Aquatic Therapy Shallow Pool Rescue Award (ATSPRA)

The ATSPRA

is a supervision and rescue qualification for therapists, teachers and support staff working on the poolside or in the water during activities such as, aquatic therapy or therapeutic exercise/play.

Pre Course Information

Please read the following information carefully, it is designed to ensure that you arrive fully prepared for the Aquatic Therapy Shallow Pool Rescue Award (ATSPRA)

Syllabus & Assessment

The qualification is suitable for use in shallow pools where the rescuer will not be required to swim to perform a rescue,

with water no deeper than the rescuers chest depth.

The course content is grouped into 3 sections.

Section 1 - The teacher, swimming pool and class management

Section 2 - Intervention and rescue and emergency action

Section 3 - CPR and first aid

Assessment takes place on the final day of the course and it determines your knowledge and understanding and is independently assessed by external examiners from the RLSS.

Please note this course does not qualify you to work as a lifeguard, for that you will need to look at our Aquatic Therapy Shallow Pool Rescue Award. 

Cost & Identification

For identification purposes we require that all candidates bring photo ID with them. The cost includes all course materials, examination and your certificate from the RLSS. Costing will depend on the venue and numbers £85 - £125.

Location & Times

Will depend on the Venue of the course.

Sessions are split between classroom and pool location in the venue of the course. The course is 2 days long and runs from 8:45am - 4pm. There will be regular 15 minute breaks at the instructor’s discretion plus 1 hour for lunch. we recommend candidates bring a packed lunch.

Course Notes

As part of the course you will be provided with your own copy of The ATSPRA Candidate Pack (6th Edition) as reference material for the classroom sessions. It is essential however that you make notes to compliment this resource and as such you must bring a notepad and pen with you.

What to Wear

For classroom sessions there will be a practical element to the training so please wear clothes that you will be comfortable rolling around on the floor in as part of the first aid and CPR training. For work in the pool you will need to bring a swimming costume plus a t shirt and shorts that you are comfortable swimming in (you may also wear goggles).