Coaching and training

• You must be 16 years old at the time of the assessment.
• Complete a pre-swim assessment and medical questionnaire in advance of the course.
• Swim 100 metres on your front and 100 metres on your back competently (without stopping).
• Surface dive down to the deepest part of the pool floor.
• Jump/dive into deep water.
• Swim 50 metres in less than 60 seconds.
• Tread water for 30 seconds in deep water.
• Climb out of the pool unaided without a ladder or steps.

You’ll sit a practical and theory assessment at the end of the course to show the skills and knowledge you have learned.

• Perform CPR for an adult sudden collapse, drowning, child and infant casualty.
• Administer first aid for a range of conditions and injuries. This includes choking, bleeding, burns, muscle and bone injuries, and other medical conditions.
• Perform in-water rescue skills, including retrieval of a submersible manikin from the deepest part of the pool and team lift.
• Perform first aid for an unconscious casualty, including the recovery position and aftercare.
• Perform poolside rescue skills.
• Respond to and manage an emergency situation.
• Understand the role of a pool lifeguard.
• Understand how to supervise the aquatic environment.
• Understand how to use the equipment effectively.

There are 37 hours of delivery, combining classroom work and pool-based sessions. The pattern of these hours varies depending on the venue.

The STA Pool Lifeguard course costs £250. The fee includes:

• A copy of the STA manual, The Lifeguard.
• Course materials.
• Award certificate.
• Administration fees.
• Tuition and assessment fees.

For more information on the STA, click here.

If necessary, you can re-sit any of the sections after seven days of the initial assessment. You must complete all re-sits within 60 days. Failing to do so will result in a non-completion of the course, and you'll be required to complete a full course with payment.

100% attendance required. Failure to attend any session will make you ineligible for the final assessment. At least seven days' notice must be given to cancel this course. Otherwise, you will not receive a refund.

Glasgow Sport offer funding to help voluntary coaches with the costs of training and education. Go to our Coach and Officials Award page to find out more about how to apply.

Your national governing body may offer funding towards a UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC) sport specific courses. You can find more information on the sportscotland website.

To find alternative methods of funding please have a look through our funding finder.