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All courses

Outdoor Qualifications

RLSS Open Water Lifeguard

The Royal Life Saving Society UK qualification for lifeguards on still, non-tidal open water such as lakes.

Qualification
RLSS UK Open Water Lifeguard (OWL)
How long
3 days, 6 to 7 hours a day
Ages
16 and over
Where
Ballyhass Mallow
Certificate valid for
2 years

Ask about dates

Lifeguard kit on the pontoon beside the water: a rescue ring, a buoyancy aid and a helmet

About the course

Ballyhass trains its own lifeguards to this qualification. It qualifies you to lifeguard still, non-tidal open water. It does not cover pools, beaches or moving water such as rivers.

The course runs over three days, with time in the water and in the classroom each day, and ends with an assessment on day three. If you already hold a pool or beach lifeguard qualification, tell us, because the course may take you less time.

Bring a wetsuit, swimming togs, a towel and a swimming hat. Mallow has toilets, showers, changing rooms and a café on site.

What it covers

  • Open water supervision
  • Rescue techniques
  • CPR
  • First aid for still, non-tidal water

Before you book

  • 16 or over before the course starts
  • Confident in open water
  • Able to swim 400m continuously on your front in open water
  • Pass the assessment on day three