The LICQual Level 3 Award in National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ) is a prestigious, internationally recognized certification for individuals aiming to work as professional beach lifeguards. This comprehensive program equips learners with the essential skills, knowledge, and confidence to safeguard lives in open water environments. Covering surf, tidal, and coastal conditions, the NVBLQ ensures participants are fully prepared to manage both routine safety duties and emergency rescue situations on the beach.
Designed to meet international standards, this qualification blends theory with intensive practical training, ensuring learners can operate effectively in high-pressure, real-life scenarios. From advanced water rescue techniques to first aid, CPR, and casualty management, the course develops a complete beach safety professional.
The NVBLQ provides a balanced mix of classroom learning and hands-on, open-water training. Participants will learn hazard identification, risk assessment, rescue board handling, spinal injury management, and emergency response procedures. The course also emphasizes teamwork, communication, and leadership — critical skills for working within lifeguard teams and with emergency services.
Upon successful completion, candidates will be fully qualified to work as beach lifeguards worldwide, opening career opportunities in tourism, water sports, and coastal safety services while contributing to safer coastal communities.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Award in Open Water Lifeguard (OWL) Qualification
Total Units
6
Total Credits
6
GLH
12
Qualification #
LICQ2200595
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Award in Open Water Lifeguard (OWL) Qualification applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200595-1 |
Principles of Open Water Lifeguarding |
1 |
6 |
|
LICQ2200595-2 |
Open Water Safety Operations & Risk Management |
1 |
6 |
|
LICQ2200595-3 |
Rescue Techniques in Open Water |
1 |
6 |
|
LICQ2200595-4 |
First Aid and CPR for Open Water Environments |
1 |
6 |
|
LICQ2200595-5 |
Emergency Response & Incident Management in Open Water |
1 |
6 |
|
LICQ2200595-6 |
Communication, Teamwork & Leadership in Lifeguarding |
1 |
6 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Principles of Open Water Lifeguarding
- Understand the roles, responsibilities, and professional standards of an open water lifeguard.
- Explain the principles of open water surveillance and hazard recognition.
- Identify environmental factors affecting open water safety.
- Demonstrate knowledge of legal and ethical considerations in lifeguarding.
Open Water Safety Operations & Risk Management
- Assess and manage risks in open water environments.
- Apply safe operating procedures for open water lifeguard duties.
- Understand the use of safety equipment and preventative measures.
- Develop strategies to prevent incidents through proactive lifeguarding.
Rescue Techniques in Open Water
- Demonstrate proficiency in open water rescue techniques.
- Use rescue equipment effectively in different water conditions.
- Apply self-preservation and casualty-handling techniques.
- Conduct rescues in various open water scenarios, including multiple casualties.
First Aid and CPR for Open Water Environments
- Administer CPR and AED in aquatic emergencies.
- Provide first aid for injuries and illnesses common in open water settings.
- Manage drowning, hypothermia, and other aquatic medical emergencies.
- Demonstrate correct use of first aid equipment in open water environments.
Emergency Response & Incident Management in Open Water
- Implement emergency action plans in open water incidents.
- Coordinate with emergency services and other lifeguards.
- Manage critical incidents with calm and effective decision-making.
- Record and report incidents accurately in compliance with regulations.
Communication, Teamwork & Leadership in Open Water Lifeguarding
- Demonstrate effective communication in open water operations.
- Apply teamwork skills to ensure safety and operational efficiency.
- Exhibit leadership during routine operations and emergencies.
- Support the training and development of other team members.
This course is ideal for individuals who are passionate about water safety, enjoy working in outdoor environments, and are committed to protecting lives in open water settings. It is specifically designed for:
- Aspiring lifeguards seeking professional certification to work at beaches, lakes, reservoirs, and other open water venues.
- Current pool lifeguards aiming to expand their skills and transition into open water rescue operations.
- Outdoor activity instructors, water sports coaches, and adventure tourism guides who wish to enhance their safety knowledge and rescue abilities.
- Emergency response volunteers and community safety personnel working near open water locations.
- Students or professionals in sports, recreation, or maritime industries looking to add a recognized qualification to their portfolio.
- Event safety staff involved in triathlons, open water swimming competitions, and water-based festivals.
- Individuals seeking seasonal employment as lifeguards during summer or holiday periods.
- Anyone with a strong swimming ability, good fitness level, and the desire to protect and save lives in challenging aquatic environments.
This qualification is internationally recognized and equips learners with essential rescue, first aid, and leadership skills to operate confidently and effectively in open water environments.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
