News

Train To Lifeguard This February | New Course Dates

Details Category: News

Published: Monday, 05 January 2026 11:56 Written by Michelle

Boost your income potential and get qualified with an NPLQ lifeguard qualification. Sport Brighton are running a week long course at its University of Brighton Falmer pool. More information and how to book are below. 

Dates: 16th February 2026 - 20th February 2026; all day, each day

Venue: University of Brighton, Brighton Sport and Health Complex, Falmer

Cost: £300

Book online now: Your Sport Brighton

Award Description 

National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) Gen 10 

RLSS UK’s* NPLQ is the most awarded lifeguard qualification in the UK and Ireland. More than 40,000 lifeguards qualify with the RLSS UK every year, and there are currently more than 75,000 NPLQ-qualified lifeguards across the UK and Ireland. The NPLQ is also internationally recognised. 

NPLQ Generation 10 is the latest edition of the NPLQ. It has endorsement against the CIMSPA Lifeguard Standard and meets the requirements within the Health and Safety Executive’s Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools (HSG179). The NPLQ Gen 10 can be delivered with optional additional qualifications - AED, EFAW, FAW, and Anaphylaxis Management. The NPLQ is a great addition to any CV or higher education application, and from May 2024, NPLQ Gen 10 carries 8 UCAS Tariff points. 

If you’d like to learn more about being a lifeguard, click here. 

Lifeguard Course Prerequisites 

Every candidate attending a NPLQ course must be 16 years old or above at the time of taking the NPLQ final assessment and be able to: 

• Jump/dive into deep water 
• Swim 50 metres in less than 60 seconds 
• Swim 100 metres continuously on front and back 
• In deep water, tread water for 30 seconds 
• Surface dive to the floor of the pool 
• Climb out unaided without a ladder/steps and where the pool design permits. 

*The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is the industry leader in lifeguarding and lifesaving. RLSS UK Qualifications is at the forefront of lifeguard qualification innovation and development, keeping leisure employees at the cutting edge of lifesaving, lifeguarding, water safety and life support skills, and the RLSS UK badge gives peace of mind to the millions of customers who access leisure facilities every year. As an Awarding Body, RLSS UK Qualifications’ regulators are Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA in Northern Ireland. RLSS UK is a registered charity in England, Wales (1046060), and Scotland (SC037912). 

Free Trial Swim Lessons

Details Category: News

Published: Monday, 08 December 2025 13:26 Written by Michelle

Sport Brighton has just introduced a free swim lesson trial for its swim school. Whether you are taking your first dip, improving technique, or looking for inclusive swimming support for your child, our swim school offers high quality, friendly, and professionally delivered lessons for all ages and abilities. Lessons run during term time and are paid termly and work out to £12.00 per lesson. 

To make your visit even easier, we provide two hours of free parking for all swim school customers—simply enter your vehicle registration into the tablet at reception on arrival. 

To book your free trial session then email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Below you can find out more information on what we have on offer. 

LEARN TO SWIM LESSONS (STAGES 1-7):

Our Learn to Swim programme is designed for children aged 4 to 16, following Swim England Stages 1–7. Classes are capped at 8 swimmers to ensure each child receives personalised guidance. 

• Mondays: 15:45–18:15 

• Saturdays: 09:00–11:00 

Each session is 30 minutes, and Stage 1 swimmers benefit from both an instructor on the poolside and an assistant in the water to support swimmers and build confidence. Whether your child is brand new to the water or progressing towards confident and efficient swimming, our structured pathway ensures steady and enjoyable development. 

SEND CLASSES:

We proudly offer supportive, inclusive swimming sessions for children with cognitive conditions who thrive in a less structured learning environment. A parent or guardian is required in the water to ensure comfort, communication, and a positive experience. Our instructors focus on building water confidence at each child’s pace, making swimming enjoyable and accessible for all. 

ADULT SWIMMING LESSONS:

Swimming isn’t just for kids—our Monday evening adult programme helps swimmers of all levels achieve their goals. 

• Mondays: 18:30–20:00 

We offer Swim England pathway lessons: 

• Be Water Confident 

• Be a Swimmer 

• Be a Better Swimmer 

Classes are 30 minutes, capped at 6 adults, ensuring tailored guidance and plenty of practice time. Whether you are overcoming water nerves or refining your stroke technique, our friendly instructors are here to support your journey. 

