Lifeguard training in South Korea: Requirements, Skills, and Jobs

If you visit beaches or swimming pools in South Korea, you’ll notice lifeguards stationed to keep everyone safe. Their key responsibility is preventing accidents and acting quickly in emergencies, which requires specialized training. Lifeguard training in South Korea serves this purpose—preparing individuals to protect swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and pools.

South Korea offers a mix of coastal areas, lakes, and aquatic facilities where swimming is popular. In addition to summer beachgoers, indoor swimming pools and waterparks across the country ensure that aquatic activities take place year-round. This consistent demand highlights the importance of trained lifeguards, especially during peak summer months.

Lifeguard training in South Korea

Lifeguards in South Korea work at beaches, waterparks, lakes, and swimming pools to safeguard swimmers. With so many aquatic spaces nationwide, there are plenty of opportunities for people who want to pursue lifeguarding as a valuable role.

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

ALA training centers in South Korea provide a variety of lifeguard programs and certifications. While demand peaks in summer, opportunities for training and employment remain steady year-round thanks to indoor aquatic facilities.

For more than 30 years, ALA has prepared lifeguards who now serve communities worldwide. An ALA certification is widely recognized by employers and reflects a strong commitment to safety and professionalism.

About the American Lifeguard Association

The American Lifeguard Association is supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, both 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations dedicated to water safety and drowning prevention.

ALA’s mission is to make pools, beaches, and waterways safer. To achieve this, it partners directly with employers across North America and internationally to train lifeguards and establish effective safety practices.

Over the years, ALA has been recognized by public health and safety authorities such as:

• CDC Healthy Swimming Program

• U.S. Department of Labor

• U.S. General Service Administration (GSA)

Since the early 1990s, ALA programs have met Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. Training incorporates the latest ECC science and findings from the Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition, as well as meeting the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) standards for pre-service evaluations and in-service training.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in South Korea

To enroll in the ALA lifeguard training program in South Korea, 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 beaches or waterfronts

In addition, candidates must demonstrate the following prerequisites:

• Swim 300 yards continuously, including:

  • 100 yards of front crawl with rhythmic breathing and a strong kick

  • 100 yards of breaststroke with pull-breath-kick-glide technique

  • 100 yards of front crawl or breaststroke (or a combination)

• Timed rescue event:

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

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

  • Swim 20 yards back with the object

  • Exit the pool without steps or ladder, all within 1 minute 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.

Lifeguarding in South Korea: Long-Term Career Paths

While many see lifeguarding as a summer job for students, it can grow into a lasting career. Indoor pools, fitness centers, and year-round aquatic programs provide ongoing employment opportunities. With further training, lifeguards can advance into roles such as:

• Water Safety Instructor

• Swim Coach

• Aquatic Supervisor or Manager

These positions not only pay more but also provide leadership roles and professional development in the field of public health and safety.

Skills Gained from Lifeguard Training in South Korea

ALA’s lifeguard training course equips participants with essential skills in three core areas: Rescue Skills, CPR/AED, and First Aid.

Rescue Skills

• Slide-In Entry, Stride, and Compact Jumps

• Rescue Approaches using front crawl or breaststroke

• Simple, Extension, Reaching, and Throwing Assists

• Active and Passive Drowning Victim Rescues

• Multiple-Victim Rescues

• Submerged Victim Recovery (shallow and deep water)

• Two-Person Removal with a Backboard

• Head-Hold Escapes and Stabilization Techniques

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 Techniques (face-up and face-down, shallow or deep water)

• Head and Chin Support (face-up and face-down, shallow or deep water)

• In-Line Stabilization for Submerged Victims

• Using a Backboard in Shallow and Deep Water

CPR/AED Skills

• Initial Assessments and Rescue Breathing (adult, child, infant)

• Two-Rescuer Bag-Valve-Mask Use

• Choking Responses (conscious/unconscious, all age groups)

• CPR (single- and two-rescuer techniques)

• AED Application (adult and child)

First Aid Skills

• Secondary Assessments

• Bleeding Control

• Splinting (anatomic, soft, sling, and binder applications)

Final Scenarios

• Active drowning victim

• Submerged passive victim

• Head, neck, or back injury

Famous South Korean Beaches Where Lifeguards Are Essential

Busan

• Haeundae Beach: One of the most famous beaches in Korea, attracting millions of visitors each summer. Fully staffed with lifeguards during peak season.

• Gwangalli Beach: Known for views of Gwangan Bridge and vibrant nightlife. Lifeguards are on duty in the summer months.

• Songjeong Beach: Popular among surfers. Seasonal lifeguard presence ensures swimmer safety.

Jeju Island

• Hyeopjae Beach: Clear turquoise waters and white sand, popular with families. Lifeguards patrol during the swimming season.

• Jungmun Saekdal Beach: Famous for international surfing events. Lifeguards are stationed during high season.

• Hamdeok Beach: Shallow waters ideal for children; lifeguards supervise designated zones.

Gangwon Province

• Gyeongpo Beach (Gangneung): Popular summer destination with lifeguards in designated swim areas.

• Sokcho Beach: Easily accessible and busy during summer, with seasonal lifeguard coverage.

Incheon

• Eurwangni Beach: Near Incheon International Airport, crowded in peak season with lifeguards present.

Would you like to read about: Lifeguard training in Japan

The Final Word

The primary goal of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to keep swimmers safe. Lifeguards often watch from elevated chairs, patrol open-water zones, and use rescue tools such as binoculars or flotation devices.

The American Lifeguard Association is recognized worldwide as a leading provider of aquatic safety training. With over 30 years of experience, ALA follows a strong code of ethics and is dedicated to delivering top-quality training.

For lifeguard training in South Korea, if you’re searching for “lifeguard training near me,” the American Lifeguard Association is your trusted choice. For more details about ALA lifeguard certification programs, please contact us.