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CareerVillage Office Hours
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Palo Alto, California
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How to become a lifeguard?
Tell us everything we need to know to become a lifeguard!
Note: We've seen a lot of interest in this career, so we're looking for guidance from our community of professionals.
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5 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
To become a lifeguard, you typically need to meet the following qualifications:
📚 EDUCATION: There are rarely formal education requirements for lifeguards. Many are in high school, working toward obtaining their high school diplomas. Some beaches may employ professional lifeguards.
❤️🩹 CERTIFICATIONS: Some pools and recreation departments sponsor certification classes before the summer season or allow employees to take classes after the hiring process before the season begins.
• FIRST AIDE & CPR CERTIFICATION: All lifeguards need to have valid, current certification in both first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION: Many lifeguarding positions require certification through an American Red Cross Lifeguarding & Water Safety class, which results in a lifeguard certificate. These classes include safety and rescue techniques, first aid and automated external defibrillators (AED).
🏊 SWIMMING: To efficiently and effectively keep swimmers safe, it's important to be physically able to help. You can develop effective swimming skills by joining a swimming or diving team. Some lifeguard jobs require physical tests that measure your swimming skills. A combination of swimming workouts and cross-training can help you get ready to apply for lifeguard jobs.
🗣️ COMMUNICATION: During moments of calm and moments of distress, it's important for lifeguards to communicate clearly. They often give directions, such as “No running” or “The pool is closing in 15 minutes.” Lifeguards who teach swim lessons or coach swim teams communicate frequently with children, teens and parents. In an emergency, a lifeguard may shout for help, write an incident report or communicate clearly with an emergency response team.
🚨 ATTENTION TO DETAIL: Lifeguards spend most of their shifts watching the surrounding environment. They watch the water and the surrounding area to make sure everyone is staying safe. This requires them to be alert and attentive at all times. A great lifeguard can spot a hazard before it becomes dangerous, such as a piece of debris near the pool.
🌀 LEADERSHIP: At a pool or beach, lifeguards can oversee many people. They may command authority and respect to maintain a safe environment. An effective leader may give directions easily and keep swimmers safe. After working as a lifeguard for one season or more, you might lead or manage other staff members.
📚 EDUCATION: There are rarely formal education requirements for lifeguards. Many are in high school, working toward obtaining their high school diplomas. Some beaches may employ professional lifeguards.
❤️🩹 CERTIFICATIONS: Some pools and recreation departments sponsor certification classes before the summer season or allow employees to take classes after the hiring process before the season begins.
• FIRST AIDE & CPR CERTIFICATION: All lifeguards need to have valid, current certification in both first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION: Many lifeguarding positions require certification through an American Red Cross Lifeguarding & Water Safety class, which results in a lifeguard certificate. These classes include safety and rescue techniques, first aid and automated external defibrillators (AED).
🏊 SWIMMING: To efficiently and effectively keep swimmers safe, it's important to be physically able to help. You can develop effective swimming skills by joining a swimming or diving team. Some lifeguard jobs require physical tests that measure your swimming skills. A combination of swimming workouts and cross-training can help you get ready to apply for lifeguard jobs.
🗣️ COMMUNICATION: During moments of calm and moments of distress, it's important for lifeguards to communicate clearly. They often give directions, such as “No running” or “The pool is closing in 15 minutes.” Lifeguards who teach swim lessons or coach swim teams communicate frequently with children, teens and parents. In an emergency, a lifeguard may shout for help, write an incident report or communicate clearly with an emergency response team.
🚨 ATTENTION TO DETAIL: Lifeguards spend most of their shifts watching the surrounding environment. They watch the water and the surrounding area to make sure everyone is staying safe. This requires them to be alert and attentive at all times. A great lifeguard can spot a hazard before it becomes dangerous, such as a piece of debris near the pool.
🌀 LEADERSHIP: At a pool or beach, lifeguards can oversee many people. They may command authority and respect to maintain a safe environment. An effective leader may give directions easily and keep swimmers safe. After working as a lifeguard for one season or more, you might lead or manage other staff members.
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Career Village Office Hours Staff!
