Become a Certified Lifeguard in Bedford County with ALA

If you often visit a beach or a swimming pool in Bedford County, you have likely noticed that there is always one or more lifeguards on duty to protect everyone’s safety. A lifeguard’s main responsibility is to prevent accidents and respond quickly during emergencies, which is why proper training is required. Lifeguard training in Bedford County serves this purpose by preparing individuals to protect swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.

Bedford County offers many places where people enjoy swimming and water activities. From pools to waterfront areas, these locations need trained lifeguards to supervise swimmers and reduce the risk of accidents. Because swimming increases during the warmer season, the demand for lifeguards rises significantly in the summer months when aquatic activity is at its busiest.

Lifeguard Training in Bedford County

Lifeguards work at beaches, waterparks, lakes, and swimming pools across Bedford County to ensure swimmers remain safe. With many aquatic facilities available, there are strong opportunities for individuals who want to start lifeguarding as a meaningful and rewarding role.

Lifeguard training in Bedford County is the first step toward building a career in the aquatic industry. After receiving your lifeguard certification from a trusted organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), you become well-prepared to apply for jobs at pools, beaches, and aquatic centers.

ALA training centers provide different lifeguard training courses and certifications. Although the need for lifeguards is highest during the summer, training and employment options continue throughout the year because indoor pools and aquatic facilities operate year-round.

With over 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards who serve communities worldwide. An ALA certification is recognized by many employers and reflects a strong commitment to safety and professionalism.

About the American Lifeguard Association

The American Lifeguard Association 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. To achieve this goal, ALA works directly with employers across North America to train lifeguards and strengthen safety practices.

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

• The CDC Healthy Swimming Program
• The U.S. Department of Labor
• The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)
• Since the early 1990s, ALA programs have followed Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA requirements.

 Training reflects current ECC science and includes findings from the United States Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition Report. ALA also requires employers to follow the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) recommendations for pre-service evaluations and in-service training.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in Bedford County

To enroll in the American Lifeguard Association lifeguard training course in Bedford County, candidates must meet the minimum age requirements:

• 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 successfully complete the program:

Swim Requirement

Swim 300 yards continuously using:

• 100 yards of front crawl with rhythmic breathing and a stabilizing, propulsive 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 Event

• 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 using steps or a ladder
• Complete everything within 1 minute and 40 seconds

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

Lifeguard Training in Bedford County for Long-Term Career

Many people consider lifeguarding a summer job, but it can also become a long-term profession. Year-round employment is available at indoor pools and aquatic centers, and lifeguards can gain additional training to advance into roles such as:

• Water Safety Instructor
• Swim Coach
• Aquatic Supervisor or Manager

These positions often provide higher pay, leadership responsibilities, and long-term career growth in aquatic safety.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in Bedford County

During the ALA lifeguard training course, participants learn a complete range of rescue, CPR/AED, and First Aid skills.

Rescue Skills

• Slide-In Entry
• Stride and Compact Jumps
• Rescue Approach (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 with a Backboard
• Passive Submerged Victim in Shallow Water
• Multiple-Victim Rescue
• Feet-First Surface Dive
• Submerged Victim Recovery in Deep Water
• Front and Rear Head-Hold Escapes
• Caring for Head, Neck, or Back Injuries
• Manual In-Line Stabilization on land (lying down, sitting, or standing)
• Using a Backboard for a Standing Victim
• Head Splint Techniques (face-up and face-down, shallow or deep water)
• Head and Chin Support (face-up and face-down, shallow or deep water)
• In-Line Stabilization for Submerged Victims
• Using a Backboard in Shallow and Deep Water

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Skills

• Removing Gloves and Performing an Initial Assessment
• Rescue Breathing (adult, child, infant)
• Using a Bag-Valve-Mask Resuscitator (two rescuers)
• Conscious and Unconscious Choking (adult, child, infant)
• CPR (one-rescuer and two-rescuer for adult, child, infant)
• AED Use (adult and child)

First Aid Skills

• Secondary Assessment
• Controlling External Bleeding
• Applying Slings, Binders, Anatomic, and Soft Splints

Final Skill Scenarios

• Active Drowning Victim
• Submerged Passive Drowning Victim
• Head, Neck, or Back Injury

The Final Wave

The main goal of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to protect swimmers and prevent emergencies. Lifeguards often monitor their assigned area from elevated chairs, patrol open-water zones, and use binoculars or rescue equipment when needed.

The American Lifeguard Association is recognized as a leading aquatic health and safety training provider with more than 30 years of experience. ALA follows a strict code of ethics and is committed to delivering professional training.

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