If you regularly visit a beach or a swimming pool, you’ve likely noticed lifeguards on duty to protect swimmers. A lifeguard’s key responsibility is to help prevent incidents and respond fast during emergencies—this is why proper training is essential. A lifeguard class in Colquitt County is designed to prepare individuals to safeguard swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.
Colquitt County offers plenty of places where families and swimmers enjoy the water—whether that’s community pools, seasonal aquatic facilities, nearby lakes, or day trips to waterparks. With so many people swimming during the warmer months, having trained lifeguards on duty becomes essential to keep swimmers safe. That’s why the need for certified lifeguards in Colquitt County increases most in spring and summer, when pools open, programs expand, and swim activity is at its peak.
Lifeguards work at beaches, waterparks, lakes, and swimming pools to help keep people safe in and around the water. The U.S. offers many aquatic recreation options, and Colquitt County is no different—there are opportunities for those who want to step into the aquatic safety field.
A lifeguard class in Colquitt County is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to enter the aquatics profession. After earning a lifeguard credential from a recognized organization like the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates are better prepared to apply for lifeguard positions at pools and waterfront facilities.
ALA training centers provide multiple lifeguard course options and certifications. While enrollment and hiring often peak in summer, lifeguarding opportunities can continue all year due to indoor pools and ongoing aquatic programming.
With more than 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards who serve in many communities worldwide. An ALA certification helps demonstrate professionalism, readiness, and a commitment to safety.
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, both 501(c)(3) nonprofit associations focused on reducing drownings and improving aquatic safety.
ALA’s purpose is to help make beaches, pools, and waterways safer. To support that mission, ALA works with employers across the Colquitt County to help train lifeguards and promote stronger safety standards.
ALA has been referenced over the years by public safety and health organizations, including:
Since the early 1990s, ALA has worked to keep training aligned with Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA requirements for employees. ALA programs also reflect current ECC science and findings from the Colquitt County Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition Report. In addition, ALA requires employers to follow Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) recommendations for pre-service evaluations and ongoing in-service training.
To enroll in the ALA lifeguarding course, U.S. labor guidelines generally require the following minimum ages:
15 years or older to work at a swimming pool, waterpark, or lake
16 years or older to work at a beach or waterfront facility
To successfully complete the program, candidates must be able to perform these prerequisite skills:
Swim 300 yards continuously, using these strokes in this order:
100 yards of front crawl using rhythmic breathing and a stabilizing, propellant kick (breathing may be to the side or to the front)
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)
Complete a timed skill event (1 minute, 40 seconds):
Start in the water and swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke
Surface dive 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object
Return to the surface and swim 20 yards back to the starting point while holding the object
Exit the water without using a ladder or steps
After completing the lifeguard course, participants receive an American Lifeguard Certificate indicating Lifeguard, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid, valid for two years.
Many people assume lifeguarding is only a seasonal job for students, especially in summer-heavy regions. However, it can also become a long-term profession.
One smart way to use your lifeguard class in Colquitt County for steady career growth is to work at facilities that operate year-round, such as indoor pools and recreation centers. With added training, a certified lifeguard may also advance into roles such as:
Water Safety Instructor
Swim Coach
Aquatic Supervisor or Manager
These roles often offer higher pay, more responsibility, and stronger career progression in aquatics.
During the ALA course, participants build a wide range of practical skills across rescue response, CPR/AED, and First Aid.
Slide-In Entry
Stride and Compact Jumps
Rescue Approach (Front Crawl or Breaststroke)
Simple Assist
Extension Assist from the Deck
Reaching Assist with Equipment and Throwing Assist
Swimming Extension Rescue
Active and Passive Drowning Victim Rear Rescue
Two-Person Removal from the Water Using a Backboard
Passive Submerged Victim (Shallow Water)
Multiple-Victim Rescue
Feet-First Surface Dive
Submerged Victim (Deep Water)
Front and Rear Head-Hold Escape
Manual In-Line Stabilization for Head/Neck/Back Injury on Land (Lying Down, Sitting, or Standing)
Using a Backboard for a Standing Victim on Land
Head Splint Technique (Face-Up Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface)
Head Splint Technique (Face-Down Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface)
Head and Chin Support (Face-Up Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface)
Head and Chin Support (Face-Down Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface)
Head Splint Technique (Face-Up Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface)
Head Splint Technique (Face-Down Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface)
Head and Chin Support (Face-Up Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface)
In-Line Stabilization for a Submerged Victim (Face-Up, Face-Down, or One Side in Deep Water)
Using a Backboard in Shallow and Deep Water
Removing Gloves
Initial Assessment
Rescue Breathing (Adult, Child, and Infant)
Using a Bag-Valve-Mask Resuscitator (Two Rescuers)
Conscious Choking (Adult, Child, and Infant)
Unconscious Choking (Adult, Child, and Infant)
CPR (Adult, Child, and Infant)
Two-Rescuer CPR (Adult, Child, and Infant)
Using an AED (Adult and Child)
Secondary Assessment
Controlling External Bleeding
Applying a Sling and Binder
Applying an Anatomic Splint
Applying a Soft Splint
Final Skill Scenario 1 — Active Drowning Victim
Final Skill Scenario 2 — Submerged Passive Drowning Victim
Final Skill Scenario 3 — Head, Neck, or Back Injury
The goal of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to protect swimmers and respond effectively in emergencies. Lifeguards often monitor their zone from a raised chair to improve visibility, and in larger open-water environments, they may patrol the area. Binoculars and rescue equipment are common tools used by first responders.
The American Lifeguard Association is considered one of the leading aquatic health and safety training providers in the Colquitt County. With more than 30 years of experience, ALA follows a strong code of ethics and remains committed to delivering quality safety training.
For a lifeguard class in Colquitt County, if you’re searching for “lifeguard training near me,” ALA is a strong choice. For more information about ALA lifeguard training and certification programs, please contact us.
The American Lifeguard Association has been approved for the Capital One Affiliate Program! for Tuition Assistance Loan
To stay updated with our special offers, subscribe to our weekly newsletter. We will not share your information with any third party.
8300 Boone Blvd 5th Floor Vienna, VA 22182
703-761-6750
Media Contact
703-856-8901
alalifeguard@aol.com
