Can AI Help Lifeguards See What the Human Eye Misses? The Future of AI Drowning Detection
Artificial intelligence could become a powerful second set of eyes for professional lifeguards—helping identify potential emergencies faster while keeping trained lifeguards at the center of aquatic safety and drowning prevention. The American Lifeguard Association® believes emerging AI drowning detection technology has the potential to add an important layer of protection at swimming pools, aquatic facilities, […]
Safe Beaches Need Lifeguards: Why Federal Support for Lifeguard Staffing Matters
American Lifeguard™ Sees H.R. 5063 as an Important Federal Response to Lifeguard Shortages at America’s Public Beaches September 2026 – America’s beaches, national parks and public recreation areas attract millions of visitors who expect these treasured public spaces to be both accessible and reasonably safe. Yet one of the most basic components of aquatic safety […]
How to Become a Water Aerobics Instructor: 7 Essential Certifications
According to Indeed’s article, “7 Certifications for Water Aerobics,” water aerobics instructors lead participants through water-based exercises designed to build strength, improve mobility, and support cardiovascular fitness with less impact on the joints. If you want to lead aquatic fitness classes, the right combination of instructor and safety certifications can help prepare you for the […]
New Jersey Beach Closures Reveal the Need for Better Lifeguard Recruitment
A recent Patch report on New Jersey beaches closing to swimming highlights a growing late-summer safety problem: lifeguards are leaving their seasonal positions to return to college, forcing municipalities to reduce lifeguard coverage or prohibit swimming at certain beaches. The report identifies staffing changes in Seaside Park, Sea Isle City, Ship Bottom, North Wildwood, Wildwood, […]
Where Did All the Lifeguards Go? Retirees Could Help Keep Community Pools Open Through Labor Day
Every August, community pool operators confront the same troubling question: Where did all our lifeguards go? The answer is usually straightforward. They went back to school. High school students return to classes, athletics, and extracurricular activities. College students pack their belongings, attend orientation, and head back to universities—often several weeks before Labor Day. Yet the […]
National Lifeguard Championships Show Why Lifeguards Are Professional First Responders
More than 1,200 lifeguards from across the United States recently gathered on Fort Lauderdale Beach for one of the country’s premier professional lifesaving competitions: the 2026 National Lifeguard Championships. For several days, lifeguards competed in demanding swimming, running, paddling, rowing and rescue-oriented events designed to showcase the strength, endurance and skills associated with professional lifesaving. […]
How to Become a Lifeguard: Complete Training and Certification Guide
Becoming a lifeguard is one of the best ways to turn strong swimming skills into meaningful work. Lifeguards protect children, families, athletes, and recreational swimmers at pools, waterparks, camps, hotels, resorts, schools, community centers, and waterfronts. The job can provide seasonal or year-round employment, build leadership skills, and create a pathway into aquatics management, emergency […]
Rescue Skills for Lifeguards: Essential Techniques That Save Lives
Lifeguards serve as the frontline defense against drowning and aquatic emergencies. Whether working at swimming pools, water parks, lakes, rivers, or ocean beaches, lifeguards are entrusted with protecting the lives of countless swimmers and visitors. While the public often associates lifeguarding with watching over the water from a chair, the profession requires extensive training, physical […]
Shark Week May Be Over, But Shark Safety Never Ends: The American Lifeguard Association’s Guide to Safe Ocean Recreation 3
As another exciting Shark Week comes to a close, millions of viewers have once again been captivated by documentaries showcasing one of the ocean’s most misunderstood predators. From breathtaking footage of great white sharks to fascinating research about shark behavior, Shark Week has helped educate the public while inspiring respect for marine life. This year’s […]
Heroic Santa Cruz Lifeguard Rescue Demonstrates Why Professional Lifeguard Training Saves Lives
The recent rescue of a young boy from dangerous surf at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, California, has inspired millions across the country and reminded the public why professional lifeguard training is one of the most important investments communities can make. The dramatic rescue was featured by Yahoo News, which republished the original San Francisco […]