National Lifesaving Academy

The NLA  Awards are designed to teach candidates how to stay safe in and around water, and how to safely help others who may get into trouble — both in the water and in everyday, non-aquatic situations.

The awards are ideal for those progressing on from the Rookie programme and are made up of 3 awards levels.

• Bronze Lifesaving Certificate

• Bronze Star

• Bronze Medallion

 

Bronze Lifesaving Certificate

In our club, the Bronze Lifesaving Certificate is taught along side Rookie Gold as the content overlaps in some areas. It focuses on the fundamentals and helps candidates build confidence while learning:

• Water safety awareness

• Basic aquatic lifesaving skills

• Basic CPR

• Basic First Aid

 

Bronze Star & Bronze Medallion

The next two levels — Bronze Star and Bronze Medallion — develop skills further and are split into three key sections:

• Lifesaving Theory

• Survival and Rescue Skills

• CPR, AED & First Aid

 

At Bronze Star and Bronze Medallion level, candidates can complete awards in different environments.

• Pool – completed in a swimming pool

• Open Water – completed in non-tidal inland open water (where available)

• Beach – completed in a coastal environment

 

Candidates must successfully complete all sections before moving on to the next award level.

Once an award is completed and assessed, candidates will receive either a certificate or an e-certificate, and a medal, depending on the award achieved.

By the time a candidate achieves the Bronze Medallion, they will also receive Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) hours towards RLSS UK vocational lifeguard qualifications, which is a great first step for anyone interested in becoming a lifeguard in the future.