Would you like to gain your RLSS Open Water Lifeguard Qualification for free? Colwick Park Lifeguards are providing opportunities for individuals to gain their Open Water Lifeguard Qualification for free by attending one of our events. If this is of interest to you then continue reading for more information.
Designed to provide you with the skills to supervise and provide rescue cover for planned, organised and risk-assessed activities in open water. No previous experience is necessary, but candidates should be competent swimmers and confident swimming in open water.
This practical, hands-on course will equip you with the specialist knowledge and skills required to supervise and respond effectively in open water environments such as lakes, reservoirs, and outdoor swimming venues.
We offer a 3-day intensive course suitable for those with no existing lifeguard qualification. Alternatively, we offer a 1-day bolt on course suitable for those who already hold a valid RLSS NPLQ.
Colwick Park Lifeguards is a charity providing volunteer lifeguard services at events across the country. In order to receive your qualification for free, you will need to volunteer at one of our major events this year as an open water lifeguard. Once you have completed the event, the qualification will be yours to keep and use as you please.
You can see our published events so far on our events page. The events included in the offer are Henley Royal Regatta and Wilderness Festival, with more events possibly being added to the calendar.
We can still offer spaces to those who wish to pay full price but can’t volunteer at our events. The 3-day intensive course is £250. Alternatively, we offer a 1-day bolt on course suitable for those who already hold a valid RLSS NPLQ at £100.
Our courses will be held in April and June 2026.
Other dates may be available for the 1-day bolt on course, so please sign up at the end of this page for more information on future courses.
The courses will be held at Colwick Country Park via a blended learning approach, using a mixture of online teaching and in person at Colwick Country Park.
No! Simply sign up for free using the signup form at the end of this page and a member of the team will be in contact with more details.
Please provide your contact details and other information below. We may require further details from you in the near future.
