If you frequently visit the beach or a swimming pool, you have likely noticed that one or more lifeguards are always present to protect swimmers. A lifeguard’s primary responsibility is to prevent accidents and respond to emergencies, which is why specialized instruction is required. The Lifeguard class in Bryan County is designed to prepare individuals with the proper skills and knowledge to ensure swimmer safety at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.
Bryan County offers plenty of beaches, pools, and other aquatic recreation spots where swimming is a favorite activity. With waterfront areas and a wide range of public and private swimming facilities, there is a constant need for trained lifeguards to supervise swimmers and respond quickly in emergencies. Because these locations attract more visitors during warmer months, the demand for lifeguards in Bryan County increases significantly in the summer season.
Lifeguards work at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools to protect swimmers and respond to emergencies. Across the United States, aquatic facilities are plentiful, and Bryan County is no exception. The county offers numerous recreational water environments that require trained professionals to maintain safety.
Enrolling in a Lifeguard class in Bryan County is the first step toward entering a rewarding aquatic career. Once certified, individuals gain access to many employment opportunities at pools, waterfronts, and aquatic centers. Earning certification through a recognized organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) significantly enhances job prospects.
ALA training centers in Bryan County provide a variety of lifeguard classes and certification programs. While participation is highest during the summer months, these classes remain valuable year-round due to the presence of indoor pools and ongoing aquatic activities throughout the year.
Holding an ALA certification improves employability at beaches and swimming facilities due to the organization’s strong reputation. For more than 30 years, ALA has trained lifeguards who now serve communities across the globe.

The American Lifeguard Association offers comprehensive lifeguard education that covers a wide range of essential lifesaving skills.
ALA is supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, both 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving water safety. The organization’s mission is to reduce drowning incidents and enhance safety standards at pools, beaches, and waterways nationwide. ALA collaborates closely with employers across the country to train professional lifeguards.
Over the years, the American Lifeguard Association has been recognized by the CDC Healthy Swimming Program. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. General Service Administration (GSA) have determined that ALA lifeguard certification programs are comparable to those offered by the American Red Cross. Since the early 1990s, ALA has ensured that its programs comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.
ALA programs are based on ECC science and findings from the United States Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition Report. Employers participating in ALA programs are also required to meet the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) standards, including pre-service evaluations and ongoing in-service training.
Before discussing the skills taught, it is important to understand the requirements for enrolling in a Lifeguard class in Bryan County.
According to U.S. labor laws, individuals must be at least 15 years old to work at swimming pools, waterparks, or lakes, and at least 16 years old to work at beaches.
To successfully complete the Lifeguard class in Bryan County, candidates must demonstrate the following swimming and rescue skills:
Swim 300 yards continuously using the following strokes in order:
100 yards of front crawl with rhythmic breathing and a steady propellant 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:
Begin in the water and swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke
Perform a surface dive to a depth of 7–10 feet and retrieve a 10-pound object
Return to the surface, swim 20 yards back while holding the object
Exit the water without using steps or a ladder
Complete the entire sequence within 1 minute and 40 seconds
After successfully completing the course, participants receive an American Lifeguard Certificate in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid. The certification is valid for two years.
Lifeguarding is often viewed as a seasonal summer job for students; however, it can also develop into a long-term profession. Many facilities require lifeguards year-round, especially indoor aquatic centers.
With additional education and experience, certified lifeguards can advance into higher-paying roles such as water safety instructors, swim coaches, or aquatic supervisors.

Participants enrolled in a Lifeguard class in Bryan County through the American Lifeguard Association will learn the following skills:
Slide-In Entry
Stride Jump and Compact Jump
Rescue Approach using Front Crawl or Breaststroke
Simple Assist
Deck-Based Extension Assist
Reaching and Throwing Assists with Equipment
Swimming Extension Rescue
Active and Passive Drowning Victim Rescues
Two-Person Water Removal with Backboard
Passive Submerged Victim Rescue (Shallow Water)
Multiple-Victim Rescue
Feet-First Surface Dive
Deep Water Submerged Victim Rescue
Front and Rear Head-Hold Escape Techniques
Manual In-Line Stabilization on Land (lying, sitting, standing)
Backboard Use for Standing Victims
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
Glove Removal
Initial Assessment
Rescue Breathing (Adult, Child, Infant)
Two-Rescuer Bag-Valve-Mask Use
Conscious and Unconscious Choking Care
CPR (One-Rescuer and Two-Rescuer)
AED Use for Adults and Children
Secondary Assessment
Control of External Bleeding
Application of Slings, Binders, Anatomic Splints, and Soft Splints
Active Drowning Victim
Passive Submerged Drowning Victim
Head, Neck, or Back Injury
The primary objective of a Lifeguard class in Bryan County is to ensure swimmer safety at all times. Lifeguards typically monitor their assigned areas from elevated chairs, patrol open water zones, and utilize tools such as binoculars and rescue equipment when necessary.
The American Lifeguard Association is regarded as one of the leading aquatic safety training providers in the United States. With over three decades of experience, ALA delivers high-quality training guided by a strong code of ethics and a commitment to public safety.
If you are searching online for “lifeguard training near me,” the American Lifeguard Association is the ideal choice for enrolling in a Lifeguard class in Bryan County. For additional information about ALA certification programs, please feel free to contact us.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Lifeguard Training program you can find more on our FAQ page if you don’t feel free to send us your questions on our contact us page
It’s a certification course that prepares you to prevent accidents and respond to emergencies at pools, lakes, waterparks, and beaches in Bryan County.
You must be 15+ for pools, waterparks, or lakes, and 16+ for beaches and waterfront facilities.
You must swim 300 yards continuously and complete a timed deep-water object retrieval test within 1 minute 40 seconds.
You receive an American Lifeguard Certificate for Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid, valid for two years.
Certified lifeguards can work at swimming pools, waterparks, lakes, and beach areas depending on local hiring needs.
The course covers water rescue techniques, CPR/AED for professional rescuers, and first aid, including spinal injury care.
No—there are year-round opportunities, especially at indoor pools and aquatic centers, plus growth into instructor or supervisor roles.
ALA offers structured training based on safety standards and provides certification that helps improve job opportunities with many employers.
The American Lifeguard Association has been approved for the Capital One Affiliate Program! for Tuition Assistance Loan
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