what does the standard lifeguarding course looks like

by Cindy O'Keefe 8 min read

This training should, at a minimum, include the following components:

  • Use of specialized rescue and safety equipment.
  • Standard operating procedures.
  • Emergency Action Plans.
  • Emergency Response/Operations Plans.
  • Rules and regulations for patrons.
  • Facility orientation
  • Emergency communication procedures.
  • Lifeguarding procedures and techniques.

Full Answer

How do you pass a lifeguard test?

3:586:34HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE LIFEGUARD SWIM TEST! (*PASS ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore you do the surface dive just because it's a lot harder if you surface dive you're openingMoreBefore you do the surface dive just because it's a lot harder if you surface dive you're opening your eyes and your water. And you can't see it then you got to hold your breath. And look for it.

What is standard of care in lifeguarding?

The manner in which a lifeguard is expected to act or behave is referred to as the “standard of care”. The term “standard of care” can be defined as how a reasonably prudent person with similar training and experience would act under similar circumstances, with similar equipment, and in the same place.

What do you 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.

What is the highest level of lifeguarding?

Level 5Level 5 is the highest level that can be attained in the hierarchy of lifeguard training....Reaching a Higher LevelTeam building.Policy and procedure review; professionalism; and guest service training.Preventive lifeguarding.Emergency response skills.Leadership and mentoring.

How often do lifeguards get breaks?

“You should take a break at least once an hour,” state the American Red Cross' lifeguard manuals. The USLA encourages facilities to provide guards on continuous surveillance duty with a 15-minute break every hour. Likewise, the YMCA recommends sufficient guard surveillance breaks.

Can lifeguards have dyed hair?

No you can not.

Is the lifeguard test multiple choice?

The Red Cross certification tests are multiple-choice. 80% is passing.

Can lifeguards wear flip flops?

Flip-flop sandals are a prudent choice among lifeguards for practicality and ease of removal. Water socks offer additional slip-resistance and provide added toe protection from debris and litter, a bonus if your lifeguard job is outdoors. Avoid tennis shoes, which may be functional but offer no waterproofing.

Why do lifeguards wear red?

It is becoming a more popular color because it allows lifeguards to have a professional and integrated look. Black shorts and black suits can support nearly any combination of branded colors, and will allow the lifeguard to look like an authority, appear rescue ready, and support and promote their brand.

Are lifeguard courses 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.

What can I expect from a lifeguarding 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.

How long does it take to become a lifeguard?

The 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 does CARE stand for Ellis and Associates?

"Standard of care" means that individual lifeguards set the standard of care they plan on providing a guest. False, Standard of care means a degree of care that a responsible person is expected to provide in preventing or managing the injury or illness of others.

What does Rice stand for in lifeguarding?

Rest, Immobilize, Cold, Elevate@RedCross. For sprains remember RICE: Rest, Immobilize, Cold, Elevate.

How long should a lifeguard be on the stand?

This five-minute rule serves two purposes. It keeps our guards alert and attentive by requiring them to stand up and change their body position every five minutes while also requiring them to scan their zone in accordance with their 10/20 standard.

Does Hipaa apply to lifeguards?

Lifeguards are generally protected from liability as long as they are reasonably careful, act in good faith (not for reward), and do not provide care beyond their skill level. A responsive adult must agree to receive care....sge_legal_principles.pdfFile Size:222 kbFile Type:pdf

What is the Red Cross's lifeguarding course?

At the American Red Cross, our water safety and lifeguarding courses are designed and taught by industry-lea ding professionals who can help you not only help others stay safe in, on, and around the water, but can help you learn the latest safety and rescue techniques, and deliver critical care, like CPR, first aid, and AED administration, when it's needed most . And although every class varies, each will cover a variety of important skills that can not only help you stay safe and help others enjoy the water safely, but can help you begin, or advance, your career.

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 .

What is the American Red Cross Lifeguard test?

The American Red Cross lifeguard test offers a detailed examination of your knowledge and comprehension of both our written lifeguarding requirements and protocol as well as valuable hands-on skills and experience.

What is the Red Cross Lifeguard Manual?

The American Red Cross Lifeguard Manual contains skills sheets and references to help you understand the importance of water safety and arm you with all of the knowledge necessary to help save lives and avoid injury.

How long is the Red Cross training course?

Course length: 18 hours in-person/7 hours and 30 minutes online Total - 25 hours, 30 minutes. Why Train with us? For over 100 years, the American Red Cross preparation courses and training have been regarded as the best available in the nation.

What is the standard of care for lifeguards?

