Embark on a Lifesaving Journey With Us | Lifeguard Classes Explained
Have you ever wanted to help save lives? A career as a lifeguard allows you to do just that while enjoying a fun outdoor job. However, before becoming a professional lifeguard, proper certification and training is required.
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) offers the most comprehensive lifeguard courses to prepare you for any aquatic environment. In this article, we will explain everything involved in the lifeguard certification process and how you can get started.
Take a Lifeguard Certification Class
Once you’ve verified you meet the prerequisites, it’s time to enroll in a lifeguard Classes. ALA courses take approximately 30-40 hours to complete over multiple days or weekends. Class time is spent focusing on water rescues, first aid procedures, spinal injuries, drown-proofing, and more. Skills are constantly practised in-class. Students are also tested to ensure they can perform rescue skills correctly and respond appropriately in emergency scenarios.
Lifeguard Certification Requirements
Most facilities that employ lifeguards require certification through a nationally recognized organization like the ALA. There are a few key requirements to obtain lifeguard certification:
Be at least 15 years old (some facilities require 16 or older)
Hold current CPR for the Professional Rescuer and AED certification
Pass a swimming skills pre-test, including 200 yards of continuous swimming using front crawl, breaststroke, and either elementary backstroke or sidestroke. You must also pass a timed event where you swim 20 yards, retrieve a 10 pound brick from the deep end, and swim back with it within 1 minute and 40 seconds.
Find Lifeguard Certification Classes Near You
The best way to find an ALA certification class offered near your location is to use our online class locator. Simply enter your ZIP code or city, and you’ll see all upcoming courses in your area listed with dates and registration details. Some common ways people search for classes include:
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You can also check with your local community centers, Many pool managers prefer to hire guards who are certified at their specific facility to ensure familiarity with equipment and safety protocols.
Complete Your Certification
To complete the certification process, you must pass both written and skills exams administered at the end of the training course. The written exam covers the lessons, scenarios, and procedures you learned throughout the class. Skills are tested both in-water and with first aid/CPR skills on land.
If you pass the exams, you will receive an ALA certification card showing your credentials as a professional lifeguard. These certifications are valid for 2 years, after which recertification is required to maintain your credential. Recertification classes focus on any updates to standards or techniques as well as reviewing skills.
Start Your Lifesaving Career
With your lifeguard certification in hand, you are now eligible to apply for open lifeguard positions at pools, waterparks, lakes, beaches and more. Many facilities want newly certified guards to gain experience before assuming lead responsibilities. You can expect to start in a part-time role with the opportunity for increased hours and responsibilities as you gain experience over time.
Embarking on your lifeguard training journey is an incredibly rewarding way to start a public service career with possibilities to advance into positions like head guard, manager or trainer. Through hands-on rescue experience and preventative surveillance skills, each day you’ll directly impact public safety at aquatic facilities. There’s no better feeling than knowing your lifesaving skills helped someone in need. Interested in getting certified? Contact the ALA today to start your registration for an upcoming class. If you want more information related to this or any other topic then visit vortexpedia.com.
