SPERA OVERVIEW
Who is the award for?
This award is ideal for back up staff at venues such as leisure centres, hotels, spa clubs, private swim schools or school pools. It is not designed for those who will be supervising the pool directly, that should be left to those with a full pool lifeguard qualification. This award will teach you everything you need to respond and support in a rescue.
Taken from RLSS website:
The Swimming Pool Emergency Rescue Award is designed for individuals who have a responsibility to respond to a swimming pool in the event of an emergency, by performing a rescue, or assisting a lifeguard team. It is a non-regulated award.
The Swimming Pool Emergency Rescue Award is not intended to replace a lifeguard qualification, such as the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ). The NPLQ includes more detailed training and content to prepare someone to supervise a swimming pool directly.
For more information you can visit the RLSS website;
https://www.rlss.org.uk/swimming-pool-emergency-rescue-award
Who can complete the Swimming Pool Emergency Rescue course?
Any staff employed at the venue, e.g.
-
Receptionists
-
Spa hosts
-
Chefs
-
Waiting staff
-
Housekeeping
-
Maintenance staff
-
Duty managers
-
Gym staff
What are the SPERA course prerequisites?
To attend a SPERA course, learners must be able to;
-
Be able to swim on front and back
-
Be able to surface dive to the deepest part of the pool and climb out without help and without using steps or ladders (where venue design permits)
-
Be ages 16 or older at the beginning of the course
What is the course content and how long does it take?
The Swimming Pool Emergency Rescue Award is 12 hours in duration and deliverable within two days. Topics covered during the course include;
-
Section One – The Emergency Rescuers Role, Pool Safety Operating Procedures and Safety Information
-
Section Two – Responding to an Emergency and the Emergency Action Plan
-
Section Three – CPR, First Aid and AED
How will I be assessed?
To achieve the Swimming Pool Emergency Rescue Award, candidates must pass a formal assessment, where trainees demonstrate the skills and knowledge learned in the form of a practical assessment. This assessment is ongoing by the course trainer over the 2 days. You will find out whether you have met the required standard by the end of your course.
Renewal
Once the course is complete your certificate will be valid for 2 years. Learners may renew their award within the period of validity of their existing Swimming Pool Emergency Rescue Award stated on their certificate. To requalify, candidates will need to complete the course and assessment as a new candidate.
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 SPERA 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.