Lifeguard Training in Oglethorpe County

If you visit beaches, lakes, waterparks, or swimming pools in Oglethorpe County, you will notice lifeguards on duty to ensure everyone’s safety. A lifeguard’s essential job is to help prevent accidents and respond quickly during emergencies, and that requires specialized training. Lifeguard training in Oglethorpe County serves this purpose by preparing individuals to protect swimmers at pools, waterfront facilities, lakes, and aquatic centers.

Oglethorpe County has a growing need for trained lifeguards as swimming remains a popular activity across the area. From community pools to recreational water venues, lifeguards play a vital role in keeping families and swimmers safe, especially during peak seasons when aquatic activity increases.

Lifeguard Training in Oglethorpe County

Lifeguards serve at beaches, waterparks, lakes, and swimming pools across Oglethorpe County to protect swimmers and maintain safe aquatic environments. With multiple recreational water facilities available, there are excellent opportunities for individuals who want to pursue lifeguarding as a rewarding role.

Lifeguard training in Oglethorpe County is the first step toward building a future in aquatics. Once certified through a respected organization like the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates become well-positioned for employment at pools, waterfront facilities, and aquatic centers.

ALA training centers in Oglethorpe County offer multiple lifeguard training programs and certifications. While demand typically rises during summer, training and job opportunities can continue year-round due to indoor pools and ongoing aquatic programs.

With more than 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards serving communities worldwide. Earning an ALA credential shows professionalism, preparedness, and commitment to swimmer safety.

About the American Lifeguard Association

The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, both 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on reducing drownings and improving aquatic safety.

ALA’s mission is to make swimming pools, beaches, and waterways safer. ALA works directly with employers nationwide to help train lifeguard professionals and strengthen safety practices at aquatic facilities.

ALA has been referenced by public health and safety organizations, including:

• The CDC Healthy Swimming
• The U.S. Department of Labor
• The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)

Since the early 1990s, ALA has worked to ensure its training programs meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. Training reflects the latest ECC science and incorporates findings from lifeguard training standards guidance. In addition, ALA programs encourage employers to meet Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) recommendations for pre-service evaluations and in-service training.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in Oglethorpe County

To enroll in the American Lifeguard Association’s lifeguard training program in Oglethorpe County, candidates must meet the minimum age requirements generally recognized nationwide:

• 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

Candidates must also demonstrate the following prerequisite skills to complete the course successfully:

Swim Test (300 yards continuously)

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

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

• 100 yards front crawl or breaststroke (or a combination of both)

Timed 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 with the object

• Exit the water without steps or a ladder

Upon successful completion, each participant receives an American Lifeguard Certificate in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid, valid for two years.

Lifeguarding in Oglethorpe County: Long-Term Career Options

Many people view lifeguarding as a summer job, but it can become a long-term career path. One great way to benefit from lifeguard training in Oglethorpe County is to seek employment at facilities that operate year-round, such as indoor pools and aquatic centers.

With additional training, lifeguards can advance into higher-paying roles such as:

• Water Safety Instructor

• Swim Coach

• Aquatic Supervisor or Manager

These positions offer leadership opportunities and a career dedicated to public safety and community wellness.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in Oglethorpe County

During the ALA lifeguard training course, participants build a comprehensive skill set across rescue techniques, CPR/AED, and First Aid.

Rescue Skills

• 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 Rescues

• 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 Escapes

Caring for Head, Neck, or Back Injuries

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

• Using a Backboard for a Standing Victim on Land

• Head Splint Technique (face-up/face-down, shallow/deep water)

• Head and Chin Support (face-up/face-down, shallow/deep water)

• In-Line Stabilization for a Submerged Victim (face-up, face-down, or side)

• Using a Backboard in Shallow and Deep Water

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Skills

• Removing Gloves and Initial Assessment

• Rescue Breathing (adult, child, infant)

• Bag-Valve-Mask Resuscitator (two rescuers)

• Conscious and Unconscious Choking (adult, child, infant)

• CPR (adult, child, infant)

• Two-Rescuer CPR (adult, child, infant)

• AED Use (adult and child)

First Aid Skills

• Secondary Assessment

• Controlling External Bleeding

• Applying a Sling and Binder

• Applying an Anatomic Splint

• Applying a Soft Splint

Final Skill Scenarios

• 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 Final Wave

The primary role of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to keep swimmers safe. Lifeguards often monitor their zone from a raised chair, patrol open-water areas when required, and use rescue equipment to respond effectively. Binoculars and scanning techniques are commonly used to improve surveillance and reduce risk.

The American Lifeguard Association is recognized as a leading aquatic health and safety training provider. With more than 30 years of experience, ALA delivers training guided by a strict code of ethics and a commitment to excellence.

For lifeguard training in Oglethorpe County, if you are searching for “lifeguard training near me,” the American Lifeguard Association is the right choice. For more information on ALA lifeguard training and certification programs, please contact us.