what does a lifeguard course involve

by Dr. Sammie Beier I 4 min read

Training for lifeguards focuses on water rescue techniques. Most employers also require lifeguards to learn CPR and first aid, which are a part of lifeguard training courses that are approved by the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA).

What do you do on a lifeguard course?

Lifeguard Course PrerequisitesJump/dive into deep water.Swim 50 metres in less than 60 seconds.Swim 100 metres continuously on front and back in deep water.Tread water for 30 seconds.Surface dive to the floor of the pool.Climb out unaided without ladder/steps and where the pool design permits.Sep 10, 2018

What do you need for a lifeguard course?

Course Requirements Swim 50m in less than 1 minute. Swim 100m continuously on your front then 100m on your back. Tread water in deep water for more than 30 seconds. Surface dive to the deepest part of the pool.

Is being 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 age can you do lifeguard training?

Lifeguard Course Pre-Requisites Every candidate attending a NPLQ course must be 16-years-old 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.

Can you be a lifeguard at 15?

What is needed to start the lifeguard training course: You need to be 16+. Must be able to jump, much preferably, dive into deep water. There are many different entrances to the pool that you may be asked to do, being comfortable getting into the water in an active way is key.Jul 3, 2017

Is lifeguarding a good first job?

Lifeguarding and working for American Pool is a fun summer job for your teen, but it is also a highly important job that comes with lifelong benefits. Becoming a lifeguard helps teach responsibility, offers great pay, flexible schedules, and creates lost-lasting friendships.

Can lifeguards wear contacts?

Wearing your contact lenses to swim or in a lifeguard class is dangerous. The Red Cross warns: “Swimmers with contact lenses should remove them before opening eyes underwater.” Pool chemicals can damage some kinds and others will absorb bacteria, leading to infection.

How do lifeguards get in shape?

Aas an exercise, jogging and sprinting can be excellent lifeguard physical training. Try to add a 30-minute run at 75 percent to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate to your routine at least a few times a week. You can also try 15- to 30-second sprints. Running on land will help improve your endurance in the water.Nov 30, 2018

Achieving your Lifeguard Certification and How do I become a Lifeguard?

As the name says, you’ll be responsible for keeping people safe in the water. You'll need to be able to immediately respond to aquatic emergencies.

What will Lifeguard training include?

Lifeguard certification class near you will cover a wide range of topics and skills you’ll need to become an accomplished lifeguard. If you’re a very hands-on kind of person, you can opt for group training in a classroom setting. Or you can go for a mix of classroom lessons and online work if you’re not able to attend a class every time.

What tests will I need to take?

Once you’ve completed your course you’ll need to take your exam. Exams often make a lot of people nervous but don’t worry. As long as you attended all of your lifeguard classes, you’ll have all the information and training needed to pass the exam with flying colors.

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, ...

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.

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.

What do you do when you are in an emergency?

If there is an emergency, you will alert other members of your team who will come to help. If it is a true medical emergency, you will perform first aid, rescue breathing, CPR, or anything else to help the distressed person while waiting for emergency services to arrive.

How long does it take to run a mile?

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. Understand open water conditions, such as rip tides and dangerous wildlife.

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.

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 does a lifeguard do?

In general, a lifeguard monitors a recreation facility or a beach to make sure swimmers are following safety rules and no one is having trouble. He or she generally sits on a tall chair with a good view of the water and the swimming area.

How do I become a lifeguard?

In the simplest of terms, the route to becoming a lifeguard can be summarized as follows: Be ready – with the ability to swim. Get trained – through the American Red Cross or another recognized organization. Start working – and maintain required certification.

Why is it important to be a lifeguard?

It is, however, an extremely important job because it involves keeping people safe. Lifeguards are expert swimmers who work at almost any location where people swim. They know how to save a person who is drowning or who has sustained an injury while swimming, and they can give artificial respiration if required.

How long does it take to learn to swim?

The longer time-frame includes approximately twenty to thirty hours of lessons over the course of three or four months to learn how to swim.

What does it mean to be a social person?

They tend to be social individuals, which means they’re kind, generous, cooperative, patient, caring, helpful, empathetic, tactful, and friendly. They excel at socializing, helping others, and teaching. Some of them are also realistic, meaning they’re independent, stable, persistent, genuine, practical, and thrifty.

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