The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) and the Institute of Qualified Lifeguards (IQL) launched a new Approved Training Centre (ATC) Scheme in August 2000 in order to ensure the maintenance of high standards in the delivery of their most recognised qualification - the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ).

The Sport and Recreation Service (SRS) has gained Approved Training Centre status, and the University of Glasgow has therefore become the first University in Scotland to be ATC approved - and only the third organisation in the West of Scotland.

Any venue wishing to deliver NPLQ training to their own staff or operate training courses for new customers must now be an ATC approved site. This involves a rigorous external verification process performed by the IQL and the establishment of a thorough internal verification process to ensure maintenance of standards and high-quality provision of service.

The delivery of the NPLQ and a new additional Professional Module is now implemented in line with the principles of best value and quality assurance. This scheme introduces a quality guarantee for all candidates (and subsequent employers) and ensures that consistent qualifiying standards are met in the attainment of the NPLQ award.

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First published: 11 May 2001