Become a Certified Lifeguard in Giles County with ALA

If you visit swimming pools, waterparks, lakes, or waterfront areas in Giles County, you will often see lifeguards on duty to help keep everyone safe. The lifeguard’s essential job is to prevent accidents and respond quickly during emergencies—responsibilities that require specialized training. Lifeguard training in Giles County serves this purpose by preparing individuals to protect swimmers at pools, lakes, waterparks, and other aquatic environments.

Aquatic recreation remains a popular activity, especially during warmer months, weekends, and school breaks. As participation increases, so does the need for trained lifeguards who can supervise, enforce safety rules, recognize hazards, and perform rescues when seconds matter. With the right certification, you can develop job-ready skills and qualify for lifeguard opportunities in Giles County.

Lifeguards in Giles County

Lifeguards in Giles County serve at pools, waterparks, lakes, and supervised waterfront locations to reduce risk and respond effectively when emergencies occur. Their work includes scanning for distress, supporting rule enforcement, guiding safe behavior, and delivering immediate rescue and care when needed.

Lifeguard training in Giles County is the first step toward building a career in aquatics. Once certified through a respected organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates become well-positioned to pursue lifeguard roles that require professional training in rescue techniques, CPR/AED, and First Aid.

ALA training can support both seasonal and year-round opportunities depending on facility operations in Giles County. Earning an ALA credential shows commitment to safety, preparedness, and professionalism.

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 across the United States to train lifeguards and establish strong safety practices—supporting safer aquatic environments for communities such as Giles County.

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 recognized lifeguard training standards. In addition, ALA encourages employers to follow the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) recommendations for pre-service evaluations and ongoing in-service training—helping lifeguard teams remain prepared and effective in Giles County.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in Giles County

To enroll in the American Lifeguard Association’s lifeguard training course in Giles County, candidates must meet the minimum age requirements generally recognized for aquatic employment:

• 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 ALA prerequisite skills to complete the program:

Swim 300 Yards Continuously

Swim 300 yards continuously, using the following strokes:

• 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)

Complete a 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 to the starting point with the object

• Exit the water without using steps or a ladder

• Complete all steps within 1 minute and 40 seconds

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 Giles County: Long-Term Career Options

Although lifeguarding is often seen as a seasonal job, it can grow into a long-term profession in Giles County, especially for those who gain experience and continue developing their skills.

Year-round opportunities may be available at indoor pools and aquatic centers. With additional training and leadership experience, lifeguards can advance into roles such as:

• Water Safety Instructor

• Swim Coach

• Aquatic Supervisor or Manager

These roles often offer higher earning potential, increased responsibility, and the chance to build a career focused on public safety in Giles County.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in Giles County

During the ALA lifeguard training course, participants in Giles County 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 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

Caring for Head, Neck, or Back Injury Skills

• Manual In-Line Stabilization 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 on one side in deep water)

• Using a Backboard in Shallow and Deep Water

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Skills

• 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)

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 primary role of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to keep swimmers safe through prevention, vigilance, and fast emergency response. Lifeguards often monitor their assigned zones from an elevated chair, patrol open-water areas when needed, and use rescue equipment to maintain strong safety standards.

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 strong code of ethics and a commitment to excellence.

For lifeguard training in Giles 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 in Giles County, please contact ALA.