I (BARELY) Passed The NPLQ UK Lifeguard Course!

[@BefriendWater]

Are you anxious about your upcoming NPLQ course? Let me know your thoughts before and after!

[@marksp.h1393]

Hi mate. Loving the video. I'm 39, had a rough time with work since covid as I lost a taxi company I put 10 years into, been hgv driving 2 years before deciding the hours weren't for me. And getting by with courier & warehouse work. I saw our pool were taking on, went for a swimming masterclass and she thinks I'll pass. I might be able to get a course at the end of the month, but really glad of your video as I wouldn't have been prepared for most of this stuff! I'm semi anxious, semi excited haha. I really pushed myself at the class having not since my last triathlon (I did 3 mountain ultras last year) and legs have suffered but hopefully back at it Tuesday

[@BefriendWater]

@@marksp.h1393 Wow thank you for your comment. I'm also in a career change at the moment so I can relate. I'm glad this was of value to you and hope the course will go smoothly for you too! Let us know after 😉

[@marksp.h1393]

@@BefriendWater it's looking like I'm not gonna get on the course end of the month, but where I want to work are running them end of July. If I don't hear from the other I'll book that one end of the week

[@marksp.h1393]

@@BefriendWater cancel that, I'm on the course in under 2 weeks hahaha. The girl at the swimming masterclass I attend says I'm quick and fit enough so just to study some of the stuff you mentioned

[@BefriendWater]

@@marksp.h1393 that’s great! Go for it and enjoy 😉

[@iyzy_8236]

Update: I passed! Thank you so much once again for the video. Nobody else gave such insightful info like your video.

[@BefriendWater]

I’m so happy for you! Congratulations and thank you for the kind words 😊

[@iyzy_8236]

This was a really insightful video! I have never seen a video about the NPLQ that gives an honest review like yours.

[@BefriendWater]

Thank you for the kind words ☺️

[@uobislrt]

Thank you Alan. I really appreciate your honesty about how you felt, and the information about your experience. I think it will help me prepare for my course and know what to expect.

[@BefriendWater]

You are very welcome! Your kind words mean a lot and motivate to do more. Good luck with your course and let us know how it went t after 😉

[@rgbaki6500]

Thank you so much!! This video makes me feel so much better. I have been thinking to apply the NPLQ course for a year now, but still haven’t apply yet. After watching your video I’ve build more confidence because I know what to expect!

[@BefriendWater]

You are welcome! I’m very happy that you found it helpful. Thank you for the kind words and good luck. Make sure to come back and share your experience once you pass your NPLQ qualification 😊

[@YifanBao-cr5lc]

Thanks for making this informative video :) cause i am having such anxiety rn about it, i did use to swim professionally for a club 2 years ago but i feel confident for my nplq next week thanks so much:)

[@BefriendWater]

I’m glad it helped! I’m sure you will do well. Enjoy your course and good luck! Let us know how it went after 😉

[@YifanBao-cr5lc]

I just passed my NPLQ thanks so much for the help:)

[@BefriendWater]

@@YifanBao-cr5lc I’m so happy for you! Enjoy your new qualification ☺

[@OGmenozOG]

Hey, firstly I would like to say this is a great video and credit to you for pulling though, I’m a qualified NPLQ training assessor and by the sound of it you had a very intense course where the trainers decided to put quite challenging tasks at the start of the course, I have run over 20 NPLQ courses and assessed multiple candidates and I myself would never have my candidates attempt any spinal rescue techniques on day one and two in the pool as they are quite difficult and need highlighting in various videos etc which just wouldn’t be able to do in such a short time frame this could really knock candidates confidence such as you mentioned and can lower morale from such a early starting point. Generally it sounds like the trainers day planner could be rearranged to benefit the candidates and the trainers as it must’ve been quite hard also it would make sense to use the same casualty on exam day which you used throughout the week and have the assessment groups determined from the outset (of course in real life casualties vary). If anyone has any questions or worries feel free to give a message I’ll try my best to answer any concerns this video has actually made me consider making a Q & A on the very subject. 👍🏽

[@BefriendWater]

Thank you so much for reaching out! This is really reassuring and maybe a good conversation starter for anyone in association with RLSS. Would you be open to doing a podcast / interview to talk about it? If so, you can email me at [e-mail]

[@gemmalangley5220]

Hi can you advise of which day you would expect candidates to demonstrate the speed test and 100 meter swim, is this completed once on back and once on front please?

[@OGmenozOG]

@@gemmalangley5220 this would normally be determined on the first day to ascertain if swim strokes can be completed and a time swim without casualty would usually take place.

[@OGmenozOG]

@@BefriendWater sure I will send you an email!

