Ukrainian refugees start new careers as lifeguards in the UK

Ukrainian refugees are securing new careers as lifeguards in the UK, thanks to the RLSS UK’s National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ).

Three Ukrainians are now working as lifeguards at Brighton Swimming Centre after completing the RLSS UK’s NPLQ offered by Swim UK. A fourth learner, aged 16, has gone on to full time education at Brighton College.

The lifeguards – aged 19, 34 and 47-years-old – had been enrolled on a Functional Skills UK course to improve their English reading, writing and communication skills when offered the opportunity to complete the NPLQ course with Swim UK.

The students studied alongside their British counterparts during the five-day course using Google Translate to interpret any specialist terminologies. During the final exam, they had access to an app, which allowed them to translate the questions into Ukrainian.

Sacha Lansdall, Curriculum Advisor and Tutor at Swim UK, said: “The NPLQ course gave the learners focus and has really helped them grow in confidence. They’ve gone from not knowing much English and being out of work to being employed as a lifeguard in the UK.”

“They struggled with some of the terminologies because they don’t always directly translate to Ukrainian and were very grateful for the patience of the tutors and the additional support they received. They’re incredibly pleased to have passed the qualification and be employed as lifeguards.”