NLS Pool Option

The National Lifeguard Pool Certification builds on the fundamental skills, knowledge, and values taught in the NLS Core Content to train lifeguards in safety supervision and rescue in a pool environment.

Test Items

1. *Through practical activities wherever possible, candidates demonstrate an understanding of:
   
   · Features that vary from pool to pool (or from time to time) and how analysis of these affects lifeguarding.

   · The role of water treatment systems in providing a safe and comfortable bather environment.

   · The hazardous nature of chemicals used in swimming pools and the special training required for safe handling.

   · Environmental hazards of pools such as glare, water quality, and evacuations due to weather.

2. *Establish effective supervision of an aquatic facility using:
   
   a) Observation skills and scanning techniques

   b) Lifeguard positioning and rotation

3. *Demonstrate three entries and three removals appropriate for a pool environment

4. *Demonstrate appropriate techniques for specific pool features (e.g., deep water, bulkheads, shallow steps, wading pool, whirlpool, heights, ramps, slides, diving boards or towers, wave action pools).

5. *Demonstrate an effective search of the facility for a missing person.
   

6. *Demonstrate the following physical standards:

   a) Starting in the water near the victim, roll over an unconscious victim with a suspected spinal injury in deep water. Carry the victim 15 metres while maintaining immobilization and supporting the victim’s mouth and nose above water.

   b) Starting in the water, approach 15 metres and surface dive to recover a 9 kg (20 lb.) object located at a maximum depth of 3 metres; surface and carry the object 5 metres to poolside.

   c) Starting in the water, approach 15 metres to contact a near-drowning victim in deep water; carry the victim 5 metres supporting head and shoulders above water.

   d) Approach 5 metres on deck to enter the water and approach 15 metres to recover a submerged victim; carry the victim 15 metres using a control carry.

7. Respond to emergency situations as a single lifeguard or as a member of a lifeguard team.

*Asterisk indicates instructor-evaluated item.

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