Become a Certified Lifeguard in Bartow County with ALA

If you regularly visit beaches, lakes, swimming pools, or waterparks, you have probably noticed lifeguards on duty ensuring everyone’s safety. The primary responsibility of a lifeguard is to prevent accidents and respond effectively during emergencies, which makes proper training essential. Lifeguard training in Bartow County fulfills this role by preparing individuals to protect swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.

Bartow County offers plenty of places where families and visitors enjoy swimming, from community pools and recreation centers to nearby lakes and seasonal water attractions. With so many people gathering around the water—especially when the weather is warm—having trained lifeguards on duty becomes essential to keep swimmers safe. That’s why lifeguards are in strong demand in Bartow County, particularly during the summer months when aquatic activity is at its peak.

Lifeguard Training in Bartow County

Lifeguards play a vital role at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools by maintaining a safe environment for swimmers. Bartow County is no exception, offering a variety of aquatic recreation facilities that require trained lifeguard professionals.

Lifeguard training in Bartow County is the first step toward entering the aquatic safety field. Once certified through a recognized organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), individuals can pursue employment opportunities at pools, waterfronts, and aquatic centers.

ALA training centers serving Bartow County provide a range of lifeguard training courses and certifications. While lifeguard training is most popular during the summer months, opportunities exist year-round due to indoor pools and aquatic facilities operating throughout the year.

With more than 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards who serve communities across the globe. Certification through the American Lifeguard Association helps candidates stand out to employers by demonstrating professionalism, skill, and a commitment to safety.

About the American Lifeguard Association

The American Lifeguard Association is supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, both recognized as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations dedicated to aquatic safety and drowning prevention.

ALA’s mission is to reduce drowning incidents and enhance safety at swimming pools, beaches, and waterways. To support this mission, ALA works closely with employers nationwide to train lifeguard professionals and promote consistent safety standards.

Over the years, the American Lifeguard Association has been referenced by respected public health and safety organizations, including:

• CDC Healthy Swimming

• U.S. Department of Labor

• U.S. General Service Administration (GSA)

Since the early 1990s, ALA training programs have aligned with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. The curriculum reflects current ECC science and incorporates findings from the United States Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition Report. In addition, ALA requires employers to comply with Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) recommendations for pre-service evaluations and ongoing in-service training.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in Bartow County

To enroll in lifeguard training in Bartow County through the American Lifeguard Association, candidates must meet minimum age requirements established under U.S. labor laws:

• 15 years or older to work at a swimming pool, waterpark, or lake

• 16 years or older to work at beaches or waterfront facilities

Candidates must also successfully complete the following prerequisite skills:

Swim Test

Swim 300 yards continuously using these strokes in order:

• 100 yards of front crawl with rhythmic breathing and a stabilizing kick

• 100 yards of breaststroke using a pull, breath, kick, and glide sequence

• 100 yards of either front crawl or breaststroke, or a combination of both

Timed Skill Test

• Start in the water and swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke

• Perform a surface dive to a depth of 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object

• Return to the surface and swim 20 yards back while holding the object

• Exit the water without using a ladder or steps

• Complete the task within 1 minute and 40 seconds

Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive an American Lifeguard Certificate in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid, valid for two years.

Lifeguard Training in Bartow County for Long-Term Careers

Although lifeguarding is often viewed as a seasonal job for students, it can also develop into a long-term profession. Many facilities in Bartow County require lifeguards throughout the year, especially indoor pools and recreation centers.

With additional certifications and experience, lifeguards can advance into higher-paying roles such as:

• Water Safety Instructor

• Swim Coach

• Aquatic Supervisor or Manager

These positions offer career growth, leadership responsibilities, and long-term stability within the aquatic industry.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in Bartow County

Participants in American Lifeguard Association training programs gain comprehensive hands-on experience in rescue techniques, CPR/AED, and First Aid.

Rescue Skills

• Slide-In Entry

• Stride and Compact Jumps

• Rescue Approaches (front crawl or breaststroke)

• Simple Assist

• Extension Assist from the Deck

• Reaching and Throwing Assists

• Swimming Extension Rescue

• Active and Passive Drowning Victim Rescues

• Two-Person Removal Using a Backboard

• Passive Submerged Victim (Shallow Water)

• Multiple-Victim Rescue

• Feet-First Surface Dive

• Submerged Victim Recovery (Deep Water)

• Front and Rear Head-Hold Escapes

Head, Neck, and Spine Injury Care

• Manual In-Line Stabilization on Land (lying, sitting, standing)

• Using a Backboard for a Standing Victim

• Head Splint Techniques (face-up and face-down, shallow and deep water)

• Head and Chin Support Techniques

• In-Line Stabilization for Submerged Victims

• Backboard Use in Shallow and Deep Water

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer

• Removing Gloves and Initial Assessment

• Rescue Breathing (adult, child, infant)

• Bag-Valve-Mask Resuscitation (two rescuers)

• Conscious and Unconscious Choking Care

• CPR (one-rescuer and two-rescuer)

• AED Use for Adults and Children

First Aid Skills

• Secondary Assessment

• Controlling External Bleeding

• Applying Slings, Binders, Anatomic Splints, and Soft Splints

Final Skill Scenarios

• Active Drowning Victim

• Submerged Passive Drowning Victim

• Head, Neck, or Back Injury

The Final Watch

The main objective of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to protect lives. Lifeguards often supervise their assigned area from an elevated chair, patrol open water zones, and use rescue equipment or binoculars when necessary.

The American Lifeguard Association is recognized as one of the leading aquatic health and safety training organizations in the United States. With more than three decades of experience, ALA delivers high-quality training guided by a strong code of ethics and a commitment to excellence.

If you are searching for lifeguard training in Bartow County or looking up “lifeguard training near me,” the American Lifeguard Association is the right choice. For additional information about ALA lifeguard training and certification programs, please feel free to contact us.