Fiji Shark Attack During Shark Week Reinforces Critical Ocean Safety Tips, Says American Lifeguard Association®
As millions of viewers tune in for Shark Week 2026, a recent shark attack in Fiji serves as an important reminder that ocean safety, lifeguard education, and emergency preparedness remain essential whenever entering the water. The American Lifeguard Association® (ALA) is encouraging swimmers, divers, surfers, snorkelers, and boaters to use the heightened awareness surrounding Shark […]
Summer Water Safety Tips: American Lifeguard Association Shares Essential Advice to Help Prevent Drownings
Every summer, millions of Americans head to swimming pools, lakes, rivers, beaches, and water parks to cool off and spend time with family and friends. Unfortunately, summer also marks the peak season for drowning incidents. While water activities create lifelong memories, they also require constant attention and preparation to ensure everyone returns home safely. The […]
New Jersey Recognizes Open Water Lifeguards as First Responders: A Historic Milestone for Water Safety
For decades, lifeguards have quietly stood as the first line of defense against drowning and aquatic emergencies. Whether responding to a swimmer caught in a rip current, administering CPR after a cardiac emergency, or coordinating emergency action plans during a mass rescue, lifeguards have consistently performed the duties of first responders. Now, the State of […]
Is Your Community Pool Properly Staffed? Why Two Lifeguards Should Be the Minimum
When families visit a public swimming pool, water park, hotel, resort, apartment complex, or community aquatic center, they assume trained lifeguards are watching the water and are prepared to respond immediately if an emergency occurs. But an important question is often overlooked: Are there enough lifeguards on duty to protect everyone in the water? Proper […]
Swimsuit Colors Can Save Lives: The American Lifeguard Association Urges Swimmers to Choose Visibility Over Fashion
As families head to pools, beaches, lakes, and water parks this summer, most people focus on sunscreen, towels, and flotation devices. However, one of the simplest—and potentially most important—water safety decisions is often overlooked: the color of your swimsuit. A recent article published by the Italian news publication EduNews24 has brought international attention to this […]
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 […]