how old do you have to be to take the life guard course

by Margaret Frami 8 min read

15 years

How old do you have to be to be a lifeguard?

To undergo lifeguard training, you have to be 15 years old — according to the American Red Cross. To take the course, you also have to pass a swimming test. That being said, your pool or beach facility may have different requirements.

Where can I take a lifeguarding class?

Taking a Lifeguarding & Water Safety Class At the American Red Cross, lifeguarding and water safety courses are available year round – from trained professionals who can help you gain the skills and confidence necessary for providing care and instruction when it's needed most.

How do I become a Red Cross lifeguard?

Find Classes Lifeguarding Courses and Prerequisites The American Red Cross lifeguard training and certification are imperative to the process of getting hired on as an official Red Cross lifeguard. Our detailed training includes both testing of hands-on skills as well as comprehension on written tests.

How much does it cost to become a certified lifeguard?

How much does it cost to become a lifeguard? The cost of lifeguarding certification courses depends significantly upon the organization you sign up with. On average, the classes will cost between $100 and $300 but could be more or less depending upon the organization and location. How long does it take to become a lifeguard?

What is the youngest age to be a lifeguard?

The American Red Cross only 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.

How old should a lifeguard be?

Since 1980, the USLA has maintained the position that lifeguards serving natural environments, whether surf or non-surf beaches, should be at least 16 years of age.

Can you be a lifeguard at 14 in the UK?

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.

How do I become a lifeguard?

Steps to Become a Certified LifeguardEnroll in a lifeguard training program locally.Complete the pre-test to move on to your training.Complete the training course and earn your lifeguard certification.Earn your CPR, First Aid, and AED certification.

How much does a lifeguard make?

The salaries of Beach Lifeguards in the US range from $10,030 to $169,999 , with a median salary of $30,576 . The middle 57% of Beach Lifeguards makes between $30,577 and $76,881, with the top 86% making $169,999.

How many laps is a 300 yard swim?

6 laps300 yards = 12 lengths/6 laps. Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water.

What GCSEs do you need to be a lifeguard?

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship.

How much are lifeguards paid UK?

Pay. You'll earn a salary as an RNLI lifeguard which, depending on your role, can range from £9.90 to £11.86* per hour.

Is the lifeguard test Hard UK?

It really isn't hard. The people want you to pass and in most cases give hints to the answers (on the final test day). The thing I was most afraid about was the minute swim, then the 45 second one too. It honestly isn't very difficult.

Is lifeguarding easy?

Being a good lifeguard is physically challenging. You will want to be in good shape. Lifeguards follow the 10/20 rule. Once a lifeguard notices a potential problem, they must respond in 10 seconds and be able to reach the person in 20 seconds, so it is absolutely necessary to be in shape and to be a strong swimmer.

Is becoming a lifeguard hard?

Lifeguard training is underrated in how difficult it is. Of course, you will need to gain a lifeguarding qualification –the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ). The truth is, the test you need to pass to gain your NPLQ is intensive. It requires specialist training in order to be successful.

Can lifeguards wear goggles?

You will not be allowed to wear goggles for any skills training or final testing during the lifeguard course. The Red Cross warns: Goggles “are not made for underwater swimming. There is no way to equalize the pressure inside the goggles with the increasing pressure outside the body.

How old do you have to be to be a lifeguard?

Prerequisites for lifeguard training include: Students must be at least 15 years old by the last day of class. Students must pass a pre-course swimming skills test prior to taking lifeguarding courses.

Do you have to pass a swimming test to become a lifeguard?

Students must pass a pre-course swimming skills test prior to taking lifeguarding courses. The American Red Cross offers the following course options for Lifeguard training: Lifeguarding: Full Course –. This option is for those training for the first time or for those whose certifications have expired.

How old do you have to be to be a lifeguard?

American Red Cross lifeguarding and water safety students must be at least 15 years old by the last day of class, and pass a pre-course swimming skills test prior to taking our courses.

Is there a lifeguard course at the Red Cross?

At the American Red Cross, lifeguarding and water safety courses are available year round – from trained professionals who can help you gain the skills and confidence necessary for providing care and instruction when it's needed most .

How to become a lifeguard without a ladder?

- Attend all training classes and required hours. - Take Lifeguard Certification test at the end of the course which is both a physical and written test. Students must arrive knowing how to swim and be in a condition to be able to meet the physical requirements.

How long is a lifeguarding certification valid?

One certification is issued. The certification name is Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED and is valid for 2 years from the date of completion. For the Shallow Water Lifeguarding course, the certification name is Shallow Water Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED and is valid for 2 years.

What is blended learning in lifeguarding?

Blended learning is a term that refers to taking the video / book learning portion of the lifeguarding class and doing it at your own pace, at your own leisure PRIOR to the class. This cuts down on physical classroom time. However, all the skills are demonstrated, practiced and tested still in person.

When did the AED law become law in New Jersey?

On August 20th, 2014, New Jersey State officials signed into law, Bill A2072, requiring all New Jersey public high school students to be trained in CPR/AED as part of their graduation requirements. The provisions of this law are effective with the 2014-2015 grade nine class.

Do you have to take the Lifeguarding course?

Yes. Lifeguarding participants must successfully complete all lessons of the Lifeguarding course or Lifeguarding Review course. The CPR/AED portions of the Lifeguarding courses are fully incorporated within the Lifeguarding course.

Is CPR a part of lifeguarding certification?

The certification for the Lifeguarding course is one certification that includes professional rescuer CPR as a part of it. There is no separate certification for the CPR portion of the Lifeguarding course.

How old do you have to be to be a lifeguard?

To register for most lifeguard training programs, you must be at least 15 years old.

How long does it take to become a lifeguard?

