RLSS Rookie Lifeguard Course
RLSS UK’s Rookie Lifeguard programme gives your child the skills they need to be confident in the pool or the sea – which means peace of mind for you. With colourful materials and fun, varied activities, the Rookie Lifeguard scheme teaches children how to enjoy water safely, whether in shallow or deeper water.
For many of our Rookie Lifeguards, our programme offers the first opportunity to explore water safety, gradually gaining independence and confidence while learning vital life skills. Our programme will inspire and embolden your child, helping them keep themselves, their friends and their family safe in the water through a range of fun activities that lead towards a series of awards.
Rookie Lifeguard is aimed at children – though the skills learned through the course of the programme are just as valuable to people of all ages. The scheme begins with Stage 1 of the Bronze Award and progresses to Stage 3 of the Gold Award, starting off at an ability level suitable for brand-new swimmers and progressing to the level where our Rookie Lifeguards perform impressive lifesaving tows.
Course Requirements
Bronze Rookie Pre-Requisite: The child must be able to comfortably swim 50m continually unaided.
Silver Rookie Pre-Requisite: The child must comfortably swim 200m continually unaided.
Gold Rookie Pre-Requisite: The child must comfortably swim 400m continually unaided
2025 Course Dates:
The Sessions will start at 9am and finish at 11am
Rookie Lifeguard Stages
Bronze | BRONZE; PRE-REQUISITE: COMFORTABLY SWIM 50M CONTINUALLY UNAIDED. Upon completing the Bronze Award, each individual should be able to: - Enter shallow water safely and confidently and wade. - Tread water and signal for help. - Swim continuously in clothing for 50m. - Swim Lifesaving Backstroke. Scull head and feet first. - Hold the ‘HELP’ position. - Demonstrate a non-swimmer, weak swimmer and an unconscious casualty - Demonstrate a ‘Shout and Signal’ rescue - Throw an aid - Demonstrate a reach rescue - Enter deep water safely and confidently - Perform a feet first surface dive and swim underwater - Climb out in deep water without using the steps |
Silver | SILVER; PRE-REQUISITE: COMFORTABLY SWIM 200M CONTINUALLY UNAIDED. Upon competing the Silver Award, each individual should be able to: - Swim continuously in clothing for 200m on your front and back - Demonstrate a reaching rescue - Throw a buoyant aid to a casualty 8m away - Enter shallow water and wade to a casualty - Using a throwing aid, instruct the casualty what to do - Using a rigid aid instruct the casualty what to do - The support position - Tread water for 3 minutes - Swimming, surface dives and object recovery - Shallow turn and rescue an ‘unconscious casualty’ - Coil and throw a rope to a casualty 10m away and pull to the side in less than 45 seconds - Enter deep water using a straddle jump - Demonstrate a fall-in entry into clear deep water - Swim 20m continuously with your head out of the water on your front |
Gold | GOLD; PRE-REQUISITE: COMFORTABLY SWIM 400M CONTINUALLY UNAIDED Upon completing the Gold Award, each individual should be able to: - Coil and throw a rope to a casualty and pull to the side - Swim 400m continuously in clothing - Demonstrate Lifesaving Backstroke, Sidestroke, Breaststroke or Front Crawl - Tread water, removing clothing then swim 50m - Climb out of deep water unaided - Demonstrate fall-in, compact jump or shallow dive - Demonstrate a Reverse - Demonstrate a Standoff - Rescue an unconscious casualty at depth in less than 2 minutes 30 seconds - Demonstrate supported rescue breathing whilst waiting for help - Demonstrate the support position - Demonstrate non-contact rescues - Treat for shock - Demonstrate the use of hand signals - Using any recognised competitive stroke, swim 400m continuously, in less than 12 minutes |
We have a large car park suitable for over 163 cars which sits directly outside of the Lido. Parking fees start at £2.20 Both coins and cards are accepted and you can also pay by phone. It’s a great location if you are using the hospital, local parks or walking into Cheltenham Town Centre.
Where possible, we encourage that you walk or cycle to the Lido. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Refunds are not permitted on swim entry tickets. You will be able to transfer your swim to an alternative day or time if you have given 24 hours notice.
If you need assistance please email admin@sandfordparkslido.org.uk
We are committed to working with parents to create a safe environment for children.
All children under the age of 8 should always be accompanied by a guardian aged 16 years or over, this person may be responsible for up to two children. Guardians must maintain constant supervision particularly in the water and changing rooms. We advise that children under the age of 5 should be supervised on a one-to-one basis.
Parents have a specific responsibility for the safety of their own children, this cannot be abdicated to lifeguards. The role of the lifeguard is to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all swimmers.