[@pravers.]

I passed it 3 weeks ago! I found it really fun experience and can't wait to get a job.

[@BefriendWater]

Congrats! What kind of pool would you prefer to work at?

[@pravers.]

@@BefriendWater I am soon going to start at a leisure pool. It was nice to hear your experience of the course we both did. When did you do the spinal board?

[@BefriendWater]

We didn’t do the board because the swimming pool we were doing it at didn’t have one. So we had to stabilise the causality with our arms as a team. I think there might be slight differences in courses depending on the venues equipment access. I would love to work at some kind of leisure pool or water park but we will see 🙂

[@Utlathram80]

i have my pretest really soon in May. Thank you for sharing your experience. It definitely makes it less nerve racking 🤣

[@BefriendWater]

I’m glad to be of service my friend 😊 good luck!

[@BefriendWater]

@@Utlathram80 amazing! Congratulations and enjoy officially being a lifeguard 💪

[@Willgreenall76]

Got mine on the second of September, very nervous, very doubtful I will pass but fingers crossed

[@BefriendWater]

Good luck! Make sure to let us know about your experience 💪

[@thanksyou9658]

I passed my NPLQ but I did only after 3 times. Now I hope I can ace the pre tests for my jobs.

[@bilalmetlo9874]

Did you have to pay the fee each time you did it? Or was it you pay once and you have multiple tries until you pass

[@thanksyou9658]

@@bilalmetlo9874 You have to pay but only for the modules you failed on

[@loopa9283]

I have my course starting Monday, feeling a bit nervous but not overly.

[@BefriendWater]

You can do this! Let us know how it went afterwards 😉

[@loopa9283]

@@BefriendWaterI passed 🎉🎉

[@BefriendWater]

@@loopa9283 yaaay congratulations 🥳 well done!

[@graemetaft853]

First of all congratulations on passing the NPLQ course and making a great video 👍. I'm currently training for my upcoming course and want to ask which front crawl technique should I mainly train for? The standard breathing under water style or the polo style (head above the water)?

[@BefriendWater]

thank you for the kind words! we were allowed to choose either technique for the timed runs. But for the other situations it is recommended to keep your head above water to keep an eye on the casualty at all times. good luck with your course and let us know how it went after! 💪

[@graemetaft853]

I assume no goggles for the timed runs?

[@BefriendWater]

You can technically use them throughout the week but for the assessment no goggles are allowed. So on the second day I left them in the locker and practiced swimming without goggles because it is a huge difference. Particularly when you open your eyes under water (it burns eyes a bit) and also when you blow air out it tends to impair your vision. Have to get used to it and find your own solution to swim fast unaffected 😉

[@Ed-2358]

What strokes do you swim during the NPLQ course, is it just freestyle and side stroke or do participants need to be sufficient in backcrawl etc?

[@BefriendWater]

mostly freestyle and side stroke. sometimes a slow breastroke when approaching a casualty with a suspected spinal injury. also they encourage to keep the head above water to keep an eye on the person you are rescuing 😉

[@Ed-2358]

@ Thanks I rlly appreciate that.

[@isobelcampbell5927]

on the assessment, when doing group spinal rescues, will they tell you what roles each of us will do - who will be the causality etc

[@BefriendWater]

Yes you are correct, you do it as a group only once and each person has a role 😉

[@simonetry]

could you link a how to do a side stroke video please? i also have not done this before and i am worried for my NPLQ

[@BefriendWater]

I found this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3mlo2Onmc6AjLsfeature=shared

[@BefriendWater]

And this one with flutter kick if you want to go faster kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnbPd6ShqbyEh6csi=ijVhR2LPNbxsnRCg

[@simonetry]

@@BefriendWater Thanks so much, both videos are very helpful😁

[@laurenfinney5390]

I have my NPLQ in 2 weeks and I’m petrified. Like you I feel like I’m tackling a lot of anxiety. I was supposed to have it in July but I got ill and got deferred. I don’t have much access to training ins pool, I trained a lot on holiday a few weeks ago. I managed 30m in 30s so I feel like the 50m in 60 is doable. I have done 100m front crawl in a job interview but yea… I don’t feel like I’m good enough and like I have enough time to train… but I need to get a grip and just do it scared. Any reassurance would be great because I’m almost thinking of quitting.

[@BefriendWater]

Please don’t quit. It feels daunting but during the course of the week you will get stronger and better. The whole idea of the course is to prepare you for it. It’s not going to be easy but it’s rewarding whether you pass or not. I was very proud of myself at the end and said whether I pass the assessment or not it’s still an achievement to get to the end. Do your best and let us know how it went after 😉 Good luck!

