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Lifeguards play crucial and demanding roles on the beach or at the poolside which can be very rewarding personally and also professionally. If you are looking to work in a pool, waterpark or at a beach, effective and adequate lifeguard training is very important.
In this article, we delve into the different aspects of lifeguard training including what the training entails and where the most ideal locations to start one’s career as a lifeguard is.
Like any other training courses, there are certain prerequisites that an individual must meet before registering for a lifeguard training program. Among them are the following:
Minimum Age Requirement - One of the most popular lifeguard training programs will need participants to be at least 15 years old while some programs pertaining to open water or beach lifeguard usually ask candidates to be older.
Physical Fitness and Swimming Skills - Participants also need to accomplish a swimming qualifying exam which usually entails:
Freestyle or breastroke over 300 yards Treading without hands for two minutes.
Bringing a 10-pound brick to the surface from a depth of 7–10 feet while swimming back to the starting point in a set timeframe.
CPR and First Aid – Certain programs require candidates to have prior CPR and basic First Aid knowledge. Most, however, incorporate these certifications into the training.
Good Health Condition – Like all health professionals, a lifeguard must be of sound physical and mental health to provide assistance a person in distress.
Both personally and professionally, lifeguard training has many benefits. Below are some of the major benefits.
Life-Saving Skills – During training, you'll learn life-saving rescue methods, CPR, and other first aid techniques that may be crucial in saving someone's life.
Physical Fitness – Lifeguarding calls for a high level of swimming ability, along with basic two-way conversational ability, which keeps you fit.
Career Opportunities: Certified lifeguards have a wide range of employment opportunities, including but not limited to working at public or private pools, beaches, waterparks and clubs.
Leadership and Responsibility – Apart from being a role model, a lifeguard must be able to act quickly and decisively.
Flexible Work Schedule – Most jobs as a lifeguard come with flexible working days, making it suitable for students and part-time workers.
Getting Paid Well and Benefits One of the more popular perks of being a lifeguard are the salaries, bonuses, and even free access to pools and beaches.
A New Path to Other Jobs – Having a lifeguard certification can help land jobs related to emergency response, the medical field, and even law enforcement.
Now that you have completed lifeguard training, the next step that you need to take is becoming certified. This is how the process works:
Finish a Certified Lifeguard Training Course – Sign up for a training program with an accredited institution like the American Lifeguard Association.
Pass All Required Assessments – Make sure to finish all necessary training activities which includes swimming, written tests, and rescue drills.
Get CPR and First Aid Certification – Most of these training courses combine CPR and first aid training, which are necessary for lifeguard certification.
Get Your Lifeguard Certification Card – Once all the requirements have been fulfilled, you will get an official lifeguard certification after two years.
Retain and Refresh Certification – In order to continue working, a lifeguard must renew their certification through courses and exercises.
With the right certification, a lifeguard can work in a number of places. Here’s a list of the best places to get started:
Public and Private Pools - Seasonal and year-round lifeguard positions are frequently available at community pools, recreational centers, and private clubs.
Beaches - Lifeguards with open-water rescue training are needed at ocean and lakefront beaches.
Waterparks - Pools and water rides in theme parks and water resorts require trained lifeguards for visitor safety.
Hotels and Resorts - Guests at luxury hotels and resorts are monitored by lifeguards while swimming in pools and at private beach, which makes it a great work place for guards.
Camps and Summer Programs - Outdoor water activities at youth camps and summer programs often need lifeguards to supervise.
Universities and Schools - Schools and universities with swimming pools hire lifeguards, making them an important figure for student safety.
Cruise Ships - Lifeguards can also work on cruise ships, supervising passengers while traveling at sea making sure they stay safe.
Those who love water safety and responding to emergencies view lifeguarding as more than just a summer job; it can also be a full-time profession in the future. Here’s how to transform lifeguarding into a dream job:
Improve Your Skills – Enroll yourself in higher level courses for water rescue, emergency response and even leadership.
Become a Lifeguard Instructor – Start teaching new lifeguards and certifying them as an instructor.
Obtain Higher Level Certifications – Specialized certifications like Waterfront Lifeguarding, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and Swiftwater Rescue can be obtained as well.
Go for Administrative Positions – Supernumerary positions such as Head Lifeguard or Aquatic Manager should be aimed for.
Explore Other Options – Paramedicine, law enforcement, firefighting, along with other emergency services are available when one has lifeguard experience.
Lifeguard training enables candidates to step toward a fulfilling career in water safety. After meeting all training prerequisites and certifications while also looking for attendant job positions, you stand a chance to become a lifeguard. Regardless of whether you work at a pool, beach, or resort, lifeguarding comes with skill development, good remuneration, and advancement prospects.
If you wish to embark on this journey, enroll in a lifeguard training program today and take the first step toward making a difference in people’s lives.