Candidates need to have done certain things before the start of the course in order to successfully complete the exam:
- Join SLSGB as an individual member. This can be done here: www.slsgb.org.uk/support-us/membership/ SLSGB are the governing body for the exam and membership is also required by the RNLI for insurance purposes if you wish to work for them.
Spring 2022 course attendees, from left: Lucinda now works in Ocean Science in Bermuda, Jenny and Georgia middle have worked for the RNLI for multiple seasons, Shay has worked as a surf instructor here at Whitsand Bay!
- A number of the course modules are now completed online and registration of the course requires an active SLSGB membership number in order to complete them, so please ensure this is done in good time.
- The ability to swim 400m in a pool in 8 mins maximum. This is a fitness requirement for the course and will be tested during the week. Those candidates who do not pass the swim will fail the course and this is the only element of the course that cannot be taught or trained sufficiently during a 1 week period. Therefore, to not waste your money, I strongly suggest testing this individually before paying for the course
For the swim fitness we recommend you are in the pool ideally at least twice a week in the 6 weeks leading up to the course, focus on building an endurance base, covering 1200m+ in each session and add sprint elements into the training. For those looking to work with the RNLI in future this swim test is best considered part of your pre-fitness training!