[@laurenfinney5390]

@@BefriendWater thank you so much and I will let you know how it goes, you are right, pass or fail it was an investment and is an achievement

[@nelsonisere2006]

Doing my course course tomorrow super nervous about it!! When you pack shorts and t shirt when you have to swim in that it can just be swim shorts can’t it? Normal shorts? I’m most nervous about the written exam as my brain goes to fog in exams 🤦🏻‍♂️ how many questions is it do you remember? Is it a sit down exam? My friend did the course a few years ago and he didn’t have to do a written exam on the last day he said it was groups of 3 and instructor would ask them questions and you would just answer them I wish it was still like that 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@BefriendWater]

Normal shorts are fine. I had two pairs everyday with me and two towels. The test is a multiple choice test (A, B, C or D) where only one answer is correct. There is no actual writing involved, at least that was the case here in Edinburgh. I think you can make a fair few mistakes and still pass but please don’t let this be a reason for not studying hard. I studied all week and the especially the night before. During the week you will have covered everything using your Lifeguard manual which is very helpful later on if you want to revise your knowledge. From what other commenters say there are slight differences and how some assessments are carried out but your instructor will prepare you for it. Their jobs depend on training good lifeguards so you can trust them to help you if you communicate with them. Anyways, hope this helps. Good luck and let us know how it went after! 💪

[@nelsonisere2006]

@@BefriendWater Thanks I have borrowed my friends book today so I’m reading through that and watching your video to go over highlights I’m also doing the course in my thirties ☺️ I shall let you know as mine is a 6 day course for some reason Saturday will be the assessment day 🤞🤞

[@BefriendWater]

Brilliant! You’ve got this mate 😉

[@nelsonisere2006]

@@BefriendWater I PASSED😀😀

[@BefriendWater]

@@nelsonisere2006 congratulations well done! 👏

[@isobelcampbell5927]

does everyone have to do a vice grip deep water trawl

[@BefriendWater]

Yes we all were required to demonstrate a correct deep water vice grip during our assessment but we practiced it quite a lot during the course

[@isobelcampbell5927]

in the assessment, are you told which of the 4 short tows (deep water) you have to use or can you choose

[@BefriendWater]

You get to choose your favourite 😉

[@isobelcampbell5927]

@@BefriendWater thanks so much

[@nadiaayala9884]

Hi Alan! I'm 31 years old and I started today with my NPLQ course and I feel that problem with my self confidence. The instructor already noticed my language barrier since I’m not English and the rest are all natives. About the timing I’ve done the 20+20 in 77 sec. And the 20+10 in 45. The 50 metres freestyle test in 65 seconds. I think five days are not enough to improve, what would you recommend me?

[@BefriendWater]

Keep pushing, I know five days seems like not enough time but you will get better, trust me! I’m sure your instructor probably will give you some tips to improve your times. Mine also mentioned that the adrenaline on the day of assessment gives some extra motivation and boost of energy which is true. It won’t be easy and you will have to muster everything you’ve got, but it’s worth it. Persevere and see how far you can get 😉 Also don’t worry about the language barrier. There are many non native speakers who do very well as liveguards 💪

[@sammyjoo21]

Got my assessment tomorrow it's so hard 😭

[@BefriendWater]

You can do this!

[@mythci]

how strict is the assessor with the pool work that isn’t the timed swims or sunk bob which are obviously fails if u can’t do it but like everything else do they mind if you do a little wrong ??

[@BefriendWater]

They are quite strict. On their assessment sheet some of their checkboxes are coloured in gray which is a MUST to pass (like the vice grip). They won’t tell you whether you did it right or not until the end but they might ask you to perform the task again. Hope this helps! 😉

[@mythci]

@@BefriendWater Jesus i have my assessment friday and mcq tomorrow but did all the practical stuff today and there’s only a few things that need improving so hopefully should do good thanks

[@BefriendWater]

@@mythci all I can say is that they want you to pass. There is a shortage of good Lifeguards and they don’t really benefit from deliberately failing people. Do your best and I’m sure you will be ok. Good luck!

[@beautygurugirl5042]

I start my corse on Monday I have the job but if I fail I have to quit I’m not a confident swimmer at all but passed my pre test

[@BefriendWater]

Good luck, I’m sure you will do great 😊

[@isobelcampbell5927]

on the assessment, when you’re doing a spinal or board rescue, will they make everyone have a go at all the roles or will you only have to do one role

[@BefriendWater]

One role as this will save time. Except for the head splint which each person needs to prove that they can do it correctly 🙂

[@isobelcampbell5927]

@@BefriendWater thankyou, i thought so! does the assessor tell us what roles each of us will do or do we choose

[@BefriendWater]

You choose 😊

[@Utlathram80]

Alan how was your written assessment? I feel comfortable in the pool but we had our sample questions today and i didnt really do good on these. I have one day to improve.