How to Become a Lifeguard
Becoming a lifeguard is a rewarding career choice that involves ensuring the safety of swimmers at pools, beaches, and other aquatic facilities. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to become a lifeguard, detailing the necessary steps, qualifications, and skills required.
1. Understand the Role of a Lifeguard
Lifeguards are responsible for monitoring water activities, enforcing safety rules, and responding to emergencies. They must be vigilant and ready to act quickly in case of drowning or other incidents. Key responsibilities include:
Monitoring swimmers for signs of distress.
Enforcing pool or beach rules.
Performing rescues and administering first aid when necessary.
Maintaining cleanliness and safety in the swimming area.
2. Meet Basic Requirements
Before pursuing lifeguard certification, you need to meet certain basic requirements:
Age: Most organizations require lifeguards to be at least 15 years old; however, some may allow younger candidates if they can demonstrate proficiency in swimming.
Swimming Skills: You should be a strong swimmer with the ability to swim various strokes (freestyle, breaststroke) over long distances (typically 300 yards) without stopping.
3. Obtain Certification
To become a certified lifeguard, you must complete a training program that includes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The most recognized certifications are offered by organizations such as:
American Red Cross
YMCA
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) in the UK
These programs typically cover:
Water rescue techniques
CPR and first aid
Emergency response procedures
Lifeguarding skills
The training usually consists of classroom instruction followed by hands-on practice in water rescue scenarios.
4. Pass Required Tests
After completing your training program, you will need to pass several tests that assess your swimming abilities and knowledge of lifeguarding techniques. Common components include:
A timed swim (often 300 yards)
A retrieval test where you must dive down to retrieve an object from the bottom of the pool
A CPR demonstration
Successful completion of these tests will earn you your lifeguard certification.
5. Gain Experience
Once certified, gaining experience is crucial for developing your skills as a lifeguard. Consider applying for positions at local pools or beaches during peak seasons. Many employers prefer candidates with prior experience or those who have completed internships or volunteer work related to aquatic safety.
6. Maintain Your Certification
Lifeguard certifications typically expire after two years; therefore, it is essential to stay current by renewing your certification through refresher courses that often include updated training on new techniques and protocols.
7. Develop Additional Skills
While not mandatory, developing additional skills can enhance your employability as a lifeguard:
First Aid/CPR Instructor Certification: This allows you to teach others lifesaving techniques.
Advanced Rescue Techniques: Training in advanced rescue methods can prepare you for more challenging situations.
Additionally, soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership are vital for effectively managing situations at aquatic facilities.
In summary, becoming a lifeguard requires meeting age and swimming skill requirements, obtaining certification through recognized programs like those offered by the American Red Cross or YMCA, passing required tests, gaining practical experience, maintaining certification through renewals, and potentially developing additional skills for career advancement.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
American Red Cross: The American Red Cross provides comprehensive training programs for lifeguards that include both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective water safety management.
YMCA: The YMCA offers well-established lifeguarding courses that focus on teaching essential lifesaving techniques along with CPR and first aid training tailored specifically for aquatic environments.
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ): This UK-based qualification is recognized internationally and provides rigorous training standards for aspiring lifeguards focusing on safety protocols in pool settings.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
How to Become a Lifeguard
Becoming a lifeguard is a rewarding career choice that involves ensuring the safety of swimmers at pools, beaches, and other aquatic facilities. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to become a lifeguard, detailing the necessary steps, qualifications, and skills required.
1. Understand the Role of a Lifeguard
Lifeguards are responsible for monitoring water activities, enforcing safety rules, and responding to emergencies. They must be vigilant and ready to act quickly in case of drowning or other incidents. Key responsibilities include:
Monitoring swimmers for signs of distress.
Enforcing pool or beach rules.
Performing rescues and administering first aid when necessary.
Maintaining cleanliness and safety in the swimming area.
2. Meet Basic Requirements
Before pursuing lifeguard certification, you need to meet certain basic requirements:
Age: Most organizations require lifeguards to be at least 15 years old; however, some may allow younger candidates if they can demonstrate proficiency in swimming.
Swimming Skills: You should be a strong swimmer with the ability to swim various strokes (freestyle, breaststroke) over long distances (typically 300 yards) without stopping.
