Become a Certified Lifeguard in Bhutan with ALA

If you usually go to a swimming pool, lake, or riverside in Bhutan, you will notice lifeguards on duty to ensure everyone’s safety. A lifeguard’s essential job is to prevent accidents and respond quickly during emergencies, which requires proper training. Lifeguard training in Bhutan provides individuals with the skills needed to safeguard swimmers at lakes, rivers, pools, and waterparks.

Although Bhutan is a landlocked country, it is home to many rivers, freshwater lakes, and recreational water facilities. Swimming has become a popular activity, whether in indoor pools, resort waterparks, or community aquatic centers. This wide range of aquatic venues creates a growing demand for lifeguards, especially during warmer months when swimming activities peak.

Lifeguard Training  in Bhutan

Lifeguards are present at riversides, waterparks, lakes, and swimming pools throughout Bhutan to protect swimmers. With so many aquatic places available, there are ample opportunities for individuals who wish to pursue lifeguarding as a career.

Lifeguard training in Bhutan is the first step toward building a professional career in aquatics. Once certified by a respected organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates become well-prepared to find employment at pools, aquatic centers, and riverside recreational areas.

ALA training centers in Bhutan offer multiple lifeguard courses and certifications. While training demand peaks in the summertime, employment opportunities continue year-round thanks to indoor pools and aquatic facilities. With more than 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards who now serve communities across the globe. Certification through ALA provides a credential recognized by employers and demonstrates a commitment to safety 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 nonprofit organizations focused on reducing drownings and promoting aquatic safety.

ALA’s mission is to make swimming pools, rivers, and waterways safer. To achieve this, ALA works directly with employers to train lifeguards and implement effective safety standards.

ALA has been referenced by 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 Bhutan

To enroll in the American Lifeguard Association’s lifeguard training course in Bhutan, 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 riversides or waterfront facilities

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

• Swim 300 yards continuously, including:
  • 100 yards of front crawl with rhythmic breathing and a stabilizing kick
  • 100 yards of breaststroke with a pull-breath-kick-glide sequence
  • 100 yards of either stroke or a combination of both
• Complete a timed event:
  • 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 and swim 20 yards back, carrying the object
  • Exit the water without steps or a ladder
  • All 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.

Would you like to read about: Lifeguard Training in China

Lifeguarding in Bhutan: Long-Term Career Options

Although many see lifeguarding as a summer job for students, it can grow into a long-term profession. Year-round employment is available at indoor pools and aquatic centers in Bhutan. With further training, lifeguards can advance into roles such as:

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

These positions offer higher pay, leadership opportunities, and the chance to build a career dedicated to public health and aquatic safety.

Learning skills with lifeguard training in Bhutan

Lifeguarding Course Participants at the American Lifeguard Association will learn:

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 for a Head, Neck, or 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-Dow 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 a Sling and Binder
• Applying an Anatomic Splint
• Applying a Soft Splint

Final Skill Scenarios to be Demonstrated

• Final Skill Scenario 1-Active Drowning Victim
• Final Skill Scenario 2-Submerged Passive Drowning Victim
• Final Skill Scenario 3-Head, Neck, or Back Injury.

Famous Bhutanese Beaches Where Lifeguards Are Essential

Punakha Valley

• Pho Chhu & Mo Chhu Confluence (Punakha): Scenic river meeting point near Punakha Dzong, popular for rafting and riverside swimming. Lifeguards are recommended during peak tourist visits.

• Khuru Beach (Local Riverbank): A sandy riverside area where locals gather for festivals and recreation. No permanent lifeguard service.

• Limbukha Riverside: Known for rice fields and calm river stretches. Occasional swimming spots, but without lifeguards.

Paro

• Paro Chhu Riverbanks: Popular picnic and relaxation area near Paro town. Calm stretches are sometimes used for swimming; seasonal lifeguards may be present.

• Dumtse Lhakhang Stream: A small river near the historic temple; scenic but no lifeguard coverage.

• Dzongdrakha Cliffs Riverside: Natural streams flowing below the cliffside temples; no official lifeguards.

Wangdue Phodrang

• Wangdue Riverbank: A quiet riverside often used for camping and family outings. No lifeguards are stationed.

• Saephu Valley Streams: Attractive water areas surrounded by forests. Seasonal visitors, but no formal lifeguard presence.

Phobjikha Valley

• Glacial Streams and Wetlands: Known as the “Switzerland of Bhutan,” this valley has shallow rivers and wetlands where children often play. Lifeguards are helpful in supervised areas.

• Gangtey Monastery Riverside: Small river stretches nearby; scenic but without lifeguard service.

Bumthang

• Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake): A sacred site in Bumthang Valley. Visitors gather at the lakeside, but swimming is restricted; lifeguards may monitor for safety.

• Chamkhar Chhu Riverbanks: A Popular riverside area in Bumthang town. No permanent lifeguard stations.

Thimphu

• Wang Chhu River (Thimphu): Flowing through the capital, some stretches are used for recreation. Seasonal lifeguard coverage is possible.

• Motithang Streams: Near the Takin Preserve; small streams attract visitors, but no lifeguards.

The Final Wave

The primary purpose of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to keep swimmers safe. Lifeguards often monitor their area from an elevated chair, patrol aquatic zones, and use binoculars or rescue equipment when needed.

The American Lifeguard Association is recognized as one of the top aquatic health and safety training providers. 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 Bhutan, 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.