Open water swimming is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK. The OWL qualification has been specifically designed to equip open water lifeguards with the skills required to supervise and provide rescue cover for planned, organised, and risk-assessed activities in still, non-tidal water.
The RLSS UK Open Water Lifeguard Qualification is not suitable for moving water environments.
Prerequisite level of ability:
- Swim 400m continuously on your front (not backstroke)
- Jump/Dive into deep water
- Able to submerge underwater confidently
OWL Fitness Tests:
- Swim 20m to a conscious casualty pass them a rescue torpedo and tow them back 20m within 85 seconds.
- Swim 20m to an unconscious casualty, turn them over, tow them 10m whilst maintaining an airway (contact tow) within 65 seconds.