We have four queues available;
We allow all those who have booked onto site first and then we will allow entry to others customers who have not booked onto site.
If we have hit site capacity, we will move to a 1-out-1-in scenario.
*Please note Season Ticket holders who have not booked will get priority entry*
Adult:£7.50
Concession:£5.10
Family of 2: £8.20
Family of 3: £14.30
Family of 4: £16.30
*Concessions include; Over 65s, registered disabled, unemployed/low income, children and students
Single Adult -£190
Joint ST – £330
Concession* – £120
Family of 3 – £340
Family of 4 – £351
*Concessions include; over 65s, registered disabled, unemployed/low income, children aged 5-17 in full time education and students.
The main pool is 50m x 27.35m and has a depth of 1m in the shallow end and 1.75-2.75 in the deep end
The children’s pool is 15.9m x 7.51m and has a depth of 0.5m in the shallow end and 0.8m in the deep end.
🏛️ Leave Your Legacy at Cheltenham Lido
As we look ahead to our next heated season, we’re reopening the opportunity to be part of Cheltenham Lido’s future - and its history.
After the success of our first brick sale, we’re delighted to announce that three personalised bricks are once again available for purchase! Each brick will be laid in our beautiful walkway, creating a lasting legacy for generations to come.
🧱 Buy a Brick – Small (£90)
Installed along the path from the car park to the front gates. Personalise it with up to 2 lines of 16 characters (including spaces).
🧱 Buy a Brick – Large (£200)
For those who need more room to share their message, the large brick offers 4 lines of 16 characters.
✨ Golden Engraved Bricks
Celebrate your family or showcase your business with a stunning golden engraved brick, placed at our main entrance. Businesses can include their logo and a message – a lasting way to show support for our cherished Lido charity.
📧 For details, please contact Julie at julie@cheltenhamlido.co.uk
By purchasing a brick, you’re helping to secure the future of Cheltenham Lido for the next 90 years 💦
#cheltenhamlido #buyabrick #lido #supportlocal #community #thelido #personalised #opportunity #getintouch
Fancy doing something brrr-ave this winter? ❄️
Join us on Sunday 7th December at Cheltenham Lido for the Sue Ryder Big Dip Cheltenham – a cold water fundraiser that’s open to anyone aged 16+.
Now in its 4th year, this incredible event has already raised over £26,000 in 2024, with more than 200 participantstaking the plunge last year. We’re aiming to match (or beat!) that number this festive season!
✨ What’s new for 2025?
Take your dip to the next level with our brand-new Challenge Swim option - test yourself with a 200m or 300m swimin the chilly open water.
🎶 Festive fun awaits!
We’ll have a choir singing to create a magical seasonal atmosphere, plus a few stalls to browse on the day.
Fancy dress or festive wear is highly encouraged! 🎅🏽🎄
By taking part, you’ll be helping raise vital funds so that people approaching end of life, or living with grief, can access the compassionate care and support they deserve.
🕒 Event timings:
• Registration opens: 11:45am
• Safety briefing, dip or swim: 12:20–12:30pm onward
• Event ends: 2:00pm
💷 Entry is £10, and we encourage each participant (or team) to raise at least £50 in sponsorship.
📲 Spaces are limited - register online now and join us as we make a splash for Sue Ryder!
#cheltenhamlido #event #coldwaterdip #suerydercharity #swimmingpool #joinus #challenge #trysomething
🤭🐾 Good news, dog lovers!
Due to high demand, we’ve increased the number of slots available to each session, by 15 places 🎉
This tail-waggingingly popular event is one of the highlights of our year - marking the end of our heated season before we dive into cold water swimming.
If you missed out on booking a spot, now’s your chance to grab one before they’re gone again 🐶
Head to the website to secure your place - don’t let your four-legged friend miss the splash of the season at Cheltenham Lido!
@fuchsia.media
#dogswim #cheltenham #annualevent #cheltenhamlido #outdoorswimming #dogs #dogsofinstagram #joinus #popular #events
🍺🐊💦 Did you miss the big launch?
Don’t worry - Cheltenham Lido’s first-ever beer is here to stay (for now) since we’ve restocked the Low Alc!
The feedback so far has been incredible, and it’s been amazing to see so many of you grabbing a can after your swim.
👉🏻 Please note, only ALL DEYA Pool Party (0.5%) is available for purchase at reception and cafe.
📍 Also available at:
@deyabrewerytaproom
@tivoliwines
@favouritebeerscheltenham
Gardener Garages
DEYA Webshop
#cheltenham #cheltenhamlido #deya #collab #sustainabilty #deyabrewery