How Do I Become a Lifeguard?
The Lifeguard class is a great opportunity for people who want to enhance their life skills in water safety. Lifeguard training can be taken either online or at an accredited college, or even at a campground. Once you have completed your Lifeguard class, you will need to take certain examinations to certify you as a Lifeguard. Lifeguard training involves the protection of life and the use of life-saving equipment. You can also get a certification after you have trained in lifeguarding to become a Lifeguard instructor.
Lifeguard instructors must undergo a specific curriculum that includes teaching students lifeguard basics, how to swim and rescue swim-offs, rescue techniques such as body dragging, head buoyancy control, emergency procedures including CPR and first aid, and activities for children, including swimming safety. Lifeguards are also taught about nutrition, hydration, stress management, safety signs and signals, and appropriate workplace and site practices. They also need to know how to swim the distance from the shore to the lifeguard station. Aside from teaching basic lifeguarding techniques, Lifeguard instructors also provide students practical lessons such as body dragging for multiple rescues, picking up flammable objects, and other tasks that will be useful in emergencies.
If you wish to become a Lifeguard instructor, you will need to undergo a one-day class; you can apply for certification at your local Lifeguard Training Academy. After that, you will need to take a final exam after completing your training course and complete a certificate. The requirements vary from state to state. To learn more about your state requirements, check out the website of the Commission on Lifeguard Accreditation.
Once you have your certificate, you can work right away. However, you might also want to take further training in other lifesaving techniques, like diving and surfing. There are also other specialties in the Lifeguard industry that you may want to study. For example, you can opt to be a Diving Lifeguard, a Beach Lifeguard, or a Waterskiing Lifeguard.
Upon completing your course, you should get a Lifeguard Apprentice before getting a full-fledged Lifeguard Certification. Applying to become an apprentice is the same as applying for any other job. However, Lifeguard apprentices usually have shorter hours of duty than permanent employees because lifeguards spend most of their time at the beach. Apprentices also get to handle equipment and learn how to use it properly. A few states also allow Lifeguard apprentices who have swimming experience also to take the certification test.
If you are interested in being a Lifeguard, you need to be physically fit. You must also be committed and responsible. Most Lifeguard jobs require daily water exposure because swimming is a part of the job. You should have good body strength and endurance because carrying and lifting heavy weights is part of your duties. Finally, you need to be knowledgeable about CPR, which is important if you ever find yourself in a situation where you must give first aid to a patient.