3. Obtain Certification
To become a certified lifeguard, you must complete a training program that includes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The most recognized certifications are offered by organizations such as:
American Red Cross
YMCA
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) in the UK
These programs typically cover:
Water rescue techniques
CPR and first aid
Emergency response procedures
Lifeguarding skills
The training usually consists of classroom instruction followed by hands-on practice in water rescue scenarios.
4. Pass Required Tests
After completing your training program, you will need to pass several tests that assess your swimming abilities and knowledge of lifeguarding techniques. Common components include:
A timed swim (often 300 yards)
A retrieval test where you must dive down to retrieve an object from the bottom of the pool
A CPR demonstration
Successful completion of these tests will earn you your lifeguard certification.
5. Gain Experience
Once certified, gaining experience is crucial for developing your skills as a lifeguard. Consider applying for positions at local pools or beaches during peak seasons. Many employers prefer candidates with prior experience or those who have completed internships or volunteer work related to aquatic safety.
6. Maintain Your Certification
Lifeguard certifications typically expire after two years; therefore, it is essential to stay current by renewing your certification through refresher courses that often include updated training on new techniques and protocols.
7. Develop Additional Skills
While not mandatory, developing additional skills can enhance your employability as a lifeguard:
First Aid/CPR Instructor Certification: This allows you to teach others lifesaving techniques.
Advanced Rescue Techniques: Training in advanced rescue methods can prepare you for more challenging situations.
Additionally, soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership are vital for effectively managing situations at aquatic facilities.
In summary, becoming a lifeguard requires meeting age and swimming skill requirements, obtaining certification through recognized programs like those offered by the American Red Cross or YMCA, passing required tests, gaining practical experience, maintaining certification through renewals, and potentially developing additional skills for career advancement.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
American Red Cross: The American Red Cross provides comprehensive training programs for lifeguards that include both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective water safety management.
YMCA: The YMCA offers well-established lifeguarding courses that focus on teaching essential lifesaving techniques along with CPR and first aid training tailored specifically for aquatic environments.
National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ): This UK-based qualification is recognized internationally and provides rigorous training standards for aspiring lifeguards focusing on safety protocols in pool settings.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello CVOH,
It is good that there are a lot of different people that want to become lifeguards. I used to be a lifeguard a couple of years ago at the YMCA and I enjoyed impacting my community through my work. In terms of advice, I would say that if you are interested in doing it then go for it because it can be very rewarding. Depending on where you want to work like facility pools, beach or city pool the requirements will vary. I will write a list of things to focus on when it comes to most lifeguard tests. Hope this helps and wish you all the best when it comes to becoming a lifeguard!
List:
-Have to be at least 15 years old
-Pass required swim tests
-Pass CPR, First Aid and Emergency Oxygen tests
-Get trained in submerged, not submerged and other types of in and out of water rescues
-Some will require online tests and/or in person written tests
-Treading water
It is good that there are a lot of different people that want to become lifeguards. I used to be a lifeguard a couple of years ago at the YMCA and I enjoyed impacting my community through my work. In terms of advice, I would say that if you are interested in doing it then go for it because it can be very rewarding. Depending on where you want to work like facility pools, beach or city pool the requirements will vary. I will write a list of things to focus on when it comes to most lifeguard tests. Hope this helps and wish you all the best when it comes to becoming a lifeguard!
List:
-Have to be at least 15 years old
-Pass required swim tests
-Pass CPR, First Aid and Emergency Oxygen tests
-Get trained in submerged, not submerged and other types of in and out of water rescues
-Some will require online tests and/or in person written tests
-Treading water
Trisha Borme
Talent Acquisition - Hiring
35
Answers
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
Updated
Trisha’s Answer
Hi The answer above is so thorough. I might just add each year the YMCA is desperately looking for life guards. I believe they may pay for the CPR and training as well. I might stop in to your local Y and ask some questions. Thanks.
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
452
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
To become a lifeguard, you need strong swimming skills, first aid knowledge, and certification. Start by taking lifeguard training courses from organizations like the Red Cross. These cover CPR, water rescue techniques, and first aid. Maintain physical fitness, stay alert, and ensure safety protocols are followed. Re-certification is essential regularly.