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Jacob’s mum – “my son started as a non-swimmer in the intensive lessons during the summer,  he is now working towards Stage 5. I cannot believe the progress”

Andre – “My son is absolutely loving the swimming lessons. And Becky and the team are doing a brilliant job”

Poppy’s mum – “Poppy has progressed so much and thoroughly enjoys her swimming lessons at Sport Brighton”

Euan & Neal’s mum – “Thanks for a brilliant week of swimming lessons, Euan and Neal have really enjoyed themselves and have improved a lot in a short time. The teachers (Jill and Rachael) have been great”

 

GET IN TOUCH:

We are here to help with any questions or bookings. 

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
Phone: 01273 643520 

Welcome 2025/26

Details Category: News

Published: Monday, 08 September 2025 13:59 Written by Michelle

🏃‍♀️ Welcome to Sport Brighton: Fitness, Fun and Community

Whether you're fresh on campus or returning for another year of studies, Sport Brighton is here to help you stay active, make friends, and feel your best. As the department for sport and fitness at the University of Brighton, we offer a wide range of services designed to suit every interest and ability level.

🏋️‍♂️ What We Offer

From state-of-the-art gyms to competitive sports teams, Sport Brighton has something for everyone:

• Gym & Fitness Facilities: Access modern gyms at our Falmer and Moulsecoomb campuses, equipped with cardio machines, free weights, and functional training zones. From day passes to monthly memberships check out your options here. 

• Group Exercise Classes: Choose from yoga, spin, HIIT, dance, and more—perfect for staying motivated and mixing up your routine. View and book on to our classes.

• Daily Swim Sessions: Try our 25m Falmer pool in the Brighton Sport and Health Complex. From £3.50 pay as you go to monthly memberships. See our availability and timetables here. 

• Competitive teams & sport for fun through our student clubs; the Panthers: Join our university clubs in a range of sports. Clubs vary greatly so check out our A to Z guide for all the options available to you. You can try nearly all clubs for no cost to see what takes your fancy. 

• Social Sport through Panthers Play: Join casual sessions like 5-a-side football, badminton, or netball—no commitment, just fun. Find out more here.

• Personal Training & Fitness Support: Get expert guidance tailored to your goals, whether you're training for something in particular or just starting out.

• Courses and Personal Development: You can work for us if you have NPLQ or PT qualifications, volunteer with us and gain great perks and experiences. Finally you can gain qualifications with us through our PT and Gym Instructor Level 2, Level 3 and Diploma courses. 

🎓 Why Get Involved?

Sport Brighton isn’t just about fitness—it’s about community. Joining a club or class is a great way to meet people, reduce stress, and boost your wellbeing. Plus, regular physical activity has been shown to improve academic performance and mental health.

💡 How to Get Started

• Memberships: Affordable student memberships are available with flexible options. Sign up online or at any Sport Brighton facility.

• Download the App: Book classes, check schedules, and manage your membership via our App.

• Follow Us: Stay updated on events, challenges, and opportunities via Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube (@SportBrighton).

🥳 Freshers & Welcome Events

Look out for free taster sessions and giveaways during Freshers Week. Whether you're curious about climbing or keen to join a team, there's no better time to dive in. Find out about all the clubs and Sport Brighton services at the 2025 Brighton Students' Union Freshers Fair. This is taking place at the Meads Building and Brighton Sport and Health Complex at the Falmer Campus on Wednesday 1st October 2025, 11am-4pm. 

National Award For Workforce Programme

Details Category: News

Published: Tuesday, 27 May 2025 13:56 Written by Michelle

The University of Brighton has proudly secured the Student Workforce Development Award at the BUCS Football and Futsal Awards 2025, hosted by the University of Warwick. This marks the second consecutive year the university has been recognised nationally for excellence in student sport development.

Awarded for the Football Workforce Project, delivered by Sport Brighton, the initiative focuses on empowering students through meaningful workforce opportunities in football and futsal. This year, 82 students participated in the programme, with 15 students actively deployed in university and community coaching or officiating roles. The project also prioritised accessibility by engaging students from historically underrepresented groups, helping them begin their journeys in sport leadership.

Emily Goodge, Sport Development Intern, who attended the awards, shared:
“It was great to represent the university at the awards and showcase our project. Having seen the project in action, it benefited a number of students, giving them additional positive experiences useful for future employability alongside undertaking their degree.”

The University of Brighton outshone strong competition from Loughborough University, Queen Mary University of London, and the University of East Anglia to take the award.

Brighton also proudly received 3-star BUCS Accreditation for its football and futsal programme for the 2024/25 academic year – placing it in the highest category for sport delivery in the sector.

A special thank you goes to the team that made this all possible – Emily, Anika, Abi, Sekem, and Lucy – for their incredible work bringing this project to life and making a lasting impact on our student community.

Pictured: Emily Goodge and Anika Veit, Sport Development Interns, with BUCS representatives.