ABOUT US
15+ YEARS OF TRAINING LIFEGUARDS & WATER SAFETY
Ireland’s Leading Lifeguard Training Provider
Established in 2008, Atlantic Coast Lifeguards was the first professional lifeguard training school in Ireland.
For over 15 years, we have delivered training in lifeguarding and water safety, preparing candidates for real working environments both in Ireland and internationally.
To date, we have trained over 12,000 lifeguards nationwide including over 2,500 beach lifeguards and 200 lifeguard trainers. On average, we train approximately 750 lifeguards each year.
It has been a privilege to play a role in so many careers, summer jobs, and long-term professional journeys.
We train:
• First-time lifeguard candidates
• Renewal candidates
• Students seeking summer employment
• J1 and travel candidates
• Leisure centres and aquatic facilities
• Hotels and private operators
• Corporate and group bookings
Our POOL Qualifications
All of our lifeguard qualifications are globally recognised and carry the endorsement of the International Life Saving Federation (ILS).
Our Pool Lifeguard Course is delivered through the Royal Life Saving Society UK and leads to the **National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), Generation 10.
The NPLQ Gen 10 is:
• A Level 3 Qualification
• Worth 8 UCAS Tariff Points
• Recognised Internationally
This qualification is particularly valuable for:
• Students and graduates
• J1 visa applicants
• Those planning to work abroad
• Careers in leisure and aquatic industry
The NPLQ is widely accepted for employment in swimming pools, leisure centres, holiday resorts, and international programmes such as Camp America, cruise ships and centre parcs.
What Sets Us Apart
Our BEACH Qualifications
Our Beach Lifeguard Course provides an internationally recognised qualification for those seeking to work in open water and coastal environments.
This globally respected certification is recognised by employers across beaches, resorts, waterparks, and seasonal international roles.
The qualification is ideal for:
• Aspiring county council and RNLI beach lifeguards
• Students seeking overseas work opportunities
• J1 applicants
• Watersports and outdoor professionals
• Careers in coastal and aquatic safety
Beach lifeguard certification enhances employability by demonstrating advanced rescue capability, strong situational awareness, and the ability to operate safely in dynamic aquatic environments.
Successful candidates gain a qualification that supports both domestic and international employment opportunities.
How We Deliver Training
Our courses combine structured classroom instruction with practical, hands-on experience.
Our instructors cover essential topics including water rescue techniques, First Aid, CPR and AED usage, alongside teamwork, communication and emergency response management.
Training is delivered in real environments, ensuring candidates build both technical competence and confidence.
We place strong emphasis on safety, professionalism and preparedness, because in lifeguarding, standards matter.
Levels
Within the RLSS framework, there are no separate “Level 1” or “Level 2” pool lifeguard awards. The NPLQ is designed as a comprehensive qualification that fully prepares a lifeguard for any standard pool environment internationally.
Once qualified, candidates are considered fully trained to work in facilities that recognise the certification - from local leisure centres to large national aquatic complexes.
Certification recognition internationally can vary by employer, which is normal in the industry. We are always happy to guide candidates in understanding what may be required for their specific destination or employer.
Leadership & Experience
Atlantic Coast Lifeguards is led by Muirtí Ó Cearnaigh, who has worked in leisure and adventure centres throughout his career.
Muirtí holds the highest instructor-level qualifications available within the RLSS framework, including National Trainer status. This allows him not only to deliver mainstream lifeguard qualifications, but also to train new instructors and trainers.
Alongside Atlantic Coast Lifeguards, we operate several watersports centres along the Irish coast, including SummerSup.ie and CorkCitySUP.ie, further strengthening our connection to water safety and outdoor training.
Group & Corporate Training
We provide tailored group training solutions for organisations requiring staff certification or renewal.
Whether you operate a leisure centre, hotel, aquatic facility or outdoor venue, we can deliver training nationwide to meet your operational requirements.
If you would like to discuss group training or staff certification, please contact us directly or complete our group enquiry form
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