how to prepare for a lifrguard course

What do you learn in a Lifeguard course?

Here's what you'll need to do to qualify for a lifeguarding course (you must be 15 years old to enroll): Swim 300 yards continuously to demonstrate your breath control. To complete this training you can either choose to front... Tread water without using your arms for 2 …

How do I become a Red Cross lifeguard?

Qualifications: Students must pass a pre-course swimming skills test prior to taking lifeguarding courses. This includes a 300-yard swim using front crawl or breaststroke, a 2-minute tread using legs only and the ability to retrieve a 10-lb dive weight from 7 ft deep, surface and swim 20 yds with the weight, using legs only and exit the pool without using a ladder within 100 seconds.

How do lifeguards train for rescues?

 · Requirements for passing the lifeguarding training course include: Swim 300 yards continuously Treading water without your hands for two minutes Complete a timed mock rescue involving retrieving a 10-pound brick from the bottom of the pool and exiting the water with it Complete CPR, first aid, and AED certifications How to Become a Beach Lifeguard

What other programs does classlifeguardinglifeguard offer?

Successfully complete the online Orientation to the Lifeguarding course; Pass the online Lifeguarding Instructor Precourse Exam with a score of at least 80%; Complete the precourse session successfully; Obtain the Lifeguarding Instructor Manual and Lifeguarding Manual once you have completed the Pre-course Session; Instructor certification requirements

How do I prepare for a lifeguard pre test?

2:593:57Lifeguard Pretest | American Pool - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDuring the BRIC test the light farting pretest requires you to surface dive feeder headfirst to aMoreDuring the BRIC test the light farting pretest requires you to surface dive feeder headfirst to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve the 10 pound break.

Is becoming a lifeguard hard?

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.

What should I wear to lifeguard training?

A swimsuit (women: modest one piece is recommended, men: trunks or jammers), a towel, goggles are recommended, pen or pencil, notebook for notes, water bottle, and a lunch/snacks. All participants will receive a loan book and pocket mask the first day of the course.

How do you pass a lifeguard pretest?

How to pass the pretest:You must be 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of your course.Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. ... Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. ... Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds.

Is lifeguarding a good career?

If you're looking for a job with an opportunity to learn, take ownership in your work, and assume more responsibility as you go, lifeguarding is an excellent fit. Remember: lifeguards protect the safety and well-being of anyone who comes to the pool. Few summer jobs can top that in responsibility.

How long is a lifeguard course?

36 hoursThe National Pool Lifeguard Qualification course is a minimum of 36 hours, followed by a practical assessment on swimming pool theory, water safety and how to spot potential hazards. The course will teach you the practical skills of lifeguarding, such as water rescue, casualty recovery, CPR and first aid.

What questions are asked in a lifeguard interview?

Lifeguard experience and background questionsWhat is the highest level of education you completed?Do you speak any other languages?Have you worked as a lifeguard before?Are you CPR/AED certified?Are you a strong swimmer?Have you ever performed a water rescue?More items...•

Can you wear shoes while lifeguarding?

Footwear. The right lifeguard footwear can make a big difference for both your comfort and your effectiveness. While tennis shoes are cozy and protective, they offer no waterproofing and may slow you down during a rescue. You'll most often want to wear a pair of flip-flops, which are easy to kick off whenever needed.

Do lifeguards wear swimsuits?

In general, lifeguards wear modern, yet conservative swimwear. Female lifeguards may wear a two piece swimsuit, but the pieces aren't revealing at the chest or rear. Male lifeguards typically wear swim trunks that are the length of shorts rather than briefs.

Is a 300 yard swim hard?

Swimming 300 yards is a daunting task for many, and it will be less taxing and more physically beneficial if you choose the proper stoke. No particular stroke will be the easiest for everyone, but in general, freestyle will be the easiest way to accomplish a 300-yard swim.

Can you wear goggles during lifeguard training?

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 do you swim with a 10 pound brick?

Here's what you have to do:Swim 20 yards (without goggles) and locate the brick submerged 7-10 feet deep in the pool.Surface dive (from the water) either feet or head first and retrieve the brick.Swim with the brick back to your starting location holding it throughout the swim.More items...

How long does it take to become a lifeguard?

The total time commitment for the Lifeguarding course is 25 hours / 20 minutes.

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

There are two important elements prior to becoming a lifeguard. The American Red Cross requires that you must be at least 15 years old and pass course specific swimming requirements prior to starting training.

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.

What is lifeguard training?

Lifeguard training teaches you how to recognize water emergencies and how to properly remove victims from the water.

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.

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.

Do you have to pass the lifeguard test?

You must also pass the written test before being issued your lifeguard certification. Some courses take the test in sections, while others give the entire test on the last day of the course.

