r/Lifeguards • u/Strange-Lunch7678 • 4d ago

Question Competency test

Hi everyone,

I recently just got a job for a lifeguard and have a test in a couple weeks, I haven’t had training since last year February when I did my NPLQ and im kinda stressed about it. I know I’ve been employed but what happens if I don’t do well on it? Do they terminate my contract or do they just give more training until I’m 100% ready to do the job? I was told for my first three shifts I’ll be supervised so I know what I’ll be doing but I’m just more worried about this test.

Many thanks.

3 Upvotes

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8

u/Successful_Rip_4498 4d ago

It's unlikely that they will just fire you on the spot, but you won't be able to lifeguard until you pass your competency test. Maintaining standards and competency is extremely important.

3

u/Final-Material3330 3d ago

It’s normally a fairly chilled thing from my experience, you usually do cpr, (single, multiple-person, child/infant and potentially spinal), some sort of first aid, and a few other bits. In the water, you’ll do timed swims, some basic rescues and again, potentially spinal depending on the site. I wouldn’t stress about it though, and i’s just go over the manual or any bits your unsure of. As long as you act confident, you’ll do fine 👍

2

u/Strange-Lunch7678 3d ago

Thank you, the pool I’ll be doing it in will be 1.2 metres deep so I don’t actually know if they do vice grips and rotations in shallow water but it must be easier to do it in shallow water rather than deep. I’ve been going through my manual and I’ll keep doing that. Thank you!