Summer Lifeguard Training
As the school year ends and summer begins, many high school and college students apply for lifeguard jobs at local pools and water parks.
Although being a lifeguard appears to be a relaxing summer job in a fun environment, the lifeguard must always be vigilant to the patrons' safety while enforcing the rules and regulations of the specific facility.
Other People Are Reading
-
Types of Lifeguards
-
Although lifeguards generally have the same job requirements, they work in different types of facilities, which requires different skill sets.
According to the American Red Cross, waterfront lifeguards work in open-water environments such as lakes and rivers.
A water park lifeguard works in swimming pools and water rides in amusement parks.
A shallow water attendant works in an area with water that is less than 4 feet deep, such as kiddie pools and the feet of water slides.
Basic Requirements
-
To become a lifeguard, an applicant must meet basic requirements. Since most lifeguard certification courses require the applicant to be at least 15 years old, the minimum age for a lifeguard is either 15 or 16 years old, depending on the facility.
If there are any hazardous or unsafe conditions involved in the position as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor, the lifeguard must be at least 18 years old.
Most certification courses or facilities hiring lifeguards have a pre-screening to determine whether the applicant can swim. These tests require the applicant to swim a certain distance using several of the basic strokes, including the front crawl and breaststroke.
Another part of the test may require the applicant to retrieve a weighted object from a certain depth in a short period of time. The job and course descriptions typically include specific information for the pre-screening so the candidate can either practice for the swimming test or withdraw the application.
-
Required Certifications
-
Lifeguards must have first aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification.
The certifications are important because a lifeguard must be prepared to address a life-threatening emergency. First aid, CPR and AED training will provide the lifeguard with the knowledge to respond to certain situations, such as a drowning child or a diving accident.
Lifeguard training courses provide training for all of these certifications.
Lifeguard Training Courses
-
The local American Red Cross and other private pools and facilities provide lifeguard training courses. In fact, some facilities provide "young lifeguard" programs for 11- to 14-year-olds to instruct them in the basics of swimming and lifeguarding.
The lifeguard courses teach the students how to apply their skills in different facilities in accordance with the rules and regulations. The students also learn how to react in a number of situations, in case an emergency occurs.
Upon completion of the courses, the student will have all of the necessary certifications required for most lifeguard jobs.
Translating Lifeguarding into a Career
-
If you are a part-time lifeguard, remember your certifications will eventually expire. First aid certification generally expires in three years, while CPR certification expires in two years. Take a refresher course to gain re-certification in first aid and CPR.
Your lifeguarding skills can apply to a number of careers. With first aid and CPR training, you may decide to pursue a career in the medical profession. You can also take classes to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or a firefighter.
-
References
- Photo Credit lifeguard image by xymm from Fotolia.com
