How to Become a Certified Lifeguard: Education and Career Roadmap
Lifeguards prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies at pools, beaches, lakes, camps and water parks. They are trained in lifesaving techniques and provide a public safety service. To become a lifeguard, a person must complete a certification course.
Steps to Become a Certified Lifeguard
Step 1: Research the Career
Lifeguarding demands physical and psychological stamina and involves a high
level of responsibility and sometimes stressful, strenuous working conditions.
Lifeguards may spend most of their time outside,
exposed to the sun and all types of weather. Lifeguards must stay alert at all
times, and be mature and approachable.
Step 2: Enroll in a
Certification Class
Lifeguards must complete a certification course. The minimum age to obtain
certification is 15. Before signing up for a certification program, a person
should be a strong swimmer in good physical shape.
Several accredited agencies offer lifeguard certification courses, including
the Red Cross, YMCA and the United States Lifesaving Association - which
specializes in beach and open-water preparation. The certification process
differs slightly depending on the organization, but usually involves six weeks
of training in water safety, rescue techniques, first aid and cardiopulmonary
resuscitation CPR..
Step 3: Pass a Written
Exam and Physical Test
At the culmination of the certification class, participants must pass a
written test as well as rigorous physical swimming exams. Physical test
requirements may include performing CPR, retrieving bricks from the bottom of a
pool and responding to a simulated emergency. Lifeguard training and first aid
certification is valid for three years.
To work in some locations like water parks and camps, additional
certification as an emergency medical technician may be required. Lifeguards may
also become swimming instructors after obtaining a water safety instructor
certificate.
Step 4: Gain Experience
Once certified, a prospective lifeguard can learn about employment
opportunities by contacting the community pool or local parks and recreation
department. While exact job duties depend on the particular environment in which
a lifeguard works, they typically include overseeing swimmers, watching for
signs of danger, ensuring adherence to rules and administering first aid.
Lifeguards often log incidents and write reports.
Step 5: Evaluate
Advancement Opportunities
Because of the seasonal nature of the work, advancement opportunities may be
limited. Dedicated lifeguards can rise through the ranks to senior lifeguard,
head lifeguard or aquatic director. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expected
job growth of 14.7% for lifeguards and other recreational protective service
workers between 2008 and 2018 (www.bls.gov).
Alle burde på førstehjælpskursus - evt. fulgt op af et hjertestarterkursus, hvor man trænes effektivt i brug af hjertestarter
Førestehjælpskursus for børn 0-6 år for mødregrupper, pædagoger i børnehaver og vuggestuer
Ønsker du at lære at svømme fx crawl, får du det det bedste udbytte hos vores private svømmetræner / svømmelærer, hvor du hele tiden får feedback på din teknik i en meget målrettet træning af dine færdigheder
Lifeguards prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies at pools, beaches, lakes, camps and water parks. They are trained in lifesaving techniques and provide a public safety service. To become a lifeguard, a person must complete a certification course.
Steps to Become a Certified Lifeguard
Step 1: Research the Career
Lifeguarding demands physical and psychological stamina and involves a high
level of responsibility and sometimes stressful, strenuous working conditions.
Lifeguards may spend most of their time outside,
exposed to the sun and all types of weather. Lifeguards must stay alert at all
times, and be mature and approachable.
Step 2: Enroll in a
Certification Class
Lifeguards must complete a certification course. The minimum age to obtain
certification is 15. Before signing up for a certification program, a person
should be a strong swimmer in good physical shape.
Several accredited agencies offer lifeguard certification courses, including
the Red Cross, YMCA and the United States Lifesaving Association - which
specializes in beach and open-water preparation. The certification process
differs slightly depending on the organization, but usually involves six weeks
of training in water safety, rescue techniques, first aid and cardiopulmonary
resuscitation CPR..
Step 3: Pass a Written
Exam and Physical Test
At the culmination of the certification class, participants must pass a
written test as well as rigorous physical swimming exams. Physical test
requirements may include performing CPR, retrieving bricks from the bottom of a
pool and responding to a simulated emergency. Lifeguard training and first aid
certification is valid for three years.
To work in some locations like water parks and camps, additional
certification as an emergency medical technician may be required. Lifeguards may
also become swimming instructors after obtaining a water safety instructor
certificate.
Step 4: Gain Experience
Once certified, a prospective lifeguard can learn about employment
opportunities by contacting the community pool or local parks and recreation
department. While exact job duties depend on the particular environment in which
a lifeguard works, they typically include overseeing swimmers, watching for
signs of danger, ensuring adherence to rules and administering first aid.
Lifeguards often log incidents and write reports.
Step 5: Evaluate
Advancement Opportunities
Because of the seasonal nature of the work, advancement opportunities may be
limited. Dedicated lifeguards can rise through the ranks to senior lifeguard,
head lifeguard or aquatic director. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expected
job growth of 14.7% for lifeguards and other recreational protective service
workers between 2008 and 2018 (www.bls.gov).
Alle burde på førstehjælpskursus - evt. fulgt op af et hjertestarterkursus, hvor man trænes effektivt i brug af hjertestarter
Førestehjælpskursus for børn 0-6 år for mødregrupper, pædagoger i børnehaver og vuggestuer
Ønsker du at lære at svømme fx crawl, får du det det bedste udbytte hos vores private svømmetræner / svømmelærer, hvor du hele tiden får feedback på din teknik i en meget målrettet træning af dine færdigheder