RLSS Open Water Lifeguard Course

Open Water Lifeguard (OWL) Qualification

The Open Water Lifeguard (OWL) qualification  has been designed to equip open water lifeguards with the skills required to supervise and provide rescue cover for planned, organised, and risk-assessed activities in still, non-tidal water.

The OWL course is delivered over a minimum of 3 days and covers a range of CPR, first aid, and open water skills.

Upon qualifying with the Open Water Lifeguard (OWL) qualification, the certificate is valid for 2 years from the date of successful completion. 

Prerequisites to do an OWL Course

Every candidate attending an Open Water Lifeguard course must:

• Be 16 years old or over at the time of assessment.
• Be competent and confident in jumping and diving into deep open water.
• Before the course, candidates must be able to swim at least 400 metres in a pool/open water, swimming continuously on their front and showing urgency.
• Be able to submerge under the water confidently.
• No prior first aid knowledge is required.

100 % attendance is required

Candidates who already hold a valid NPLQ certificate with the RLSS can complete a one day top up course to become certified as an Open Water Lifeguard. Please select ticket option 'NPLQ Add on' . 

Course Dates: