RLSS National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ) - Portrush - April 24th, 25th, 26th & May 9th, 10th, 11th 2026

RLSS National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ) - Portrush - April 24th, 25th, 26th & May 9th, 10th, 11th 2026NVBLQ Course Pre Requisites Every candidate attending a NVBLQ course must: Before the course, 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. Be 16 years old Have a good level of fitness Surface dive to a depth of 1. 5 metres Tread water for two minutes Climb out of deep water unaided and without steps Be competent at

NVBLQ Course Pre-Requisites

Every candidate attending a NVBLQ course must:

◦ Before the course, 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.


◦ Be 16-years-old
◦ Have a good level of fitness
◦ Surface dive to a depth of 1.5 metres
◦ Tread water for two minutes
◦ Climb out of deep water unaided and without steps
◦ Be competent at swimming in the sea

Make sure you can attend all of the dates as refunds will not be given.

Fitness Testing 

 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.



Fitness standard not being met will mean new full course fee will be charged to book into a new course if there is availability. 

We recommend that 400 metres timed swim in the pool is completed in under 7 minutes 30 seconds and 200 metre time is under 3 minutes 30 seconds. (This is the RNLI Standards but not essential to pass this course) 

We also recommend having surfed or used a rescue board at least 5 times.

This course does not guarantee employment with the RNLI lifeguards but will give you the best opportunity possible.

Read our term and conditions

https://sub6life.com/pages/terms-conditions

Location : Portrush, Northern Ireland 

Timetable is 09.00 - 17.00 each day but is subject to change , exact timings and location will be emailed when we receive your booking and enrolment forms. 

Final information will be sent 2 weeks prior to course start date. 

PLEASE NOTE : This course has an assessment day (last day of course) On a Tuesday. 

Potential Funding for courses 

Apply at the link below for the Personal Learning Account Fund, guidance is available at the link to download.

https://grants.ccgbcapps.com

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 Skils
• Module 4 – Pool Skills
• Includes AED Training

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