What Does “Lifesaving” Really Mean to Us?

While “lifesaving” can refer to many heroic acts, at BSM Training and Consultancy, it has a more specific meaning. For us, it’s all about qualifications within the leisure industry—particularly those related to swimming pool safety.

Where It All Began

Swimming pool safety isn’t just a topic we care about—it’s the very foundation of our business. After 12 years in the industry, our director Bryan sought a new challenge. He explored other ventures, but the pull of the poolside proved too strong. That passion led to the creation of BSM Training and Consultancy, with a clear mission: to deliver high-quality, affordable lifesaving training.

Who We Work With

Fast forward nine years, and we’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of clients—from small private swim schools and local community pools to hotels and large-scale leisure centres. One thing we’ve learned. Questions around qualifications and staffing come up time and time again. Common queries include:

• “What qualification do I need to train my staff in?”
• “Do we really need lifeguards if other pools don’t have them?”

The Short Answer: It Depends on Your Risk Assessment

Your risk assessment (RA) is the starting point. But just because it says you don’t need a lifeguard doesn’t mean the conversation ends there.

• Has your RA been reviewed recently?
• Have there been updates from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or other governing bodies?
• Was the RA carried out by someone truly competent and up to date with current guidance?

These are critical questions. Health and safety is a shared responsibility. Relying on a single person to conduct assessments—without input from those directly affected—is a major oversight. Inclusion and communication are key to creating a safe environment and gaining buy-in from your team.

So, Where Do You Start?

1. Know Your Guidance
Familiarise yourself with “HSG 179”—short for Health and Safety Guidance 179: Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools. The latest edition (at the time of writing) is the fourth, published by the HSE in 2018.

2. Conduct a Thorough Risk Assessment
This must be done by someone qualified and competent. HSG 179 outlines what “competent” means and supports compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

3. Develop Pool Safety Operating Procedures (PSOP)
Your PSOP should include both a Normal Operating Plan (NOP) and an Emergency Action Plan (EAP). HSG 179 provides detailed guidance on how to structure these documents, using insights from your site-specific risk assessment.

Only once these elements are in place can you truly understand the hazards, risks, and control measures needed—including the level of supervision and qualifications required to operate safely and within industry standards.

Understanding the Qualifications

There are several awarding bodies in the UK offering pool-related qualifications. The most recognised are the Safety Training Awards (STA) and the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS). At BSM, we align with the STA portfolio:

• STA Level 3 Award for Pool Lifeguards
  This is the gold standard for lifesaving qualifications. It’s a five-day course ideal for higher-risk environments like leisure parks. It also includes the Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work.
• STA Level 2 Award for Pool Emergency Responder
  Designed for smaller, lower-risk pools (e.g., hotels, health clubs), this qualification is not suitable for pools deeper than 1.5m. It’s not a lifeguard or first aid qualification but covers key emergency response skills.
• STA Level 2 Safety Award for Teachers
  Essential for anyone teaching in or around a pool. It enables instructors to manage emergencies during structured sessions and support casualties until help arrives. However, it doesn’t qualify someone to supervise unprogrammed sessions or act as a first aider.

In Summary

Start by understanding your legal responsibilities. Use HSG 179 as your guide. Conduct a thorough, competent risk assessment. Build your PSOP with clear NOPs and EAPs. Once these foundations are in place, you’ll have a much clearer picture of your facility’s needs—and be well-equipped to choose the right qualifications for your team.