Swimcore Academy • STA Approved Training Centre
STA Safety Award for Teachers:
Get Certified in 1 Day
The essential Ofqual-regulated lifesaving qualification every UK swim teacher needs to work poolside legally, safely, and confidently. Get certified with Swimcore Academy in just one day.
No Safety Award for Teachers = No Poolside Work
Why It Matters
Why the Safety Award for Teachers Matters
The Safety Award for Teachers is a Level 2 Ofqual-regulated lifesaving qualification designed specifically for swim teachers, aqua aerobic instructors and school teachers who deliver swimming lessons. Without it, you’re not compliant with HSE guidelines, and almost every UK pool, leisure centre and school will refuse to let you work on deck. Achieving this qualification proves you can act as a competent rescuer in an aquatic teaching environment, trained in pool rescue, adult, child and infant CPR techniques, and poolside first aid. It’s the industry-standard credential recognised across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
At Swimcore Academy, our one-day course combines theory with practical rescue scenarios in the pool, so you leave fully qualified, insured, and ready to teach. Swimcore Academy is an STA Approved Training Centre based in London, and we have helped hundreds of swim teachers pass their lifesaving qualification with small-group training delivered by friendly, experienced tutors. Places are limited and fill fast, secure yours below.
Required by UK Pools
Almost every pool, leisure centre and school now demands a current lifesaving qualification before you can step on deck.
Protects Your Learners
Drowning happens in seconds. Walk out with pool rescue, CPR and first-aid skills that let you act fast when it matters most.
Unlocks More Work
This credential is the one swim schools actively search for — instantly more employable and higher-paid work.
The Curriculum
What the Safety Award for Teachers Covers
Practical, hands-on training built around real poolside scenarios. Delivered in accordance with the HSE publication Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools and British Standard BS EN 15288 Part 2.
- ›Pool rescue techniquesReaching, throwing & contact rescues
- ›Adult, child & infant CPRTo current resuscitation guidelines
- ›Poolside first aidFor the most common emergencies
- ›Hazard identificationRisk management on deck
- ›Emergency action plansThe critical first minutes
- ›Casualty recognitionSpotting a swimmer in trouble early
- ›Incident reportingPost-rescue procedures
- ›HSE complianceAligned to BS EN 15288 Part 2
The Essentials
Course at a Glance
Key facts about the qualification and who can take it.
Who It’s For
Is This Course Right for You?
Whether you’re new to teaching or your last certificate has lapsed, our one-day course gets you back on deck fast. It’s the go-to lifesaving qualification for:
- ›Qualified swim teachers needing safety cover for their sessions
- ›Trainee teachers alongside an STA teaching qualification
- ›Aqua aerobic instructors and water fitness coaches
- ›School teachers delivering curriculum swimming lessons
- ›Snorkel instructors and aquatic leaders
Unsure if it’s the right fit? Get in touch with our team or see what else we offer on our academy courses page.
Entry Requirements
What You Need Before Booking
To attend the course, the awarding body (STA) requires every learner to meet three simple prerequisites. Check you qualify before booking. Our expert tutors will take you through everything step by step on the day, from classroom theory and rescue principles to poolside practical demonstrations, so you can focus on learning rather than worrying about the format.
- Be at least 16 years old at the time of the assessment.
- Be able to swim 25 metres. If you can’t, you may still qualify if you can wade and effect a rescue in a pool no deeper than chest height.
- Be able to surface dive and recover a submersible manikin from the deepest part of the pool.
Source: Safety Training Awards — official qualification specification
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! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Next Step
Book Your Place Today
Secure your place on our next course with Swimcore Academy. Small groups, expert STA tutors, and you walk out qualified the same day.
Or call us on +44 77 40 081 287
Common Questions
Safety Award for Teachers FAQs
How long does the qualification last?
This qualification is valid for 2 years from the date of issue. You'll need to complete another course before it expires to stay qualified.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You'll need to swim 25 metres and surface dive to recover an object from the deepest part of the pool. If you can't swim 25 metres, you may still qualify if you can wade-rescue in chest-deep water.
How is the course assessed?
Continuous assessment by your tutor throughout the day. You'll complete a MCQs at the end, demonstrate rescue techniques, and perform CPR on manikins.
What should I bring on the day?
Swimwear, towel, goggles if you use them, a packed lunch or money for the café, and photo ID. We'll supply all rescue equipment, manikins and training materials.
Is this qualification recognised UK-wide?
Yes. This qualification is regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA, and accepted by pools, schools and leisure operators across the UK.