How to become
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- training with a professional body
Apprenticeship
You can apply to do a Leisure Team Member Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, through your place of work.
As part of this apprenticeship, you will gain a first aid certificate along with a lifeguarding qualification.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
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Work
You may be able to work as a leisure centre pool attendant or assistant, and complete lifeguard qualifications on the job.
Other Routes
You can qualify as a lifeguard by taking one of the following courses:
To be a beach lifeguard, you'll need to complete the National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ).
You can take a qualification by:
- joining a local swimming club as a volunteer and training with them
- training with a professional body at an approved centre
You can also apply to train with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
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Career tips
Lifeguards often work part time and are paid by the hour. Rates can vary between £10 and £14 an hour.
Further information
You can find out more about training to be a pool or beach lifeguard from: