our November NPLQ is therefore being spread across three weekends.
Candidates still complete the required training and assessment, but the timetable makes the qualification much more accessible to people with weekday commitments.
Candidates must attend all required training and assessment sessions, so please check that you can attend the full course before booking.
Who is the course suitable for?
The NPLQ can be a great starting point for anyone interested in working within the leisure industry.
It may particularly appeal to students looking for part-time work, people considering a career in leisure, strong swimmers wanting to develop lifesaving skills, or existing leisure staff who need to gain their lifeguard qualification.
Lifeguarding can also provide useful experience for people interested in careers involving sport, swimming, emergency response and leisure management.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
The NPLQ is a practical lifeguarding qualification, so candidates must meet the required swimming and physical prerequisites before beginning the course.
These include demonstrating appropriate swimming ability and being comfortable working in deeper water.
Full pre-course requirements will be provided before training begins. If you're unsure whether you meet them, contact Elite Lifesaving Skills before booking and we'll be happy to discuss the requirements with you.
November Weekend NPLQ – Redbridge
November 2026
🗓️ Delivered across 3 weekends
📍 Mayfield Leisure Centre, Redbridge
💷 Course price: £325 per person
The course includes the required NPLQ training and assessment leading towards the RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, subject to successfully meeting the qualification requirements.
Why Train With Elite Lifesaving Skills?
At Elite Lifesaving Skills, our focus is on practical, engaging training that prepares candidates for real situations — not simply passing an assessment.
Our courses are delivered by experienced trainers with extensive practical experience within swimming pools, leisure facilities, lifeguarding and emergency response.
We want candidates to leave their NPLQ course not only with a qualification, but with the confidence to use their skills when somebody genuinely needs them.
Book Your NPLQ Place
Places on the November weekend course are limited.
If you've been considering becoming a lifeguard but haven't been able to commit to a weekday course, this is an opportunity to complete your training across three weekends in Redbridge.
Book or enquire with Elite Lifesaving Skills today to secure your place.