Build Water Confidence with Real Lifesaving Skills
Our RLSS Rookie Lifeguard programme is perfect for confident young swimmers who want to learn rescue techniques, develop responsibility, and stay safe in and around the water.
What Is Rookie Lifeguard?
This exciting and nationally recognised programme is designed for children aged 8+ who have mastered the basics of swimming and are ready for something more.
Delivered in partnership with the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), our Rookie sessions teach essential lifesaving skills through fun, practical activities. From throw rescues to survival skills, children learn how to stay calm, act quickly, and help others safely — all while continuing to build fitness, confidence, and teamwork.
Skills Covered in the Programme
The Rookie Lifeguard programme follows a clear, rewarding pathway designed by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS).
Through the Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards, children build their skills step by step — learning how to stay safe, help others, and respond with confidence in real-life situations.
Whether they’re practising rescues or mastering CPR, each level adds new challenges and gives swimmers a real sense of achievement and purpose in the water.
Bronze
This is where the Rookie journey begins. Children are introduced to the core principles of water safety and rescue in a supportive, team-based environment. They’ll learn basic survival skills, how to help others from the poolside, and how to stay calm in an emergency — all through fun, hands-on activities that build confidence.
- Introduction to personal safety and basic rescues
- Encourages teamwork and communication
- Builds early lifesaving confidence through games and practice
Silver
At Silver level, swimmers start applying their skills in more realistic scenarios. They’ll develop stronger rescue techniques, improve endurance, and explore how to assess risks in different aquatic situations. Sessions are more challenging, but still fun and fully supported by our trained instructors.
- Builds on rescue techniques and water survival
- Introduces risk awareness and emergency response
- Fosters resilience, strength, and responsibility
Gold
The Gold stage represents the highest level of the Rookie programme. Swimmers demonstrate advanced lifesaving skills, strong decision-making, and the ability to manage emergency situations. It’s a real achievement — and a fantastic foundation for future training or leadership roles in aquatic settings.
- Advanced rescue and CPR awareness
- Strong focus on independence and leadership
- Prepares swimmers for future lifeguard qualifications
You can read more about the RLSS Rookie Lifesaving Awards here
Why Parents Love Rookie
My daughter has been with Swimwell for several months and attends the Rookie Lifeguarding course and she absolutely loves it, and has gained so much confidence and has formed some lovely friendships.
Where & When
Tuesday’s & Wednesday’s 7 – 8pm
Saturdays 3 – 4pm
Sessions run during school term time only. Payment is via easy monthly payments with no contract required.
£41 per month per child plus an initial kit purchase of £20 T-shirt and whistle purchase required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Blank
What facilities does the pool have?
Walton High has a large car park, and both male and female changing rooms.
What age is the Rookie Lifeguard Programme for ?
The programme is designed for children aged 8 – 14.
How long are the sessions?
The session is for 1 hour.
Will my child need anything?
Children will need a whistle and a t-shirt – this is part of an initial kit that is £20.
Are there badges?
Yes, each section has 3 awards in each section Bronze, Sliver and Gold
How are payments made?
Swimming lessons are paid for through our card subscription service.
When you join you’ll pay upfront for your lessons in your first month. From the 1st of the following month, we will collect an agreed amount from your nominated card.
Once booked, your space is yours until you tell us otherwise. Your lessons will carry forward to one term to the next – so there’s no need to rebook.
There is no minimum contract and you can cancel any time. Please see below for how to cancel.
What happens if I don't want to continue lessons with Swimwell?
You can cancel your lessons at anytime by sending an email to office@swimwell.org.uk. A refund for remaining lessons that month will be given unless you decide to give us a specific date to end.
If you cancel during July and don’t make payment for August, this will be due for payment should you wish to return at any point in the following 12 months.
This is due to how we pro-rata your payments over 12 equal monthly payments for the 39 weeks of lessons.
What happens if we miss a lesson?
Should you need to you miss a lesson due to illness, holiday or other commitments, you do not have to let us know.
This class is paid for by you and is your choice to attend. No refund will be given for missed lessons.
What happens if Swimwell cancels a lesson?
In the unfortunate event Swimwell needs to cancel your lessons, you will be offered an alternative lesson.
If you chose not to attend the alternative lesson, no refund is given. If Swimwell cannot provide an alternative lesson, a refund will be issued (see our refund policy for more details).
Ready to Learn Lifesaving Skills?
Rookie Lifeguard is the perfect way to keep your child swimming, learning, and growing with purpose.