In the summer, lifeguarding can help you develop skills to work with people, manage equipment and interact with co-workers and supervisors. The job has the potential to save a lot of lives. A reputed lifeguard training centre can get a certification as a lifeguard.
When a lifeguard has been on job for the first time after training then after one year of serving he has to get a lifeguard recertification in order to continue his job. The first lifeguard certification is for one year, therefore, you have to update it during the grace period of 30 days.
Lifeguarding is a very demanding job that requires you to meet strict physical and mental requirements, and you need to study swim, lifesaving, and lifeguard courses before you can apply for a job.
Minimum Age And Background Check
The standard age for lifeguard training is 15 years in the USA. The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) certifies people who are 15 years old or older to be lifeguards, so you’ll need to provide proof of your age when applying for a lifeguard position. Certification classes take place at different pools in towns across America each year so that employers can get a certification or lifeguard recertification for their lifeguards. You can contact ALA at their website to find a lifeguard recertification class near you.
Some swimming pool or waterfront management companies may require a criminal background check for employees who will have direct contact with children, the elderly, and the disabled. A lifeguard who is convicted of a crime should not be allowed to work as a lifeguard.
Physical Strength And Strong Swimming
When lifeguarding, you need to be able to get into and out of the pool quickly so that you can rescue a drowning victim. You can’t have a serious health condition, like a breathing problem or a heart condition, that might prevent you from saving a swimmer. You must also be able to swim for a certain distance at a certain time.
The best lifeguards are those who have the courage and stamina to protect their community from water-related hazards. These professionals must train and develop their strength and endurance, which makes their jobs even more challenging and intense than traditional pool lifeguards.
Most lifeguards are required to be able to swim for a minimum of 300 meters, but many lifeguards work with clients who need to swim for longer distances. You must be able to prove that you are strong enough to dive into the deep end of the pool and retrieve a weight that is usually 10 pounds. Certain swimming strokes are needed, including the breaststroke and the front crawl, or free-style, stroke.
Certification Is Important
To work as a lifeguard, you need to be trained in CPR and first aid for children and adults through the American Lifeguard Association, or another approved agency. There are a few lifeguard training courses that can get you a job at some pool or a beach. The lifeguard certifications are of different types and include the lifeguard recertification courses as well.
To find out where their courses are offered, visit the American Lifeguard Association website. You can also search for local classes online. You can also contact your local fire and police departments to find out whether they offer courses or can direct you to one that’s nearby.
Stay Close To The Water
Lifeguards should always stay close to the pool water during their shift, so they can alert their supervisors if water starts to become contaminated. Regular testing and recording of the levels of salinity and/or chlorine in the water are required.
You must be willing to help kids who are swimming without swim diapers and not being supervised by their parents or guardians, because they may need your help to swim safely in the pool.
Some management companies require the lifeguards to walk around the pool or beach after it closes to lower the umbrellas and pick up trash. That means that you’ll have to be willing to perform those duties as well.
Conclusion:
The job of a lifeguard is an important one because the lives of the people depend on it. For this reason, the lifeguard should have a certification and to continue working one should have lifeguard recertification. The American Lifeguard Association is offering different types of lifeguard certification throughout the year.
If you are looking for a lifeguard training or lifeguard recertification course near you, please contact us.
