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The NVBLQ is the is a national standard for beach lifeguarding. On completion of this course, candidates will have the skills and knowledge to protect the public at the beach. NVBLQ is also endorsed by the National Water Safety Forum and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).  

We run this course in South Wales and Bournemouth, the course is run over 6 - 7 days including the assessment day depending on location. We can run the course over 3 weekends / over two separate weeks (4 day week 1 / 3 days week 2) or as an intensive 6 day course, please check our course dates page for 2024 dates. 

course cost £375

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NVBLQ Course Prerequisites

Every candidate attending a NVBLQ course must:

  • Be 16-years-old or over at the time of the assessment

  • Have a good level of fitness

  • Surface dive to a depth of 2 metres

  • Be competent at swimming in the sea

  • Before the course, candidates must be able to swim at least 200 metres in a pool (of recommended length 25 metres, but no less than 20 metres) in five minutes or less

  • For the assessment, candidates must be able to swim 400 metres in a pool (recommended 25 metres, but no less than 20 metres) in eight minutes or less using a continuous front stroke and showing urgency. WE RECOMMEND that you can swim 400m in under 8 minutes before attending the course.

Course Content

The NVBLQ covers all elements of beach lifeguard theory, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, pool skills and open water skills. The course is physically demanding and will include swimming to set times and lifting. The NVBLQ is comprised of four modules and all must be successfully passed to attain the qualification.

  • Module 1 – Beach Lifeguarding – Knowledge and Understanding

  • Module 2 – Life Support and First Aid

  • Module 3 – Ocean Skills

  • Module 4 – Pool Skills

Assessment

The NVBLQ assessment takes place at the end of the course. It determines your competence, skills and knowledge of working as a beach lifeguard and assesses your ability to apply the skills and knowledge in a beach environment.

The assessment is split into five elements:

  • Beach Lifeguard and First Aid Theory

  • Life Support and First Aid

  • First Aid Practical

  • Ocean Skills

  • Pool Skills

Renewal

Beach Lifeguards may renew their qualification only within the validity of their existing qualification. Lifeguards are recommended to engage in continuous training to ensure they are ready for duty. Apex Surf offers both re-assessments as well as continuous training on request.

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