Step-by-Step Guide to Lifeguard Class in Georgia with ALA

If you visit beaches or swimming pools in Georgia, you will notice lifeguards on duty to ensure everyone’s safety. Their primary responsibility is to prevent accidents and respond promptly in emergencies, which requires specialized training. A Lifeguard class in Georgia fulfills this role, preparing individuals to safeguard swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and pools.

Georgia is a country renowned for its natural beauty, boasting a stunning Black Sea coastline, picturesque mountain lakes, and modern swimming facilities. Swimming is one of the most popular summer activities for both locals and tourists. The coastline stretches for more than 300 kilometers, and when you add in the country’s lakes, rivers, waterparks, and countless pools, the number of aquatic venues is impressive. All of these locations require trained lifeguards to ensure safety. With tourism and recreational swimming on the rise, the demand for professional lifeguards in Georgia continues to grow, especially during the busy summer months.

Lifeguard Class in Georgia

Across the country, lifeguards work at pools, lakes, beaches, and waterparks to ensure safe recreation. As tourism continues to grow steadily, lifeguards play a vital role in maintaining safety in both urban and coastal areas.

A Lifeguard class in Georgia is the first step toward building a rewarding career in the aquatic industry. Once certified through a respected organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates are well-prepared to find jobs at hotels, community pools, beaches, and aquatic centers.

ALA training centers in Georgia provide a range of lifeguard classes and certification programs. While demand peaks in summer, year-round opportunities also exist thanks to indoor swimming pools and health clubs across the country.

With over 30 years of experience, ALA has certified lifeguards who now serve in communities worldwide. Holding an ALA certification provides a strong credential that employers recognize and value.

About the American Lifeguard Association

The American Lifeguard Association is supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, both nonprofit organizations dedicated to reducing drownings and improving aquatic safety.

ALA’s mission is to make pools, beaches, and waterways safer. To achieve this, ALA works directly with employers worldwide to train lifeguards and promote strong safety standards.

Over the years, ALA has been recognized by major health and safety authorities, 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 that its training aligns with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. Programs are based on the latest ECC science and findings from the 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 a Lifeguard Class in Georgia

To enroll in the ALA Lifeguard class in Georgia, 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

In addition, candidates must demonstrate the following prerequisite skills to successfully complete the course:

• Swim 300 yards continuously:

  • 100 yards front crawl with rhythmic breathing and stabilizing kick

  • 100 yards breaststroke using pull, breath, kick, and glide sequence

  • 100 yards of either front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both

• 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 while carrying the object

  • Exit the water without a ladder or steps, all within 1 minute and 40 seconds

Upon completion, each participant receives 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 Class in Turkey

Lifeguarding in Georgia: Long-Term Career Options

While many people see lifeguarding as a seasonal summer job, it can develop into a long-term profession. Indoor pools, resorts, and aquatic centers create year-round employment opportunities. With further training, lifeguards can move into advanced roles such as:

• Water Safety Instructor

• Swim Coach

• Aquatic Supervisor or Manager

These positions bring higher pay, leadership responsibilities, and the opportunity to build a sustainable career in aquatics.

Learning Skills with a Lifeguard Class in Georgia

ALA’s Lifeguard class equips participants with a wide range 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, Extension, Reaching, and Throwing Assists

• Swimming Extension Rescue

• Active and Passive Drowning Victim Rescues

• Two-Person Removal with a Backboard

• Passive Submerged Victim Recovery 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 and Head-Chin Support Techniques (face-up or 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

• Removing Gloves and Performing Initial Assessment

• Rescue Breathing (adult, child, infant)

• Bag-Valve-Mask Use (two rescuers)

• Conscious and Unconscious Choking Response (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

Famous Beaches in Georgia  Where Lifeguards Are Essential

Georgia’s Black Sea coast offers some of the most popular beaches in the Caucasus region. Lifeguards are crucial in ensuring the safety of these destinations for both locals and tourists.

• Batumi Beach (Adjara): The most famous beach in Georgia, located in the country’s main seaside resort city. Lifeguards are regularly on duty in summer to handle large crowds.

• Kvariati Beach (Adjara): Known for its clean water and great for snorkeling. Lifeguards are typically present in designated areas.

• Gonio Beach (Adjara): Family-friendly and quieter than Batumi, but still staffed with seasonal lifeguards.

• Shekvetili Beach (Guria): Famous for its black magnetic sands. Lifeguards may be present in resort areas.

• Ureki Beach (Guria): Another black-sand beach attracting many health tourists. Lifeguards operate during peak summer months.

• Anaklia Beach (Samegrelo): A growing resort area popular for festivals. Lifeguards are stationed in main swimming zones.

• Kobuleti Beach (Adjara): Long pebble beach with lifeguard services during the holiday season.

These beaches highlight the importance of professional lifeguards in Georgia, especially with the rising number of international visitors.

The Final Wave

The primary role of a Lifeguard class in Georgia is to prepare individuals to protect swimmers. Lifeguards often monitor from raised chairs, patrol open water areas, and use rescue equipment such as binoculars when needed.

The American Lifeguard Association is one of the leading aquatic health and safety training providers worldwide. With more than 30 years of experience, ALA upholds a code of ethics and is committed to providing the highest quality training globally.

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