About
The RLSS National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers & Coaches (NRASTC) is a specialist lifesaving qualification designed for swim teachers, coaches, and aquatic professionals who supervise sessions in the water. It equips candidates with the skills to recognise hazards, prevent incidents, and carry out safe, effective rescues without compromising their own safety. The award strengthens professional credibility, enhances duty-of-care standards, and ensures you are prepared to respond confidently to emergencies during aquatic activities.
đź“Ť Courses Available
Courses are delivered in Dublin and nationwide across Ireland, combining theory and practical training in water rescue techniques, casualty support, CPR, AED use, and emergency procedures specific to teaching environments. This qualification is ideal for swim teachers, instructors, coaches, and aquatic staff who want a recognised lifesaving award aligned with industry best practice and professional standards.
National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers & Coaches
Dublin & Nationwide Ireland
What is the RLSS NRASTC Course?
What is the National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers & Coaches?
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 swimming pool and is where the water depth is higher than the teachers’ standing depth and meets the individual facility’s Risk Assessment.
If the facility has qualified lifeguards or first-aiders – available to respond quickly to a swimming teacher or coach in an emergency, you could consider a NRASTC LIGHT qualification – click here for more information.
Pre-Requisites
Pre-Requisites
The NRASTC course is open to anyone who is 16-years-of-age or older at the date of the assessment and able to:
- 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).
Course Content
Course Content
The NRASTC course is 14 hours and deliverable in two days.
Topics covered during the course include:
- The teacher, swimming pool, and class management
- Intervention rescue
- Emergency action
- CPR and First Aid
The Assessment
The Assessment
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.
The qualification is valid for 2 years, we will get in touch 6 months prior to chat you through renewal options.
Course Cost / Bookings
Course Cost / Bookings
To enquire about the course cost and how to book, please email us at info@swim21training.com. Delivery of our courses can be a combination of online / in person. We can bring a trainer to you and deliver our courses at your facility.
Is this the same as a lifeguard qualification?
No. This is not a full lifeguard qualification. It is a safety and rescue award for swimming teachers and coaches who need emergency response skills but are not employed as lifeguards.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
There is no advanced swimming as part of this course, however you must be competent in the water and able to pick a manikin from the pool floor.
How long is the qualification valid for?
The qualification is valid for 2 years, we will get in touch 6 months prior to chat you through renewal options.
Can employers book a private course?
Yes employers can book the RLSS SPERA course as a private course for their team, we recommend this as we can chat through site specific training too!
More Information on this Qualification
Check out the RLSS website by clicking on learn more.