RLSS Rookie Lifeguard Course

Become an RLSS Rookie Lifeguard!

Book now to become a Rookie Lifeguard

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.

 

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Rookie

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

FAQ's

  • Is there parking available on site?

    We have a large car park suitable for over 150 cars which sits directly outside of the Lido. Parking fees start at £2.10 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.

     

  • Do you have a refund policy if I am unable to use the pool?

    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

  • Can children be left without an adult on site?

    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.

  • How are queues managed on busy hot days?

    We have four queues available;

    1. One season ticket holders, who have booked,
    2. One for paying customers who have booked,
    3. One for Season ticket holders who have not booked
    4. One for paying customers who have not booked

    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*

     

  • How much does it cost to swim?

    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

  • How much are season Tickets?

    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.

  • How big is the pool?

    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.

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🌿 Find Your Inner Peace with Mindfulness at the Lido

If you enjoyed our taster session, we’ve got great news! Starting 2nd February, join us for a 4-week mindfulness course with Chris Long, our Operations Supervisor and certified Mindfulness Now practitioner.

🧘‍♀️ 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫?
Anyone seeking more peace, joy, and contentment in life—no experience required! Just bring an open mind, open heart, and a desire to explore mindfulness.

💡 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
✨ Weekly 120+ minute sessions to relax, recharge, and reflect
✨ Learn about mindfulness and yourself
✨ Silence, discussion, and mindful movement
✨ Connect with like-minded individuals in the tranquil surroundings of the Lido

🗓 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬:
𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐞𝐛 Introduction to Mindfulness
𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐞𝐛 Understanding Your Thoughts & Feelings
𝟏𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐞𝐛 Mindful Movement
𝟐𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐅𝐞𝐛 Expanding Your Awareness

🌟 As Chris shares, “Mindfulness has transformed my life, bringing peace and contentment. It can do the same for you!”

📍 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: The Lido
🕒 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧: Weekly sessions from 2nd February

If you have any questions or would like to know more, please email chris.l@sandfordparkslido.org.uk 📧 Tickets can be booked via our website!

#mindfulness #mindful #course #newto2024 #sandfordparkslido #thelido #cheltenham #
Our 2025 Early Bird Season Tickets are now LIVE!! 🎉

We have implemented a new booking and membership system which aims to streamline the process for reserving and modifying your swim sessions - making it easier for you to enjoy your time with us. 

With this in mind, you will be required to set up a new online account in order to purchase your ticket 🙋🏽‍♀️

Head to the website to find out more, purchase your ticket and view our user guide - we look forward to welcoming you this year 👏🏻

#sandfordparkslido #sandfordpark #cheltenham #swimming #swimmingpool #outfoorswim #seasonticket #joinus

Lido Car Park is Closed

Please note the car park is now closed until spring 2025 for our sustainability development.