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How to Become a Qualified Lifeguard in Ireland

7/7/2025

 
If you’ve ever dreamed of working poolside, saving lives, and making a real difference, becoming a lifeguard might be the perfect path for you. In Ireland, qualified lifeguards are in high demand — whether at leisure centres, hotels, swim schools, or during summer events. But how do you become one?

At Swim 21 Training, we’re proud to help people across Ireland earn their lifeguard qualification and start their journey in the leisure industry. Here’s everything you need to know to become a qualified lifeguard in Ireland:

✅ Step 1: Make Sure You Meet the Entry Requirements

Before signing up for a lifeguard course, you’ll need to ensure you meet the following basic criteria:

  • Minimum age: 16 years old
  • Swimming ability: You must be able to swim 100 metres on your front and back, tread water for 30 seconds, and dive to a depth of at least 1.5 metres
  • Fitness: Lifeguarding is an active role, so a basic level of fitness is important

Not sure if you’re ready? We offer pre-assessment sessions to help you build confidence and skills before the course. Please check all course pre-requistes prior to booking as these can sometimes change.

📘 Step 2: Choose the Right Lifeguard Qualification

In Ireland, the most widely recognised lifeguard qualification is the RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ).

The NPLQ includes:

  • Pool rescue techniques
  • First aid & CPR (including AED use)
  • Lifeguard theory and risk management
  • Practical assessments and scenario training

The course usually takes 5–6 days and includes both theory and practical learning.

🏫 Step 3: Book Your Course with Swim 21 Training

We run RLSS-accredited NPLQ courses regularly across Ireland. Whether you’re in Dublin, Meath, Galway, or Cork — we can help you find a course near you or even host one at your local facility.

➡️ Check our upcoming lifeguard courses here: https://www.swim21training.com/lifeguard-course.html

🧠 Step 4: Complete the Course and Pass Your Assessments

Throughout the course, you’ll learn how to:

  • Respond to pool emergencies
  • Perform rescues safely
  • Deliver effective CPR and first aid
  • Work as part of a team in high-pressure situations

At the end of the course, you’ll complete a series of assessments with an RLSS-approved assessor. Once passed, you’ll be awarded your National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, valid for 2 years.

🧯 Step 5: Start Working and Stay Refreshed!

Once qualified, you can start applying for lifeguard jobs at:

  • Local swimming pools
  • Hotels and leisure centres
  • Waterparks and holiday resorts
  • Swim schools and summer camps

To keep your qualification in date, you’ll need to complete ongoing training and renew your NPLQ every 2 years — we offer refresher and renewal courses too!

👏 Why Choose Swim 21 Training?

  • 🇮🇪 100% Irish-owned and operated
  • ✅ RLSS-accredited courses
  • 👨‍🏫 Experienced and friendly trainers
  • 📍 Courses available nationwide
  • 🛟 Support from your first swim to your first job

Ready to Dive In?​

Becoming a lifeguard is more than just a job — it’s a life-saving skill and a rewarding role. If you’re ready to start your journey, Swim 21 Training is here to help every step of the way.

👉 Book your course today at: www.swim21training.com
📧 Or contact us at: [email protected]
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5 Benefits of Starting Swimming Before Your Baby Turns One

6/7/2025

 
Swimming is one of the most natural and beneficial activities you can introduce to your baby — and the earlier, the better! At Swim 21 Training, we’ve seen first-hand the magic that happens when little ones take to the water before their first birthday. Here are five powerful reasons why starting swimming before age one can be a game-changer for your baby’s development and your bonding experience.

1. Boosts Physical Development
Water offers gentle resistance, helping your baby build muscle strength, coordination, and balance. Swimming supports motor skill development — from head control to crawling movements — in a way that’s fun and safe. Babies who swim often show better physical development milestones compared to their non-swimming peers.

2. Encourages Brain Growth
The movement, touch, sounds, and stimulation in the pool all contribute to cognitive development. The sensory-rich environment of the water engages your baby’s brain in new ways, promoting neural growth and strengthening the connection between brain and body.

3. Builds Water Confidence Early
Introducing your baby to water early helps them grow up feeling comfortable and confident around it. This reduces fear and anxiety around swimming later in life and sets a strong foundation for developing essential water safety skills as they grow.

4. Supports Emotional Bonding
Baby swimming lessons offer precious 1-to-1 time between parent and child. Through skin-to-skin contact, eye contact, and shared play, swimming builds trust and strengthens your emotional connection — all while you both enjoy the calming effect of warm water.

5. Improves Sleep and Appetite
After swimming, many parents report that their babies sleep better and feed more effectively. That’s because swimming is a gentle workout that tires babies out in the best way — making bedtime easier and promoting healthy routines.

👶 Ready to Start Your Baby’s Swimming Journey?
At Swim 21 Training, our Baby & Toddler Swim Programme runs every weekend at the Pillo Hotel in Meath. Our lessons are led by qualified and caring instructors in a warm, welcoming environment — perfect for first splashes and lifelong skills.
​
Book your baby’s place today and dive into something special.
📅 View our class schedule here
📍 Based in Meath | Irish-owned | Child-safety focused
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    Swim 21 Training

    We are an Irish swim school and training provider offering expert-led swimming lessons and certified leisure industry courses across Meath and beyond.

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© 2025 Swim 21 Training Limited | Reg. in Ireland: 717648 | All rights reserved.
71 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin, D02 P593
  • Home
  • Aquatic Programmes
    • Baby & Toddler
    • Children Lessons
    • Additional Needs
    • Rookie Lifeguard
  • Industry Courses
    • RLSS Pool Lifeguard (NPLQ)
    • RLSS Qualifications >
      • RLSS Swimming Pool Emergency Rescue Award
      • RLSS NRASTC
      • Pool Supervisor Course in Ireland – Advanced Pool Management Training
    • Swim Teaching Qualifications >
      • STA Award in Swim Teaching
      • STA Certificate in Swim Teaching
      • STA Award in Aquatic Teaching - Baby & Pre-School
    • Pool Plant Qualifications >
      • STA Water Testing & Treatment
      • STA Pool Plant Operator
  • Book Now / Log In
    • Aquatic Programmes
    • Industry Courses
  • Shop
  • Contact