Rookie Lifeguard Stages

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HomeKids ActivitiesLearn 2 SwimRookie Lifeguard Stages

Discover confidence, teamwork & lifesaving skills

Let your child turn their love of swimming into real-world skills. Our Rookie Lifeguard Pool programme complements the Learn 2 Swim pathway with exciting rescue training and essential water safety—all wrapped in fun!

Rookie Lifeguards learn basic rescue and lifesaving skills, equipping them with the essential knowledge to recognise hazards, respond effectively in emergency situations, and stay safe in, on and around water.

It helps children to build their confidence, develop teamwork skills, and foster leadership.

If you’re looking for a fun, engaging and active programme for your child or to add to your activity schedule, you’ve found it!

The Rookie Lifeguard Pool programme can run parallel to your child’s current swimming lessons and enhance the skills they learn in the pool.

Rookie Bronze

Eligibility Criteria: Aged 8+, Swim England Learn 2 Swim Stage 5 or above, able to swim 50m and confident in deep water.

 

 

What they’ll achieve:

  • Safe entry into shallow water
  • Tread water for 1 minute while signalling for help
  • Swim 50m in clothing (long-sleeved top + trousers/skirt)
  • Lifesaving backstroke (50m), sculling on back (15m), “HELP” position
  • Identify and act in non-panicking, panicking, and unconscious casualty scenarios
  • Shout and signal rescue, reach and throw rescues, rope throws
  • Deep-water safety: dive 5m underwater and exit without steps
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Rookie

Rookie Sliver

 

Eligibility Criteria: Aged 8+, completed all Bronze levels.

 

 

What they’ll achieve:

  • Swim 200m in clothing (front + back), under 10 minutes
  • Reaching and buoyant aid rescues, with casualty instruction
  • Wade rescue using throwing and rigid aids (up to 10m)
  • Support-position rescue, 3-minute tread with signals, dives and object recovery
  • Surface an unconscious casualty and bring them to poolside safely
  • Rope throw & pull within 45 seconds, safe deep-water entries, head-out-of-water 20m swim

Rookie Gold

Eligibility Criteria: Aged 8+, completed all Silver levels.

 

 

What they’ll achieve:

  • Rope throw & pull (12m) in under 30 seconds
  • Swim 400m in clothing using 3 strokes (100m each) – in under 15 minutes
  • Tread water, remove clothing, swim 50m, exit deep water unaided
  • Demonstrate fall-in, compact jump, or shallow dive – choose any two
  • Perform Reverse and Standoff rescues after a 10m swim
  • Complex rescue: swim 20m to unconscious casualty, dive for object, swap, and tow with sidestroke – all under 2:30, while calling for help
  • Supported rescue breathing, support positioning, and multi-casualty assistance
  • Deep-water hand signals to coordinate land-based assistance
  • 400m continuous competitive stroke swim in under 12 minutes
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Here’s a bit more information about our Rookie Lifeguard lessons.

When are Rookie Lifeguard courses on?

Moor Park: After-school sessions on Tuesdays

Palatine: After-school sessions on Fridays

Our 40 minute lessons run 50 weeks per year, with a 2-week Christmas break. No sessions on bank holidays

 

Pricing Options

Direct Debit: £25.60/month. Includes free family or casual swims, auto-continues through stages for hassle-free progression

Block Bookings: £64.60 for 10 lessons. Email reminders sent as sessions near end – just top up before lesson 10 to keep your place

 

Tracking Progress & Recognition

Children are celebrated at every milestone with certificates, badges, and achievements that build confidence and motivation. Progress is tracked digitally, so you can check in on your child’s development anytime – even mid-lesson. Badge packs available for £3.20 at reception

 

Ready to Jump In?

The Rookie Lifeguard programme is more than just swimming – it’s a journey building lifesaving confidence, teamwork, and leadership. Perfect for swimmers looking to go beyond the basics and make a real splash.

 

Next steps:

Complete our enquiry form below and a member of our aquatics team will be in touch.

 

Let your child dive into something meaningful today!

Enquire about Rookie Lifeguard Lessons

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