Most lifeguard training programs take three to seven days — about 30 hours — to complete, and many now feature a blended online and classroom format, so you can do required readings and tests at your own pace online before you jump into the pool for the physical aspects of the course.

What certifications do you need to be a lifeguard?

The certifications required for lifeguards are: Lifeguard certification. First-aid certification. CPR certification.

What is the purpose of the United States Lifeguard Standards Coalition?

The United States Lifeguard Standards Coalition released a report in 2011 with the purpose of creating positive standards for lifeguard training. They concluded that having regular breaks and ingesting caffeine helped improved lifeguards’ vigilance. And that’s based on science! It looks awesome on a resume.

What is an AED certification?

An AED is a portable device used externally to deliver an electric shock to the heart of patients experiencing cardiac emergencies. The device can assess the victim’s heart rate and rhythm, determine whether defibrillation is necessary and deliver a shock if it is.

Why is it important to be a lifeguard?

Lifeguards get to meet new people. Working as a lifeguard is an excellent way to meet new people — your fellow lifeguards and other staff members as well as regulars to your swim area. Lifeguards are great role models.

What is lifeguard training?

Lifeguard training will equip you with all the skills you’ll need to ensure water safety and prevent injury and accidents. You’ll also learn response techniques so you’ll know exactly what to do in case of a water emergency. Throughout the training, you’ll be presented with a variety of scenarios — ranging from minor infractions to severe medical events, such as cardiac arrests or drownings — so you can learn what to do and practice your skills.

How old do you have to be to be a lifeguard?

Essentially, to become a lifeguard, you must be at least 15 years old and pass the swim test before signing up for a certification course. After you are a certified lifeguard, other requirements will depend greatly upon where you get a job and what their requirements are.

How long does it take to become a lifeguard?

Lifeguard training can take you up to 30 hours to complete, and you must attend all classes and demonstrate you can perform the skills taught efficiently and without supervision. Some training courses allow you a few attempts to complete the scenarios, and the instructor will offer feedback after each one.

What certifications do you need to be a lifeguard?

To become a lifeguard, you must have current CPR, First Aid, and AED certification . Most lifeguard certification programs include these in their training, but not all do. If these certifications are not included, you will be responsible for obtaining them on your own before getting a job as a lifeguard.

Why is lifeguarding a good summer job?

Lifeguarding is the perfect summer job because you can spend your summer working outdoors, making new friends, and earning money. Though sometimes the job may seem complicated, you are sitting in a chair observing the pool most of the time. This means you get paid to suntan and get plenty of fresh air.

How old do you have to be to be an EMT?

Depending on the location, you may also need to be 18 years of age, have a high school degree or GED, and have basic EMT training.

What is lifeguarding?

Lifeguarding is a fulfilling job, which offers you valuable life skills you will use later in life. Additionally, you will learn how to remain calm in medical emergencies, build your confidence, develop leadership skills, and work as a team with fellow lifeguards. Lifeguarding is a great summer experience for teenagers and young adults, ...

How long does it take to swim 550 yards?

Swim 550 yards in open waters in less than 10 minutes. Run one mile in less than 8 minutes and 30 seconds. Perfect open water swimmer surveillance techniques. Learn how to use equipment, such as paddle boards, masks, fins, snorkels, kayaks, and all-terrain vehicles.

How old do you have to be to get a lifeguard certification?

Is slowly becoming the overall USA standard certification when it comes to lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR and AED. Prerequisites: Must be at least 15 years old and pass certain swimming requirements. Courses Include: 2 year First Aid and CPR/AED certifications.

What is the YMCA of the USA Lifeguard course?

The YMCA offers a full YMCA of the USA Lifeguard training course that includes American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer (CPRO) and First Aid, equipment-based rescues for aquatic environments, accident prevention, and decision making skills.

What are the requirements for a swim instructor?

If your particular job location requires this type of certification#N#Prerequisites: 1 Age – A minimum of 16 years of age. 2 Swimming Ability – Demonstrates an ability to swim 500 meters (550 yards) over a measured course in ten minutes or less. 3 Health & Fitness – Possesses adequate vision, hearing acuity, physical ability and stamina to perform the duties of an open water lifeguard as documented by a medical or osteopathic physician. 4 First Aid Certification – Certified as having successfully completed a first aid course accepted by the Federal Government or by the state government in the state of employment. 5 CPR Certification – Currently certified as having successfully completed a course in providing one person adult, two person adult, child and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including ob-structed airway training, accepted by the Federal Government or by the state government in the state of employment.

How old do you have to be to swim in the water?

Attendance, full participation, and successful completion of written tests and performance of all water skills are required. Prerequisites: Must be 16 years old by the end of the class. Tread water for at least 2 minutes. Swim 100 yards of front crawl.

What is CPR certification?

CPR Certification – Currently certified as having successfully completed a course in providing one person adult, two person adult, child and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including ob-structed airway training, accepted by the Federal Government or by the state government in the state of employment.

How old do you have to be to be a lifeguard at YMCA?

Participants must be 16 years old by the end of the class.

What exam do you need to be a lifeguard in New York?

New York State requires all lifeguard supervisors to take the lifeguard management in person exam. Nassau County has another option for lifeguards who want to be an aquatic supervisor, they are able to take the Pool Activity Leader class.

How old do you have to be to swim in the scuba diving class?

Prerequisites: Must be 16 years old by the end of the class. Tread water for at least 2 minutes. Swim 100 yards of front crawl. Swim 50 yards each of: front crawl with head up, sidestroke, breaststroke, breaststroke with head up, inverted breaststroke kick with hands on stomach.

What is CPR certification?

CPR Certification – Currently certified as having successfully completed a course in providing one person adult, two person adult, child and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including ob-structed airway training, accepted by the Federal Government or by the state government in the state of employment. Course Includes:

image