American Lifeguard Association Highlights Sneaker Wave Dangers During ABC Good Morning America Interview
The American Lifeguard Association appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America today to discuss one of the most dangerous and often misunderstood hazards along the Pacific Coast and other ocean shorelines: sneaker waves. The national interview comes as millions of Americans head to beaches for the summer season and as recent incidents in California have drawn […]
Why Lifeguard Chair Height Still Matters: A Persistent Threat to Pool Safety
Lifeguard chair height remains one of the most overlooked factors in pool safety and drowning prevention. An investigative report by 6ABC Action News, titled “Consumer Reports: Staying Safe at the Pool This Summer,” helped bring national attention to a serious aquatic safety concern: many lifeguards across the country are still being seated in chairs that […]
How to Become a Certified Lifeguard through the American Lifeguard Association®
Becoming a certified lifeguard is one of the most meaningful ways to serve your community, protect swimmers, and build a strong foundation for employment in aquatics, recreation, hospitality, camps, schools, waterparks, and public pools. The American Lifeguard Association offers a national lifeguard certification pathway designed to help candidates learn essential lifesaving skills through a video […]
H2O Think Blue Too: Protecting Waterways for Future Generations
The H2O Think Blue Too movement is built around a simple but powerful responsibility: protecting our beaches, waterways, rivers, lakes, and coastal areas so they remain clean, healthy, and beautiful for future generations. At a time when plastic pollution, litter, and environmental neglect continue to threaten aquatic and coastal environments, H2O Think Blue Too is […]
Thunderstorm Pool Safety: American Lifeguard Association Issues Critical Lightning Safety Guidelines for Lifeguards and Aquatic Facilities
As severe weather continues to impact communities across the United States, the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is reminding aquatic facilities, certified lifeguards, pool operators, and swimmers about the importance of following established thunderstorm and lightning safety procedures. Whether at a community pool, waterpark, aquatic center, country club, or resort, proper thunderstorm response is a critical […]
Why Free Swim Lessons for Kids Should Come to Major U.S. Cities
The American Lifeguard Association believes that every child should have the opportunity to learn basic swimming and water safety skills, regardless of family income, location, or access to private lessons. That is why the recent proposal in Surrey, British Columbia, to launch free introductory swim lessons for children is an idea that should be seriously […]
Water Safety Awareness: A Lifesaving Message for Every Family, Swimmer, and Community
Water Safety Awareness Begins Before Anyone Enters the Water Water safety awareness is one of the most important public safety messages families can hear before summer, holidays, vacations, pool parties, beach trips, and community swim events. Every year, families gather around pools, lakes, rivers, beaches, water parks, and backyard swimming areas expecting fun, relaxation, and […]
As Memorial Day Weekend Begins, ALA Renews Water Safety Message Highlighted by NBC TODAY Coverage Last Summer
Memorial Day Weekend Water Safety: Active Supervision Saves Lives As Memorial Day weekend begins and families across the country head to pools, beaches, lakes, water parks, and backyard gatherings, the American Lifeguard Association is again urging parents and caregivers to make water safety a top priority. The same concerns highlighted in last summer’s NBC TODAY […]
American Lifeguard Association Featured During CBS News Radio’s Final Broadcast Era
A Historic Moment in American Broadcasting The American Lifeguard Association is honored to be included in CBS News Radio’s final broadcast coverage during this historic moment in American broadcasting. After nearly a century of service, CBS News Radio is preparing to close a remarkable chapter in journalism history as Memorial Day weekend approaches. To have […]
Lifeguard Shortage Outlook for Summer 2026: J-1 Visa Disruptions, Workforce Challenges, and Strategic Solutions
As we approach Memorial Day and the unofficial start of the summer season, one reality is becoming increasingly clear to municipalities, operators, and policymakers: the lifeguard workforce remains under sustained pressure—and in many regions, the situation may tighten further before it stabilizes. While some local markets report adequate hiring levels, the broader national outlook points […]