NATIONAL RESCUE AWARD FOR SWIM TEACHERS & COACHES

NRASTC & NRASTC LIGHT OVERVIEW

Who is the award for?

This award is ideal for those who deliver structured activities such as swimming lessons, aquacise or swim club and want to be trained in how to supervise and respond effectively in the event of an emergency.

Taken from RLSS website:

NRASTC is a supervision and rescue award for swimming teachers, coaches and (or) instructors working during programmed activities, such as swimming lessons. It is suitable for teachers working in a wide range of swimming pools where the water depth is higher than the teachers’ standing depth and meets the individual facility’s Risk Assessment. It is a non-regulated award.

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For more information you can visit the RLSS website;
https://www.rlss.org.uk/national-rescue-award-for-swimming-teachers-coaches-nrastc

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What are the NRASTC course prerequisites?

To complete a NRASTC course you must meet the following;

• Be at least 16 years of age

• Swim a minimum of 50 metres on your front and back

• Surface dive to the deepest part of the pool

• Climb out unaided without using steps or ladders (where venue design permits).

What is the course content and how long does it take?
The NRASTC course is 12 hours and is usually delivered across 2 consecutive days. The topics included are;

• The teacher, swimming pool, and class management

• Intervention rescue & emergency action

• CPR and First Aid

How will I be assessed?

To achieve the NRASTC certificate, candidates must pass a formal assessment at the end of the course, where trainees demonstrate the skills and knowledge learned in the form of a theory and practical test.

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How do I renew?

Your certificate will be valid for 2 years from the date that you complete the course. If you wish to renew your certificate before that 2 year period expires then you need to complete a reassessment. 

In order to attend a reassessment you will need to have gained at least 6 hours of relevant NRASTC training within that 2 year period. The relevant topics include;

• The Teacher, Swimming Pool and Class Management (at least 2 hours)

• In-water swimming pool rescue skills (at least 2 hrs)

• CPR, AED and First Aid (at least 2 hrs) 

Bolt on qualifications

This course covers the syllabus for EFAW (Emergency First Aid at Work) and learners can therefore complete and gain this qualification at the same time as completing their NRASTC course. Whether this additional qualification is included will clearly be stated when booking the course online as there may be an additional cost and additional time required.

This course can also include the use of a PXB rescue board. The need for PXB to be included on this course will depend on whether your venue has this type of equipment. Once again, this additional training will require more time and may cost more. This will be indicated when booking the course.

Who is this course awarded by?

This course is awarded by RLSS Qualifications and upon successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of achievement. Whilst your certificate is issued by RLSS Qualifications, the course itself is delivered by Three Whistles, we are an official training provider of RLSS.

What are the next steps after completing your NRASTC course?

After completing a NRASTC qualification, the next step is to complete RLSS UK lifeguard qualifications, including the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ) or Open Water Lifeguard (OWL) qualification.