In order to become a lifeguard, you must have ALA lifeguard certification. It is important that you keep this certification current. This certification is also valid for work as a swim instructor, water safety instructor, and swim school instructor.

Before going any further in talking about the benefits of lifeguard training, let’s talk about the lifeguard in general.

What is a Lifeguard?

The lifeguard is responsible for the safety and well-being of swimmers and surfers at the pool or beach. This means they are responsible for keeping swimmers safe from drowning, providing assistance if needed, and reporting any issues with the swimming area to the proper authorities.

How do I Become a Lifeguard?

You can apply for the position at your local pool, or online through a lifeguard recruitment agency. Some pools have a specific application process, while others will take applications from all qualified applicants. Most pools require applicants to be 18 years old and have completed high school.

What Does a Lifeguard do?

A lifeguard is responsible for ensuring the safety of people using the pool or beach. They must stay in their assigned area and watch for people who may be in danger. If someone needs help, they are required to get that person out of the water.

Lifeguards may also assist swimmers who need help with their strokes.

Lifeguard Job Description

The lifeguard job description includes many responsibilities. The first responsibility is to ensure the safety of the swimmer. This involves watching the swimmer’s progress, ensuring the swimmer does not get into trouble, and warning the swimmer if there are any potential dangers. The lifeguard is responsible for getting anyone in trouble out of the water, such as people who cannot swim or are having a problem with their strokes.

When you are looking for lifeguard classes, be advised to get it from a reputed organisation that is offering lifeguard certification that is acceptable for getting a job.

The certification is given after passing through a series of exams. The exam includes topics like CPR, water safety, first aid, swimming techniques, aquatic skills, and more. Lifeguards must also undergo training in how to handle emergencies and emergency procedures.

CPR For Lifeguard Certification:

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. CPR is a lifesaving technique used to treat people who have suffered a heart attack or other life-threatening cardiac problems. This technique is a must-learn and an important part of the lifeguard course. In this technique, a person performing CPR must be able to compress the chest at least 2 inches (about 5 centimetres) and maintain this pressure until help arrives.

The person performing CPR also must be able to release the chest compression, open the airway, and provide rescue breaths. The American Heart Association recommends that everyone learn basic CPR so they can perform it if needed.

First Aid

Another must-have qualification to be a lifeguard is to be able to provide first aid to a victim of drowning. A lifeguard course should also include instruction on how to recognize and respond to emergencies that can occur while on duty, including fires, heart attacks and other medical emergencies.

To get a lifeguard certification you must be a strong swimmer as swimming is the basic requirement for being a lifeguard. You must be able to dive from a boat into the water. If you are interested in becoming a lifeguard, you can go through a training course or take a lifeguard class. You can also work at a local pool and then apply to a course.

Written Exam

You must also be able to pass a written test with an 85% or higher on the written exam. You can take the written test at the American Lifeguard Association. In addition to the written test, you will also need to pass a swimming test. You must be able to swim 100 yards with ease. You must also pass the rescue test where you are required to rescue a drowning victim in a pool.

Final Words:

The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) has the most current standards for lifeguard certification. ALA is a professional organization that has trained lifeguards all over the world.  ALA is also ranked as equal to the Red Cross lifeguard course by the US Labor Department.

For more information on lifeguard courses please contact us.