The QualCert Level 3 Award in International Lifeguard Qualification offers a comprehensive, professional standard designed to prepare lifeguards for real-world responsibilities in both domestic and international contexts. This recognised qualification meets UK regulatory requirements while also aligning with global lifesaving competencies, giving candidates the flexibility to work across a variety of aquatic environments worldwide.
The International Lifeguard Qualification from QualCert is a Level 3 Award regulated by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). It has been developed to combine UK lifeguarding principles with international best practice, offering a broad skill set suitable for a diverse range of aquatic facilities and conditions.
QualCert is a respected awarding organisation known for its quality vocational qualifications across health, safety, and aquatic sectors. Their international lifeguard certification reflects best practice from the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), the International Life Saving Federation (ILS), and Resuscitation Council UK.
The Level 3 Award in International Lifeguard Qualification is valid for two years from the date of issue. Lifeguards must complete a renewal course and successfully re-assess their skills to maintain certification. Refresher training is strongly encouraged throughout the validity period to maintain confidence and competency.
The QualCert Level 3 Award in International Lifeguard Qualification provides a comprehensive, transferable certification for individuals seeking to work professionally in lifeguarding roles both in the UK and abroad. With its focus on safety, professionalism, and practical skill development, this course offers an excellent pathway into the global aquatic safety industry.
Whether you are beginning your lifeguarding journey or seeking an internationally recognised upgrade to your current qualification, this Level 3 award delivers the essential training and credibility to make a real difference in any aquatic setting.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 3 Award in International Lifeguard Qualification:
The QualCert Level 3 Award in International Lifeguard Qualification, offers 6 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 30 hours, including 18 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credit | GLH | TQT |
| QC24004 -1 | International Lifeguard Roles, Ethics and Legal Duties | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC24004-2 | Risk Management and Environmental Awareness | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC24004-3 | Observation, Surveillance and Incident Prevention | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC24004-4 | Rescue Skills and Techniques in Pool and Open Water | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC24004-5 | First Aid, CPR and AED in Lifeguard Settings | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| QC24004-6 | Communication, Teamwork and Post-Incident Procedures | 1 | 3 | 5 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 3 Award in International Lifeguard Qualification:
To enroll in the QualCert Level 3 Award in International Lifeguard Qualification, following are requirement:
Minimum Age
- Candidates must be 16 years of age or older on the day of final assessment.
- There is no upper age limit, provided the individual is physically fit and capable of performing the required tasks.
Educational Background
- No formal academic qualifications are required.
- A basic level of literacy and numeracy is recommended to support understanding of course materials, health and safety procedures, and assessments.
Experience
- Prior lifeguard experience is not essential, though it may benefit candidates during training.
- All participants must demonstrate the following minimum physical competencies:
- Swim 100 metres continuously using a recognised stroke
- Surface dive to a depth of 1.5 metres or more
- Tread water for at least one minute
- Climb out of a pool or open water body unaided
- Candidates must be in good physical health and able to carry out practical rescues and first aid procedures.
Language Proficiency
- Candidates must have a functional level of spoken and written English in order to:
- Understand verbal instructions and theoretical content
- Communicate effectively with casualties, team members, and emergency services
- Complete written assessments, logs, and incident reports
For non-native English speakers, reasonable support may be offered by the training provider. However, all candidates must demonstrate clear and effective communication skills essential for operating in safety-critical environments.
These entry requirements help ensure that all learners are set up for success and capable of performing the duties of a lifeguard in international and high-responsibility environments.
Learning Outcomes of QualCert Level 3 Award in International Lifeguard Qualification:
International Lifeguard Roles, Ethics and Legal Duties
- Understand the responsibilities of lifeguards in international and multicultural environments
- Apply duty of care, professional conduct and ethical standards
- Recognise legal frameworks including health and safety, safeguarding, and equality legislation
- Understand public liability, negligence, and incident reporting obligations
Risk Management and Environmental Awareness
- Identify hazards specific to pools, beaches, waterparks, and open water
- Conduct dynamic and site-specific risk assessments
- Understand the impact of weather, tides, water quality and visibility on rescue operations
- Apply international safety protocols to prevent incidents
Observation, Surveillance and Incident Prevention
- Implement effective scanning, zoning and surveillance techniques
- Monitor group behaviours and identify early signs of danger or distress
- Understand supervision strategies in high-risk or crowded environments
- Preventative action through proactive communication and behaviour management
Rescue Skills and Techniques in Pool and Open Water
- Demonstrate safe water entry techniques and approach strategies
- Perform rescues using equipment: rescue tubes, throw bags, boards and ropes
- Conduct both contact and non-contact rescues
- Manage spinal injuries and unconscious casualties in water
- Apply safe casualty handling and extraction to land
First Aid, CPR and AED in Lifeguard Settings
- Administer CPR to adults, children and infants in line with Resuscitation Council UK and ILS guidelines
- Use Automated External Defibrillators (AED) safely and effectively
- Manage common aquatic injuries including bleeding, fractures, and cold water shock
- Triage and respond to multiple casualties in large-scale incidents
Communication, Teamwork and Post-Incident Procedures
- Operate communication tools including radios, whistles and visual signals
- Work effectively within a team during rescues and emergencies
- Complete accurate incident reports and legal documentation
- Participate in debriefing, trauma support and continual improvement activities
The QualCert Level 3 Award in International Lifeguard Qualification is designed for individuals who are responsible for ensuring water safety in a variety of aquatic environments across global settings. Whether working at a resort, swimming pool, beach, or waterpark, this qualification equips learners with internationally recognised skills and knowledge that are vital in high-risk environments.
This course is ideal for:
- Aspiring Lifeguards
Individuals looking to begin a professional lifeguarding career with a qualification recognised across borders. - Current Lifeguards Seeking International Roles
Pool or beach lifeguards who wish to upgrade their certification for international employability and wider job opportunities. - Resort and Holiday Park Staff
Employees responsible for guest safety at hotels, resorts, cruise ships, and private villas with aquatic facilities. - Waterpark and Theme Park Personnel
Staff working in high-capacity aquatic leisure venues requiring a recognised and robust safety qualification. - Outdoor Activity and Watersports Instructors
Professionals who deliver water-based sessions in inland or coastal environments and require safety certification. - Volunteers and Event Safety Teams
Those supporting aquatic sports events such as triathlons, swim runs, or community open water races. - Gap Year Students and Seasonal Workers
Young adults preparing for overseas placements, volunteering programmes, or temporary employment abroad in recreational water settings.
This qualification is especially relevant for those aiming to work across international environments where professional standards, communication, and emergency response must meet globally accepted lifeguarding practices.
Whether you’re entering the profession, expanding your skills, or preparing for international deployment, this course ensures you are qualified, capable, and confident in keeping people safe in and around water—anywhere in the world.