Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the price?
A: £235 for the NBLQ, £250 for the BSA Level 1 Coaching course and £485 for the combined course.
Q: Do you offer work experience?
A: Yes, we offer a week’s unpaid work experience, shadowing our lifeguards here at Lusty Glaze.
Q: Do I need a wetsuit?
A: Yes, definitely, as you will spend up to three hours at a time in the water.
Q: Do you provide accommodation?
A: This is not included in the course fees, but we can help with local accommodation providers close to The Training Centre.
Q: Does a pool lifesaving qualification count towards the Beach Lifeguard Award?
A: No, although there may be elements of the NPLQ that are useful and cross over.
Q: How long is it valid?
A: Two years.
Q: Can I use it all over the world?
A: It is internationally recognised but you will still have to conform to each country’s own qualification specifications.
Q: Do I have to do a timed swim?
A: Yes, in a swimming pool.
Q: What time do I have to do?
A: 400 m (16 lengths in a 25 m pool) in under 8 minutes.
Q: What if I fail part of the course?
A: You have 28 days to retake that element.
Q: What if I fail all of it?
A: You have 28 days to do it all again. The reassessment fee is £50.
Q: How good a surfer do I have to be to do the BSA course?
A: You must be a competent surfer and be able to turn and manoeuvre the board with good control.
Q: Do I do it all at Lusty Glaze Beach?
A: Pool work is done at Waterworld in Newquay and the BSA course is done at Fistral Beach. Water work for the NBLQ may be done elsewhere if conditions dictate.
Q: How many people will be on the course?
A: A maximum of 12.
Q: Do I need to bring lunch?
A: Yes, but there is a café on the beach during the summer months.
Q: Does the cost include accommodation?
A: No.
Q: How old do I have to be?
A: At least 16-years-old.
Q: How much is accommodation?
A: £22-30 per night for bed and breakfast.
Q: What equipment will I need?
A: Notebook, pen, swim wear and towels, warm clothes and a wetsuit.
Q: Do I need to be very fit?
A: Yes. This course is very demanding physically.
Q: Can I wear goggles for the timed swim?
A: Yes in the pool.
Q: I used to be a pool lifeguard. Will that help?
A: There may be some crossover with First Aid skills
Q: I am dyslexic will I get extra help?
A: There is no written exam and you will get the pre-learning pack in advance of the course so you have plenty of time to read through it. Everything you need to know will be taught on the course.
Q: Will a four day first aid course exempt me from that side of the course?
A: A current four day First Aid at Work qualification will exempt you from that element of the exam.
Q: Do I need previous sea experience?
A: Ideally yes. The more experience of the ocean you have prior to the course the better.
Q: Is there a written exam?
A: No
Q: What else will the course cover?
A: Beach and sea safety, rescue techniques, first aid, role of the lifeguard.
Q: Are courses always held in Newquay?
A: Yes
Q: Who validates the course?
A: The Royal Life Saving Society
Q: Is there a course which doesn’t include a timed swim?
A: Not at the Cornwall College Training Centre.
