If I have an American Red Cross Lifeguarding qualification can I work in the UK or do I need an NPLQ?

Talk to the certifying organization in the UK or other country you are interested in working in. American Red Cross is recognized in many countries, but because the programs will be different you may still have to take a course to "bridge" to the new material. It will be sort of like a short class that hits all the points that ARC doesn't cover for your new certification. Talk to the organization (NPLQ) in the area you want to work in and try to find out what the requirements are...

Lifeguard Certification Uk

I think it will largely depend on your prospective employer's policy. I found the following text in the IQL website FAQ:

" Lifeguard Qualifications from abroad

Can I use my Lifeguard qualification from abroad in the UK?

The responsibility for ensuring the health and safety of both employees and members of the public in swimming pools in the UK is that of the employer, the pool operator. It is set out in the Health and Safety at Work, etc., Act 1974. This includes the decision on whom to employ as a pool lifeguard. Pool operators rely upon the guidance published by the Health and Safety Executive [HSE], in fulfilling this responsibility. That guidance is contained in a publication, "Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools" [2003], which has a specification for a pool lifeguarding qualification. It is the pool operator who decides if a particular qualification meets that specification.

RLSS UK, through IQL (its specialist pool lifeguarding body), provides a pool lifeguarding qualification, the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification [NPLQ], which meets the specification in the above HSE publication. We recommend that qualification to pool operators. We are unable to evaluate other qualifications."

So, the IQL recommends its own course. What a surprise.

That said, so long as you have the required skills that an NPLQ lifeguard would have, then some employers might be willing to give you a go, although probably only on condition that you get your NPLQ within, say, 3-6 months of starting work. You would likely have to do a very thorough 'interview', including demonstrating all the necessary rescue and CPR skills.

Others may simply require that you have the 'industry standard' qualification before you start. For example in the case of leisure management companies running municipal sports facilities (e.g. my previous employers), their contract with the local authority may specifically require the NPLQ (for liability reasons). However, for a big multi-sports centre you may well be able to find 'dryside' employment (e.g. as a cleaner, café staff, receptionist, etc.), even if you aren't allowed to work on poolside... yet.

Bear in mind also that most lifeguarding/CPR certifications are only valid for a limited time (2 years, for the NPLQ), so even if you got a lifeguarding job, you would likely have to re-qualify as a lifeguard/ do the NPLQ course at some point within the next 18 months anyway.

Good luck.

The circumstances will attempt your awareness on a million) form of get admission to into the pool 2) form of rescue and 3) form of care you will supply. the form of get admission to and rescue you do would be desperate by the situation. Is it a deep water rescue? do you think a spinal harm? did you witness the wear/subject? the form of care relies upon on your sufferer. Are they respiration? Is the airway blocked? do the have a pulse? certainly, make an effort - do not panic. you ought to swap on your emergency action plan (EAP) and phone 911. CABC - examine awareness, clean Airway, respiration, circulate. in case you probably did properly on your written the smart should not be too complicated. sturdy success.

Good question http://ya2.ru/