About the Swimming Pool Emergency Rescue Award
Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools states:
“When the pool is in use, there must be a safe system of work to identify a person in difficulty and ensure that a rescue can be performed. For example, in the absence of lifeguards, there should be designated ‘on-call’ competent staff to respond immediately to deal with any emergency. They should be suitably trained and capable of reaching the poolside in time to perform a rescue and provide emergency first aid if the alarm is raised.” Paragraph 113 of the HSE publication
The Swimming Pool Emergency Rescue Award is designed for individuals who have a responsibility to respond to a swimming pool in the event of an emergency, by performing a rescue or assisting a lifeguard team.
The Swimming Pool Emergency Rescue Award is not intended to replace a lifeguard qualification, such as the National Pool Lifeguard
Qualification (NPLQ). The NPLQ includes more detailed training and content to prepare someone to supervise a swimming pool directly.
Who can complete Swimming Pool Emergency Rescue training?
Any staff employed at the venue, e.g.
- Receptionists
- Spa hosts
- Chefs
- Waiting staff
- Housekeeping
- Maintenance staff
- Duty managers
- Gym staff
Prerequisites
- Be able to swim on front and back.
- Be able to surface dive to the deepest part of the pool and climb out without help or using steps or ladders. (where venue design permits)
- Be aged 16 or older at the beginning of the course content
Course Content
The Swimming Pool Emergency Rescue Award is 12 hours in duration and deliverable within two days.
Topics covered during the course include:
- Section One – The Emergency Rescuer Role, Pool Safety Operating Procedures and Safety Information
- Section Two – Responding to an Emergency and the Emergency Action Plan
- Section Three – CPR, First Aid and AED
