Become a Certified Lifeguard in Amherst County with ALA

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

Swimming activity increases during the warmer season, and facilities rely on trained lifeguards to maintain a safe environment. That’s why lifeguard training in Amherst County is an important step for anyone who wants to work in aquatics and public safety.

Lifeguards in Amherst County

Lifeguards work at lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools across Amherst County to supervise swimmers and respond to emergencies. With various aquatic venues in the area, trained lifeguards are needed to help keep swimmers safe.

Lifeguard training in Amherst County is the first step toward building a career in aquatics. Once certified by a respected organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates become well-positioned to seek employment at local aquatic facilities.

ALA training centers offer multiple lifeguard training programs and certifications. While training is popular during the summer season, opportunities continue throughout the year where aquatic activities and indoor facilities are available. With over 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards who now serve communities worldwide.

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 dedicated to reducing drownings and improving aquatic safety.

ALA’s mission is to make swimming pools, beaches, and waterways safer. To achieve this, ALA works directly with employers to train lifeguards and establish strong 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 has aligned its programs with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. Training also reflects the latest ECC science and incorporates findings from the United States Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition Report. In addition, ALA requires employers to meet the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) recommendations for pre-service evaluations and in-service training.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in Amherst County

To enroll in the American Lifeguard Association’s lifeguard training in Amherst County, candidates must meet these minimum age requirements:

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

• 16 years or older to work at beaches (where applicable)

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

Swim 300 yards continuously, using the following strokes:

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

Complete a timed event (1 minute, 40 seconds):
Start in the water, swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke, surface dive 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object, return to the surface, swim 20 yards back with the object, and exit the water without using 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 Amherst County: Long-Term Career Options

Although many view lifeguarding as a seasonal job, it can grow into a long-term profession. Year-round opportunities may be available through indoor aquatic facilities, and lifeguards can pursue additional training to advance into roles such as:

• Water Safety Instructor

• Swim Coach

• Aquatic Supervisor or Manager

These positions offer higher pay potential, leadership opportunities, and career growth in aquatics.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in Amherst County

During the ALA lifeguard training in Amherst County course, participants develop a comprehensive set of skills 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 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 in Shallow and Deep Water

• Head Splint Techniques and Head & Chin Support (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 primary role of lifeguard training in Amherst County is to prepare individuals to keep swimmers safe through prevention, scanning, and fast emergency response. Lifeguards may monitor their zones from elevated stations, patrol assigned areas, and use rescue equipment when needed.

For lifeguard training in Amherst 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.