[@BefriendWater]

I got all the questions correct but I think you can get quite a few wrong and still pass. I don’t remember how many but I think it was six in each segment. I spent most of the evening and the morning before the assessment revising everything to increase my chances. Good luck, keeping fingers crossed 🤞

[@Utlathram80]

​@@BefriendWaterI PASSED! Cant wait to get the job. Thanks

[@BefriendWater]

@@Utlathram80 yohooo... well done! Super happy for you! 😊

[@simonetry]

Thank you for this video, Alan, I have my NPLQ this monday and i am very scared for it as my timed runs for the 50 metres frontcrawl in 60 seconds are always 60 seconds with goggles and without shorts and a t shirt, so I am scared that it will be longer without goggles and with shorts and a t shirt over my swimming suit. How many timed runs did you do? because for the prerequisites it says that you must be able to swim 50m in 60 seconds or less, but are you timed more than this? And do you think that if you are a few seconds over the time limit it is a problem or will they be lenient?

[@BefriendWater]

So even though the prerequisite is 50m under sixty seconds we haven’t actually been tested on that. Instead you will be doing a 20m front crawl sprint to a casualty and then tow the casualty 20 back using a rescue buoy. This needs to be done in under 65 seconds. Second timed run is 20m front crawl to the casualty and 10m tow back using a side stroke holding on to their chin. That needs to be done in 45 seconds. I’ve been told they will not be lenient if I go above the times so I trained hard to do it. You will have 5 days to practice and trust me I didn’t believe I can do this on Monday and by Friday I made it with time to spare. It’s amazing what some adrenaline can do to help finding that extra strength. It’s tough, but it’s doable. Hope this helps 😉 Good luck and let us know when you make it!

[@simonetry]

@@BefriendWater Thank you so much for your reply and advice! This is very helpful. I had my first day at NPLQ training today and passed the 50 metre prerequisite😊. I did find towing a casualty quite difficult, but hopefully with some training I will be better for the assessment. Do you know if the practical part of the assessment consists of anything other than the 40 metre and 30 metre timed swims?

[@Benjamin-nr8mj]

Would you recommend doing a large amount of research prior to the course (around one month) for theory and injury I’m booking my course soon, and am only stressed around the theory work. I am a competitive swimmer around the national level so the swimming aspect to me is lucky very trivial. I hope I can find an answer as I think what will stump me is the academic side.

[@BefriendWater]

hey Benjamin, they will teach you what you need to know in order to pass the assessment. And like with any test you can make few errors and still pass. I think in order to feel confident in assisting injuries though it is a good idea to do educate yourself on your own too. Take notes, read through the manual and just be interested. As longest you pay attention during the course (we had couple of youth who really didn’t ), you should be fine. I’m sure you will smash it! Enjoy, and let us know about your experience afterwards 😉

[@goranpetrovic7861]

300£ for a course, is this normal?

[@BefriendWater]

Yes, absolutely normal. As far I’m aware some places in UK do it for less but that’s a standard price in Scotland. Some workplaces will pay that for you though if you apply for a job with them. Look into it in your area 😉

[@Vessel_2007]

Really regret becoming a lifeguard. When you pass the nplq course. That's nothing compared to the tests you will need to attend and PASS ever MONTH for staff traning. Once you start working. If you fail staff traning you will you will not be allowed to work until you pass it. We do pretty much the tests that you would do on day 5 for the nplq so swimming and rescue techniques those are easy. Hardest one is the written assessments. 17 marks to pass fail that and you need to do It all over again it only wastes time and effort. Work in a shop, less stress, easy money, minimal effort. If you think lifeguarding is about sitting on a zone for your whole shift. Take another look at it because that's not what you will be doing. Most of the time you just walk around mindlessly looking for some shitty cleaning tasks to do.

[@BefriendWater]

I think every job will have its downsides and having ongoing training isn’t it. It is actually a good thing to be expected to perform at a high level and pass tough tests. You are literally responsible for LIVES of hundreds of people and children, so this is not going to be as easy as working in a shop. I realise some venues have shit management and poor working conditions but it’s not a reason to bash the whole profession and discourage others from finding their purpose instead of getting an “easy job”.

[@Vessel_2007]

@@BefriendWater absolutely, most of us are contracted 6 hours a week anyway. Really gets annoying when staff traning arises though in theory everyone should be passing it because its literally what we had to do for the NPLQ. Not discouraging anyone but giving a realistic example of what our job would require us to do constantly. Over and over again.