Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the price?
A: £246 for the 5-day NBLQ course and £156 for the 3-day NBLQ-R 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 National Lifeguard Training Centre.
Q: Does a pool lifesaving qualification count towards the Beach Lifeguard Award?
A: Unfortunately not, as beach and pool environments are quite different. Some of the first aid will be relevant.
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: Do I do it all at Lusty Glaze Beach?
A: The timed swim is done at Waterworld in Newquay and first aid and beach rescue elements are done at Lusty Glaze 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, please bring something with you for lunch. The beach restaurant and takeaway will both be open between Easter and October but please be aware that they do get busy during school holidays.
Q: Does the cost include accommodation?
A: No.
Q: How old do I have to be?
A: At least 16-years-old.
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 National Lifeguard Training Centre.
