Become a Certified Lifeguard in Ethiopia with ALA

If you visit beaches or swimming pools in Ethiopia, you will notice lifeguards on duty to ensure everyone’s safety. The lifeguard’s essential role is to prevent accidents and respond quickly to emergencies, which requires specialized training. Lifeguard training in Ethiopia fulfills this purpose preparing individuals to safeguard swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.

Ethiopia is home to numerous lakes and resort destinations that provide popular spots for swimming and recreation. From Lake Langano and Lake Bishoftu to resort-based pools and waterparks, aquatic activities are a favorite pastime for many. This growing number of swimming venues creates a rising demand for lifeguards, especially during the warmer months when families, tourists, and local communities flock to the water.

Lifeguard Training in Ethiopia

Lifeguards in Ethiopia work at beaches, waterparks, lakes, and swimming pools to protect swimmers and ensure a safe environment. With aquatic facilities expanding across the country, there are many opportunities for those interested in becoming a lifeguard.

Lifeguard training in Ethiopia is the first step toward building a career in aquatics. Once certified by a respected organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates are well-positioned to seek employment at beaches, pools, and aquatic centers.

ALA training centers in Ethiopia offer multiple lifeguard training programs and certifications. While demand peaks during the summertime, indoor aquatic facilities and year-round water activities ensure that employment opportunities continue throughout the year.

With more than 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards serving communities around the world. Certification through ALA provides a credential recognized by employers and demonstrates dedication 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, two 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on reducing drownings and improving aquatic safety.

ALA’s mission is to make beaches, swimming pools, and waterways safer. To achieve this, ALA partners directly with employers to provide lifeguard training and build strong safety practices.

ALA has been recognized by leading organizations, including:

• The CDC Healthy Swimming Program

• The U.S. Department of Labor 

• The U.S. General Service Administration  (GSA)

Since the early 1990s, ALA has ensured its programs meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. Training also reflects the latest ECC science and incorporates findings from the Ethiopia Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition Report. In addition, ALA requires employers to follow the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) for pre-service evaluations and in-service training.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in Ethiopia

To enroll in the American Lifeguard Association’s lifeguard training program in Ethiopia, candidates must meet the following 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 these prerequisite skills to complete the course successfully:

• Swim 300 yards continuously, using the following sequence:

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

  • Start in the water, swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke

  • Surface dive 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object

  • Swim 20 yards back to the starting point with the object

  • Exit the water without using steps or a ladder

  • All within 1 minute and 40 seconds

Upon 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 Eritrea

Lifeguarding in Ethiopia: Long-Term Career Options

While lifeguarding is often viewed as a summer job for students, it can also become a long-term career. Year-round employment is available at indoor pools and aquatic centers. With additional training, lifeguards can advance into roles such as:

• Water Safety Instructor

• Swim Coach

• Aquatic Supervisor or Manager

These positions provide higher pay, leadership opportunities, and the chance to dedicate a career to public health and safety.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in Ethiopia

During the ALA lifeguard training course, participants gain a comprehensive set of skills, including rescue techniques, CPR/AED, and First Aid.

Rescue Skills

• Slide-In Entry

• Stride and Compact Jumps

• Rescue Approach (front crawl or breaststroke)

• Simple, Extension, and Throwing Assists

• Swimming Extension Rescue

• Active and Passive Drowning Victim Rescues

• Two-Person Removal with a Backboard

• Submerged Victim Recovery (shallow and deep water)

• Multiple-Victim Rescue

• Feet-First Surface Dive

• Front and Rear Head-Hold Escapes

Caring for Head, Neck, or Back Injuries

• Manual In-Line Stabilization (on land or in water)

• Using a Backboard (shallow or deep water)

• Head Splint and Head/Chin Support Techniques (face-up or face-down victims)

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer

• Initial Assessment and Removing Gloves

• Rescue Breathing (adult, child, infant)

• Using a Bag-Valve-Mask Resuscitator

• Choking Response (conscious and unconscious victims)

• CPR (one-rescuer and two-rescuer)

• AED Use (adult and child)

First Aid Skills

• Secondary Assessment

• Controlling Bleeding

• Applying Slings, Binders, and Splints

• Final Skill Scenarios (active drowning, submerged victim, spinal injury)

Famous Lake Beaches in Ethiopia

Although Ethiopia is landlocked, its beautiful lakes offer beach-like settings where lifeguards are essential for swimmer safety. Some of the most popular include:

Lake Langano – Ethiopia’s most famous lake, with designated beaches and resorts that provide a coastal-style swimming experience.

Lake Bishoftu – A scenic lake surrounded by resorts, offering lakefront views and a beach-like atmosphere.

Popular Resorts and Activities

• Sabana Beach Resort (Lake Langano): A top destination for visitors seeking a relaxing lake beach experience.

• Simbo Resort Beach (Lake Langano): Well-known for its amenities and water activities.

• Haile Resort Hawassa: A premier resort providing another option for a beach-style getaway.

These destinations highlight the importance of lifeguards in ensuring the safety of visitors enjoying Ethiopia’s lakeside beaches and resorts.

The Final Wave

The ultimate goal of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to protect swimmers and respond effectively to emergencies. Lifeguards often monitor their zones from raised chairs, patrol open water areas, and use binoculars or rescue tools to ensure safety.

The American Lifeguard Association is recognized as a leader in aquatic safety training worldwide. With more than 30 years of experience, ALA continues to uphold high standards and a strong code of ethics.

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