NRASTC Course London for swim teachers & coaches
The NRASTC Course London is the RLSS UK rescue qualification every working swimming teacher needs. Pick the version that matches how you teach, and book in minutes.
Two courses, one venue
The rescue qualification every swimming teacher in London needs.
The NRASTC Course London, the National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches, is the RLSS UK certification that proves you can keep swimmers safe while you teach. It is the standard swim schools, leisure operators and private pools across London ask for before they let you on poolside.
You will learn rescue technique, casualty care, CPR, first aid and emergency action planning, then prove it in the water and on the side of the pool. We run the NRASTC Course London as a blended programme: theory and quizzes online, then practical assessment at our Mill Hill School pool in North London.
Two versions of the NRASTC Course London exist for a reason: your responsibility on poolside is different depending on who is around you. We will help you pick the right one before you book.
NRASTC 2-Day or NRASTC LIGHT?
The difference is simple, and it is not about pool depth. It is about whether you teach with a qualified lifeguard or first aider on poolside, or without. Pick the wrong one and your insurance will not stand up.
NRASTC LIGHT
For instructors teaching in pools where a qualified lifeguard or first aider is always present on poolside.
- ✓Pool with separate lifeguard or first aid cover on poolside at all times
- ✓Essential rescue skills and casualty care
- ✓CPR and basic first aid
- ✓Pool emergency action planning
- ✓Faster route back to poolside
NRASTC 2-Day
The full RLSS qualification for swim teachers and coaches working without a lifeguard or first aid cover on poolside.
- ✓You are the responsible rescuer, no lifeguard or first aider on poolside
- ✓Comprehensive rescue technique and intervention
- ✓Full CPR and first aid training
- ✓Risk assessment and emergency action planning
- ✓Recognised across leisure operators and private pools
Two courses, two different jobs.
Still not sure which NRASTC Course London is right for you? Here is exactly who each version is built for, in plain English, so you book the one your insurance and your employer actually expect.
For instructors teaching with poolside cover.
You teach in a leisure centre, school, hotel or private pool where a qualified lifeguard or first aider is always on poolside while your lesson runs. The rescue responsibility sits with them, not you.
NRASTC LIGHT is built for you if:
- You are an assistant swim teacher working alongside a lead instructor
- You teach in a venue with a dedicated lifeguard on duty at all times
- You teach group classes in a council or commercial leisure centre
- You are a parent-and-baby or beginner-stage teacher in a supervised pool
- You need a quick, RLSS-recognised rescue award to start work this week
"I started teaching toddlers at my local leisure centre. NRASTC LIGHT got me on poolside in a day, with the cover my employer needed."
Book NRASTC LIGHT, £130 →For instructors teaching without poolside cover.
You are the only qualified adult on poolside when your lessons run. If something goes wrong in the water, you are the rescuer, no lifeguard or first aider is standing by to step in.
NRASTC 2-Day is built for you if:
- You run private 1:1 or small-group lessons in a hired or private pool
- You are a self-employed swim teacher or coach working independently
- You teach at a school, hotel or apartment pool with no separate lifeguard cover
- You coach a swim squad or club without a dedicated poolside safety team
- You want the full RLSS qualification that most leisure operators ask for
"I teach private clients in their own pools. The 2-Day course is the qualification my insurer asked for, and the one parents trust."
Book NRASTC 2-Day, £150 →The four skills the NRASTC Course London is built on.
Every NRASTC Course London candidate walks out with the same four lifesaving pillars. They are the standard RLSS UK assesses against, and the standard your insurer expects.
Rescue technique
Spot, reach, throw, wade and tow. Hands-on intervention skills you can run on a real teaching shift.
CPR & first aid
Adult, child and infant resuscitation, recovery position, choking and basic casualty care.
Emergency action plans
How a poolside incident actually runs, step by step, so you stay calm when it matters most.
Risk management
Assess your teaching environment, spot the dangers early, and keep your group safe before anything goes wrong.
Online theory, in-pool practical, certificate in hand.
The NRASTC Course London is a blended programme. You complete the theory online at your own pace, then come to Mill Hill School in North London for the practical session and assessment.
Online theory
Work through the RLSS theory modules and interactive quizzes at home. Covers rescue protocols, CPR fundamentals and emergency planning.
In-pool practical
Join us at Mill Hill School pool for the practical day, where you put rescue technique, CPR and first aid into a real teaching environment.
Assessment & certificate
Final practical assessment with an RLSS-qualified examiner. No written exam. Pass and your NRASTC Course London certificate is valid for 2 years.