The Standard of Care in Lifeguarding law requires lifeguards to act or behave toward other individuals in a certain, definable way, and, under given circumstances, the lifeguard has a duty to act or refrain from acting. Generally speaking, the lifeguard must be concerned about the safety and welfare of other individuals when his or her behavior ...

What is required to be a lifeguard?

Competent personnel should be hired as lifeguards and supervisors to safeguard patrons engaged in recreational, fitness, competitive, and instructional swimming activities. The minimum training expected for lifeguard personnel is the successful completion of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course or the equivalent (Note: This is also dependent upon the type of facility such as open water, swimming pool, etc.). Certification implies that at the time of course completion, the individual met all educational objectives – both intellectual and practical.

What happens when a lifeguard is negligent?

When such a violation causes further injury or death to the victim, a court may find the lifeguard, as well as his/her employer, negligent. Legal negligence results in a civil liability when the actions or behavior of the lifeguard do not conform to the standard of care and injury or death results. Many individuals and organizations believe ...

How long does it take to intervene in a lifeguard?

If required, the lifeguard must be positioned in order to intervene within 20 seconds. The lifeguard must be able to survey his/her zone of responsibility within 10 seconds and, if required, must be able to intervene within 10 seconds.

What should supervisors be aware of?

Supervisors should be aware of the dangers of distractions, and every effort must be made to eliminate these distractions. Personnel should be positioned to reduce distracting factors.

What training should be given to lifeguards?

The American Red Cross and the United States Lifesaving Association advocate that additional pre-season training and continuous in-service training should be conducted for lifeguard personnel and that this training should be specific to the facility in which they will be working.

What are the consequences of not meeting the standard of care?

Potential legal problems occur when the standard of care is not met. Failure to recognize a victim’s distress, failure to perform an important or necessary procedure, or performing such a procedure in a careless or unskilled manner would violate the standard of care.

What is the National Lifeguard course?

The National Lifeguard course is the last course in the Lifeguard stream required at pools across Canada. This course will ensure that candidates leave with a solid understanding of lifeguard principles, communication techniques and develop solid judgement skills for emergency procedures. Candidates focus on team-work skills throughout the course and learn how to adapt to different aquatic facilities.

What is a National Lifeguard certification?

The National Lifeguard Waterpark certification is designed to take candidates with an NL Pool certification and prepare them for effective supervision in a Waterpark environment. The course will build on the knowledge that candidates have already obtained, and introduce them to waves, slide rescues, water currents, special water features and larger lifeguard teams. This course will also introduce the “pivot” guard system used at many larger facilities.

What is the Bronze Medallion/Cross course?

The Bronze Medallion/Cross Combo is designed for candidates that want to complete the first 2 courses of their Lifeguarding certifications in one compact course. This course will start with Bronze Medallion in the first half and then move to a Bronze Cross course in the second half. This course is designed for candidates that are 13 years and older with the ability to swim. Bronze Medallion challenges the candidate both mentally and physically. Judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness – the four components of water rescue – form the basis of Bronze Medallion training. Bronze Cross emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies. This course will include a 400 meter time swim.

How long does it take to swim 400 meters in the Bronze Cross?

Bronze Medallion is a prerequisite for Assistant Lifeguard training in Bronze Cross. This course has a timed swim of 400 meters in 12 minutes.

What is water safety instructor prep?

The Water Safety Instructor Prep is the first course in the Swimming Instructor certification. This course includes all of the theory behind being a swimming instructor as well as teaching methods, learning styles, physical principles, swimming progressions, communication, safety supervision and water safety. Candidates will be required to perform swimming strokes to a Swim Kids 10 standard by the last day of the course. For completion, candidates will complete a Skill Screen Component, an Online Component, and a Teaching Experience Component.

How many credits are there in the Bronze Cross?

The Bronze Cross portion of this course is worth TWO (2) Grade 11 High School Credits and is the required pre-requisite for the National Lifeguard program.

Where do you purchase course manuals?

Course Manual and Supplies will be required to be purchased from the instructor at some course locations.

How to verify lifeguard certification?

Governments, health departments, employers, insurance companies, and cardholders love that they can, from anywhere in the world, immediately and conveniently verify the status and authenticity of any Lifeguard-Pro certification card. Simply click VERIFY, enter in the unique number on the certification card, and instantly verify the certification card and expiration date. Our online international certification database eliminates the employers’ administrative burden of verifying Lifeguard certifications, and significantly reduces the employers’ liability from lapsed and fraudulent certification cards.

What is Lifeguard Pro?

About Us. Lifeguard-Pro is an internationally & nationally recognized Lifeguard, Water Safety Instructor, and CPR & First Aid certification agency. We serve all 50 U.S. states, U.S. Territories, over 1,500 American cities, and over 30 countries around the world -- so wherever you are, we're nearby! Previously, we have also been a Business Affiliate of the American Camp Association (ACA). Today, we offer services to individuals, businesses, governments, military, and organizations across the United States, and in over 30 countries around the world. Our Lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors protect the lives of millions of swimmers -- every day!

