Built into the programme are lessons in valuable survival, rescue and sports skills…all delivered in an exciting way that will get children involved and motivated. The course can run parallel to your child’s current swimming lessons and will enhance the skills they learn in the pool.
For many of our Rookie Lifeguards, our programme offers the first opportunity to explore water safety, gradually gaining independence and confidence while learning vital life skills. Our programme will inspire and embolden your child, helping them keep themselves, their friends and their family safe in the water through a range of fun activities that lead towards a series of awards.

Rookie Lifeguard is aimed at children – though the skills learned through the course of the programme are just as valuable to people of all ages. There are three stages. Bronze, Silver and Gold, which are each split into three levels (Bronze level 1, Bronze level 2, Bronze level 3, etc) The scheme begins with Stage 1 of the Bronze Award and progresses to Stage 3 of the Gold Award, starting off at an ability level suitable for brand-new swimmers and progressing to the level where our Rookie Lifeguards perform impressive lifesaving tows. Even the shyest kids find they make new friends through the Rookie Lifeguard scheme, as teamwork and peer support are crucial elements of the programme.Our Rookie Lifeguard programme is our popular, fun and educational junior award scheme for all 8 to 13-year-olds who have completed our level 5, children lane training or equivalent in another centre. Swimmers must be able to swim 50m in all strokes comfortably before entering this programme

The awards contain survival, rescue and sports skills as well as life support and water safety elements – all delivered in a fun and exciting way making it a great addition to swimming lessons or progression from them.

Each stage of the Rookie Lifeguard programme has been divided into three levels and each stage runs roughly for eight to ten weeks. The Bronze, Silver and Gold stage awards ensure children have a solid safety education and have learned rescue and resuscitation techniques.

Following the completion of each stage, Rookie Lifeguards can receive a certificate, badge and sticker to mark their progress in their own Progress Book. Progress Books provide a full breakdown of all the skills learned through the core Rookie Lifeguard programme. You can follow your child’s progress with the Rookie Lifeguard Progress Book!