National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC)
An RLSS supervision and rescue qualification for swimming teachers, coaches, and instructors working during programmed activities such as swimming lessons, designed to ensure safety where water depth exceeds standing depth.
What you can expect from the National Rescue Award (NRASTC)
The National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC) equips qualified swim teachers and coaches with the essential skills to supervise sessions safely and respond effectively to pool emergencies. Designed for professionals delivering programmed swimming activities, this qualification combines theory and practical training in hazard recognition, emergency action planning, water rescue techniques, and life support, including CPR and AED use. The course focuses on real-world teaching scenarios, giving staff the confidence to prevent incidents, perform rescues, and administer first aid—particularly in environments where a lifeguard may not always be present.
To enrol all candidates must be at least 16 years old at the time of the final assessment
Upcoming courses
Ensure Safety & Be Ready to Respond
The NRASTC course equips swimming teachers and coaches with the skills and confidence to prevent incidents and handle emergencies during programmed swimming activities. It is specifically designed for those supervising lessons or training sessions, providing the practical rescue techniques and first aid knowledge required to keep swimmers safe. Recognised across the leisure industry, the NRASTC meets national standards and is trusted by schools, swim clubs, and local authorities.
Course Purpose
The purpose of the National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC) is to equip swimming teachers, coaches, and other poolside professionals with the vital skills and confidence needed to supervise lessons safely and respond swiftly to emergencies. The course ensures participants can identify risks, implement preventative measures, and provide effective rescue and first aid until further assistance arrives, helping create a safe and controlled swimming environment for all.
Who is the course for?
This course is ideal for:
• Qualified swimming teachers and coaches
• Aquatics instructors working during programmed sessions
• Staff supervising pools where lifeguards are not always present
• Professionals seeking to enhance their emergency response skills
What you'll cover
Assessment
The National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC) is assessed through both practical and theoretical evaluations to ensure candidates can confidently apply their knowledge in real-life teaching and coaching environments. The assessment is completed at the end of the course and is carried out by an RLSS UK approved assessor.
Assessment includes:
- Practical pool-based rescue test
- Basic Life Support (BLS) including CPRs
- First aid responses to common swimming pool incidents
- A short theory paper on pool safety, hazards, & emergency procedures
Progression & Next Steps
The National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC) is a valuable qualification for swimming teachers, coaches, and poolside staff who want to build their professional safety skills and enhance their career opportunities. It provides a strong grounding in pool supervision, rescue techniques, and first aid, making it ideal for those seeking to expand their responsibilities within swim schools, leisure centres, or educational settings.
For those looking to progress further, the NRASTC can serve as a pathway to advanced qualifications such as the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) or First Aid at Work, opening doors to lifeguarding roles, aquatic management positions, and broader opportunities within the leisure industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
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