Quick eligibility check
- 16 years or older at the time of assessment
- Able to swim 50m front and back
- Able to surface dive to pool depth
- Able to climb out of the pool unaided
- Bring swimwear, towel and a notebook
- Photo ID for verification on the day
Trained by working aquatic professionals, not a screen.
Every NRASTC Course London at Swimcore is delivered by RLSS-qualified instructors who teach, coach and lifeguard week-in, week-out. You will learn the qualification, and you will learn the job.
10+ years training lifeguards and swim instructors across London. RLSS UK-qualified rescue instructor and the founder of Swimcore Academy.
Specialises in water safety, first aid and risk management. Delivers and assesses NRASTC and NRASTC LIGHT candidates at Mill Hill School.
Book your NRASTC Course online.
Pick your course, choose a date, complete checkout. Card payment, instant confirmation, joining instructions land in your inbox immediately.
For instructors teaching without lifeguard or first aid cover on poolside. 12 hours over 2 days, blended online theory and in-pool practical at Mill Hill School, North London.
For instructors teaching in pools with separate lifeguard or first aid cover on poolside. 6 to 8 hours in one day, RLSS-recognised, valid for 2 years.
4.9 stars. Real instructors. Real pools.
I just did lifeguard course...my teacher was Maria she is very kind and Professional Maria the Best:)
Thank you
A huge thank you to the trainers for all their help and encouragement. I passed my NPLQ and genuinely feel well prepared to work as a lifeguard. I would definitely recommend Swimcore Academy to anyone looking to complete their lifeguard qualification! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Everything candidates ask before they book.
Six categories of questions, answered straight. If something is still unclear, message us, we will reply same-day.
Eligibility
The NRASTC Course London is designed for swimming teachers, coaches and aquatic professionals responsible for supervising swimmers in a pool setting.
NRASTC LIGHT is the shorter 1-day version for instructors teaching in pools where a qualified lifeguard or first aider is always present on poolside.
You must be 16 years or older at the time of assessment.
You should be able to swim 50m front and back, surface dive to pool depth, and climb out unaided.
The minimum age is 16 years old at the time of assessment.
Course details
The NRASTC 2-Day Course (12 hours) is for swim teachers and coaches working without lifeguard or first aid cover on poolside. In that setup, you are the responsible rescuer, so you complete the full RLSS rescue and casualty care programme.
NRASTC LIGHT (1 day, 6–8 hours) is for instructors teaching in pools with separate lifeguard or first aid cover already in place. It is faster because the legal responsibility for rescue sits elsewhere.
Both certifications are RLSS-recognised and valid for 2 years.
NRASTC 2-Day: 12 hours delivered over 2 days, hybrid format (online theory and in-pool practical).
NRASTC LIGHT: 6–8 hours delivered in one day.
Rescue technique and pool safety intervention, CPR and basic first aid, emergency action planning, and risk management. The NRASTC Course London is built on the RLSS UK rescue syllabus.
Our practical sessions are held at Mill Hill School, North London (NW7 1QS). Online theory is completed remotely.
Preparation
Swimwear, towel and a change of dry clothing. Notebook and pen for taking notes. Photo ID for verification.
Yes. The NRASTC 2-Day course includes an online theory session with interactive quizzes that must be completed before attending the in-pool session.
NRASTC LIGHT is fully delivered in one day.
No, there is no written exam. You will demonstrate your knowledge and practical rescue skills in a final practical assessment with an RLSS-qualified examiner.
Pricing
NRASTC 2-Day Course: £150 per candidate.
NRASTC LIGHT Course: £130 per candidate.
Both prices include online theory, in-pool practical, assessment and certification.
Discounts may be available for group bookings. Get in touch with us for details and we will quote based on group size and dates.
We accept credit and debit cards, PayPal, Stripe payments through this website and direct bank transfers.
Certification & renewal
Both NRASTC and NRASTC LIGHT certifications are valid for 2 years from the date of completion.
If your certification has expired, you must retake the full course to stay certified. There is no separate refresher course once it has lapsed.
If your NRASTC is still valid, you may be able to renew it via an assessment-only session, provided you have completed at least 6 hours of CPD in the last 2 years. Contact us to check availability.
Additional information
Yes, we allow rescheduling with at least 48 hours' notice. Contact us as soon as possible to discuss your options.
If you don't pass the assessment, you may be offered the chance to retake specific sections, or rebook the course at a discounted rate.
A renewed NRASTC or NRASTC LIGHT certification is valid for another 2 years from the date of renewal.
Get certified. Keep teaching.
Book your NRASTC Course London today and walk out with the RLSS UK rescue qualification swim schools and leisure operators actually ask for.