How does Lifeguard Pro help the public?

Lifeguard-Pro has been a significant contributor in reducing the number of deaths by drowning worldwide by making aquatics safety training more available . Our Lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors protect the lives of millions of swimmers around the globe -- every day!

Does Lifeguard Pro stop?

But, Lifeguard-Pro doesn't stop there. In addition to increasing the availability of vital safety training, and protecting millions of lives around the globe, Lifeguard-Pro continuously strives to improve national public safety.

Is Lifeguard Pro online?

To make aquatics safety training more available to the public, Lifeguard-Pro has innovatively combined the convenience of an online Home-Study Course, with the availability of In -Person Training Sessions across the country and around the world. We service all 50 U.S. states, over 1,500 American cities, and over 30 countries. Our In-Person Training Sessions are available to the public 12 months a year.

What is it like being a lifeguard?

Lifeguards benefit from varied working hours, which can easily fit around other commitments, the experience of working within a team, and the opportunity to progress within the leisure industry - most leisure managers start as pool lifeguards.

How do I become a lifeguard?

Every candidate attending a NPLQ course must be 16-years-old at the time of taking the NPLQ final assessment and be able to:

How many RLSS are there in the UK?

Through IQL UK, the leading provider of lifeguard training, there are more than 90,000 RLSS UK pool lifeguards trained in the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ). IQL UK is the awarding organisation recognised and monitored by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA Regulation in Northern Ireland.

How many pool lifeguards are there in the UK?

More than 40,000 pool lifeguards qualify with the RLSS UK every year, and there are currently more than 80,000 pool lifeguards qualified in the NPLQ – 95% of all UK pool lifeguards.

What is the assessment for NPLQ?

Assessment for the NPLQ takes place at the end of the course. It determines your knowledge and understanding of the principles of working as a pool lifeguard and assesses your ability to apply the skills and knowledge in a work-related environment.

What is the NPLQ?

The NPLQ covers all elements of Pool Rescue Techniques, Lifeguarding Theory, First Aid and C PR. The course is physically demanding and will include swimming to set times, lifting casualties and diving to the deepest part of the swimming pool. Training and assessment for the NPLQ are in three sections, and candidates must successfully pass all ...

What are the additional hours required for NPLQ?

There is the option to obtain additional qualifications during an NPLQ course, these will require additional hours: Emergency First Aid at Work. First Aid at Work Certificate. Automated External Defibrillation Certificate (AED) Management of Anaphylaxis.

Personnel

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Competent personnel should be hired as lifeguards and supervisors to safeguard patrons engaged in recreational, fitness, competitive, and instructional swimming activities. The minimum training expected for lifeguard personnel is the successful completion of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course or the equivalent (Not…
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Prevention Strategies

  • A comprehensive threat analysis should be conducted of the facility before allowing patrons to participate in swimming activities. This threat analysis should identify physical hazards and those activities that place patrons at increased risk. Once the hazards and risks are identified, specific incident prevention strategies need to be developed, implemented, and administered. A threat a…
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Supervision

  • While patrons are engaged in any swimming activity, lifeguards and supervisors should be appropriately and effectively positioned to provide maximum security to the patrons through vigilant surveillance. If personnel are going to engaged in activities that require their participation in the water (i.e. in-water instruction), then at least one “dry-land” supervisory should be availabl…
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Distracting Factors

  • Supervisors should be aware of the dangers of distractions, and every effort must be made to eliminate these distractions. Personnel should be positioned to reduce distracting factors.
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Recognition

  • Personnel should be aware of activities that place patrons at increased risk. Any unsafe activities should be prohibited, and personnel must be able to identify and prohibit these activities immediately. Personnel must also be able to recognize any physical hazards in or around the facility. And, personnel must constantly assess the condition of all swimmers and be able to rec…
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Response and Emergency Care

  • Appropriate rescue equipment should be available, and all personnel should be familiar with the location and use of that equipment. An effective emergency communication system must be in place and should be used during an incident to notify other personnel, as well as to notify the emergency dispatcher should Fire, Rescue, EMS, or Law Enforcement personnel be required. Em…
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Legal Implications

  • Potential legal problems occur when the standard of care is not met. Failure to recognize a victim’s distress, failure to perform an important or necessary procedure, or performing such a procedure in a careless or unskilled manner would violate the standard of care. When such a violation causes further injury or death to the victim, a court may find the lifeguard, as well as his…
See more on lifesaving.com