Professional swimming courses at Purbeck Sports Centre

The Royal Life Saving Society National Pool Lifeguard (RLSS) qualification

Dates: Monday 30 March to Friday 3 April 2026 and Monday 25 May to Friday 29 May 2026
Time: 8:30am to 6pm
Tutor: First Class First Aid & Lifeguard Training
Cost: £330 plus VAT per candidate

The Royal Life Saving Society National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (10th Edition) is widely recognised as the most recognised qualification for those responsible for the supervision of swimming pools.

This course covers:

• accident prevention
• water rescue
• first aid/resuscitation procedures

This qualification is valid for 2 years upon successful completion of the course and assessment.

Candidates must be at least 16 years of age at the point of assessment at the end of the lifeguard course and be able to meet the following criteria:

• jump/dive into deep water
• swim 50 metres in less than 60 seconds
• swim 100 metres continuously on front and back in deep water.
• tread water for 30 seconds
• surface dive to the floor of the pool
• climb out unaided without ladder/steps and where the pool design permits

For more information or to book, email info@firstclassfirstaid.co.uk or visit RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification website.

Pool Plant Operations

Tutor: Paul Sharples
Cost: £367.50
Dates:

• 3 February 2026
• 4 February 2026
• 5 February 2026

Course information

The Pool Plant Operations qualification is the highest level of training available for those who are responsible for the management and maintenance of:

• swimming pools
• spas
• interactive water features

It covers the latest guidance for running a pool and keeping the water clean and safe, including:

• water testing
• disinfection
• pool water chemistry
• dosing
• mechanical operations
• heating
• energy efficiency
• management practices
• health and safety

Training and qualifications

Created by Safety Training Award (STA)’s pool plant experts and regulated by Ofqual. It follows industry best practices and guidance from:

• PWTAG (Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group)
• British and European Standards
• HSG 179 and other HSE sources

This qualification meets CIMSPA’s employer-led pool plant operative professional standard. This will help you gain essential knowledge and skills to meet the standard.

You will learn how to maintain and manage: 

• swimming pools
• spas and 
• interactive water features

It qualifies you as the responsible person for pool plant management and maintenance at your wet leisure site. This award is valid for 5 years from the date of completion. For more information, visit the STA website.

Pool Plant re-validation

Tutor: Paul Sharples
Cost: £210
Dates: 4 February 2026 and 5 February 2026

STA Level 3 Award in Pool Plant Operations (QCF) – refresher

This course updates your knowledge to help you manage and maintain:

• swimming pools
• spas
• interactive water features

It covers the latest standards and best practices in pool plant operations.

Assessment includes a practical test and a multiple-choice exam. To take part, you must hold a valid STA Level 3 Award in Pool Plant Operations or an acceptable equivalent. You need to bring the certificate on the day.

This award is valid for 5 years from the date of completion.