Open Water Lifeguard (OWL)
The Open Water Lifeguard (OWL) Qualification was developed by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) to address the role of open water lifeguards and the needs of open water operators. As the open water industry continues to grow, the RLSS UK have endeavoured to respond to change through the ongoing development of this qualification. The OWL qualification can be used to supervise and provide rescue cover for planned, organised and risk assessed activities in still, non-tidal water.
Why do you need this qualification?
If you are looking to lifeguard in an outdoor setting such as a lake this is the perfect qualification for you. This qualification was designed by RLSS UK to meet the need for rescue cover foor still, non tidal water.
How long does it last?
An OWL qualification is valid for 2 years.
​
If you would like to renew your OWL qualification you will only need to complete 10 hours + the assessment rather than the full 18.
Course Prerequisites
Every candidate attending a OWL course must:
-
Be 16-years-old or over at the time of assessment
-
Be competent and confident in open water
-
Be able to submerge under the water confidently
-
Before the course, candidates must be able to swim at least 400 metres in a pool/ open water swimming continuously on their front and show urgency.
​
Current National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) holders can use RPL* from their NPLQ and attend a one-day RPL OWL qualification course, which will include an assessment by an OWL Assessor. If successful they will be awarded an OWL qualification valid for 2 years.
RPL New candidates: 7hrs + Assessment
*Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of recognising a candidate’s previous achievement towards part of a qualification.
Course Content
The Open Water Lifeguard qualification is 18 hours + assessment and deliverable over 3 days.
The OWL enables candidates with no previous lifeguard experience to become qualified. By attaining this qualification candidates will have been assessed as competent to provide supervision and rescue cover for planned, organised and risk-assessed activities in open water still, non-tidal.
​
The candidate manual and trainer resources help the Open Water Lifeguard Trainer Assessor deliver three sections:
-
Section 1 - The Open Water Lifeguard, environment, hazards and supervision
-
Section 2 - Responding to an emergency and taking action
-
Section 3 - CPR and First Aid
New candidates: 18hrs + Assessment
Renewal candidates: 10hrs + Assessment
How will I be assessed?
Assessment for the OWL takes place at the end of the course. It will be externally assessed by an independent assessor.
​
The assessment contains both practical assessment and verbal questioning
What are my next steps?
Enjoying Open Water Lifeguarding? Why not undertake the full National Pool Lifeguard Qualification to allow you to work in swimming pools year round?
Contact
Want to find out more or book your space on our next course? Drop us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.