Is it easy to be a lifeguard?

Though not an easy job, there are several benefits to being a lifeguard:

What organizations offer lifeguard certification?

Organizations such as the American Red Cross, local YMCAs, Ellis and Associates, and International Surf Lifesaving Association offer different lifeguarding certification programs.

What is the job of a lifeguard?

As a lifeguard, your primary role is monitoring and supervising the people in and near the water. Your duties will vary depending on your location, but generally, most places require you to perform similar tasks.

What to bring to lifeguard training?

What to bring to the lifeguard training course: Change of clothes. Towel, two if you can afford the space. Swimming trunks (preferably skin-tight ones and worn under clothing at the start of the day) Spare clothes to jump in with again the tighter the better as there will be less drag.

How many days of training is required for a lifeguard?

lifeguard training Course details: Intensive: 5 days of one week 9-5 with the test on the final day. Weekly: 9-5 once a week, usually Sunday, with a test on the last day. Picking a course type is personal and dependent on how you learn and your schedule. It is advisable, however, to do the intensive.

Can you choose a course for NPLQ?

You will need to look at which official courses are on offer in your local area, to see what your options are. No matter which course you choose, however, you will be given a NPLQ folder which contains huge amounts of useful information and will be the basis of your teaching/revision. Reading this makes for a great starting point.

How long is a 5 day course?

Often, the choice comes down to doing an intensive 5-day course or a weekly course lasting 5 weeks. All courses should assess and either pass or fail you immediately on the final day. However, some official courses may differ entirely.

What are the downsides of being a lifeguard?

Downsides to becoming a lifeguard is that the training required to become one takes time and money.

Is it better to be a lifeguard or waiter?

Lifeguard jobs are generally better paid than working as a waiter in the same institution.

What are the three sections of a lifeguard test?

It requires specialist training in order to be successful. You’ll find it’s devised into three sections: First Aid training, a pool test, and a verbal test. All three assess different skills and test the potential lifeguard in their physical and mental capabilities.

How to get a brick faster?

Dive down headfirst. It will get you there faster. Once you pick up the brick, push hard with your feet to propel yourself upward. Then, flutter kick until you reach the surface. Next, rest the brick on the upper part of your chest right under your chin and get into the back float position.

How long do you have to tread water to swim?

You are also required to tread water for two minutes without the use of your hands. Don’t worry; this isn’t as terrifying as it sounds. Just practice! Once you’ve’ve demonstrated you can swim, you will be required to complete the lifeguard brick test. This can be tricky.

How to swim with a brick?

Here’s what you have to do:#N#You have 1 minute and 40 seconds to complete the following: 1 Swim 20 yards (without goggles) and locate the brick submerged 7-10 feet deep in the pool. 2 Surface dive (from the water) either feet or head first and retrieve the brick. 3 Swim with the brick back to your starting location holding it throughout the swim. The brick cannot be submerged, and two hands must be holding the brick throughout the swim. 4 Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Can you register as a lifeguard online?

Many lifeguard companies offer online registration, but you can also reserve a spot over the phone. This part is easy and not stressful at all! Just provide your information, make sure you understand the costs and you will be ready to begin training. Some companies offer discounted training to employees.

What is lifeguard training?

Typical lifeguard fitness training includes a warm-up followed by skills training, where lifeguards focus on stroke length, breathing techniques and specific rescue methods. Advertisement. They might spend some time swimming at race-pace, but they often spend a larger percentage of time swimming at a steady, endurance-level pace.

How does a lifeguard work?

A lifeguard workout should regularly include swimming and strength training exercises.

What is the upper body of a lifeguard?

Upper body strength is of utmost importance to lifeguards, who have to be able to carry dead weight in the form of unconscious victims. A strong upper body needs to be balanced by a strong core and lower body.

What is a lifeguard job?

Some lifeguard jobs call for the ability to quickly row a boat to and from an emergency site, which means rowing can also be a functional exercise for lifeguard fitness training.

What is the best exercise for lifeguards?

Running, like swimming, is another functional exercise for lifeguards, especially those who patrol open water and have to cover land distance before reaching the water. Advertisement. Daily training sessions are mandatory for lifeguards at Hampton Beach in New Hampshire. These sessions incorporate swimming sprints and running sprints in ...

Why is swimming important for lifeguards?

Due to the nature of their jobs, swimming ranks as the most important exercise for lifeguards. Rescue swimming must be fast and accurate so that lifeguards can reach victims quickly.

Do lifeguards need to row?

Even for lifeguards who don't need to row to perform their jobs, the training exercise develops cardiovascular endurance while building upper body strength, which are key physical attributes for lifeguards.