Different Types of Training to Become A Lifeguard

There are different types of training programs available to become a lifeguard. The most common type of training is a certification through the American Red Cross and the American Lifeguard Association. Other organizations that offer lifeguard certification include the YMCA, the United States Lifesaving Association, and the Boy Scouts of America.

There are also several different levels of certification available. The entry-level certification is known as Lifeguarding/CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and covers all the basics required to be a lifeguard. The next level, known as Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, includes additional first aid and CPR training. Finally, the highest level of certification is known as Lifeguarding/CPR/AED/First Aid for Professional Rescuers and includes all of the training from the previous two levels.

It is important to note that not all lifeguard certifications are created equal. Some organizations have more rigorous standards than others. It is essential to do your research before choosing an organization to certify you as a lifeguard.

Once you have obtained your certification, it is important to keep up with your training. Many organizations offer refresher courses every year or two to keep you up-to-date on the latest lifesaving techniques. In addition, many organizations offer specialty courses such as water rescue, ice rescue, and diver rescue. It is important to stay current on these specialty courses, as they can help you save a life.

There are also many different training courses that lifeguards can take to better their skills and knowledge. Some of these training include:

1. First Aid/CPR: This training provides lifeguards with the skills needed to respond to medical emergencies.

In the event of an emergency, it is important to have knowledge of first aid and CPR. These basic skills can help you stabilize an injured person until further help arrives.

Here are some tips for providing first aid:

1. If the victim is unconscious, check for a pulse and breathing. If there is no pulse, begin CPR.
2. If the victim is not breathing but has a pulse, begin rescue breathing immediately.
3. If the victim is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding.
4. If the victim has a seizure, gently guide them to the ground and move any objects away from them.

2. Aquatic Rescue Techniques: This training teaches lifeguards how to rescue people in danger in the water.

In order to rescue someone who has fallen into the water, you need to know the proper techniques. Here are a few basic steps:

1. Remain calm and assess the situation.
2. If possible, throw a life preserver or something that will float to the victim.
3. If you can’t reach the victim, try to get them to grab onto something that will help them stay afloat.
4. Never come into direct contact with a drowning victim unless you are a trained lifeguard.
5. If you are able, administer rescue breathing or CPR if necessary.

Lifeguard Training: This is the basic training that all lifeguards must complete in order to be certified. It covers topics such as CPR, first aid, and aquatic rescue techniques.

Basic lifeguard training provides entry-level participants the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies and provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until EMS personnel take over. Requirements: Minimum age: 15 years; Swim 300 yards continuously; Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs; Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds by starting in the water, swimming 20 yards, surface dive to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object, return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, exit the water without using steps or a ladder. Participants who complete the Lifeguarding course receive an American Lifeguard certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, valid for two years.

Swimming Skills:

If you can answer “yes” to the following questions, you will pass the swimming test portion of the lifeguard certification requirements.

• Can you swim for 300 yards without stopping using the following 3 strokes in this order and with the proper form?

1. Front crawl (freestyle) for 100 yards
2. Breaststroke for 100 yards
3. Either the front crawl or the breaststroke for the final 100 yards

• Can you retrieve a weight from the bottom of the pool within a time limit of 1 minute and 40 seconds?

4. Emergency Management: This training prepares lifeguards for dealing with large-scale emergencies.

Emergency management is the process of creating and implementing plans to deal with emergencies and disasters. This includes everything from preparing for natural disasters like hurricanes and floods to responding to man-made emergencies like terrorist attacks or industrial accidents.

Emergency management is critical for protecting people, property, and the environment. It involves planning for all possible emergencies, including those that have not yet occurred. By preparing for emergencies, emergency managers can reduce the risks and damage caused by them.

There are many different aspects of emergency management, including:

-Preparedness: Planning for potential emergencies and ensuring that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency

-Response: Responding to an emergency as quickly as possible once it has occurred

5. Swimming Lessons:

Swimming is an excellent form of exercise and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Swimming lessons are essential for both children and adults, as they can help you learn the proper techniques for swimming and stay safe in the water.

There are many different types of swimming lessons available, so it is important to choose the one that is right for you. If you are a beginner, you may want to consider group lessons. Group lessons are a great way to learn the basics of swimming and meet other swimmers your age. These classes are typically offered at local pools and community centers.

If you are an experienced swimmer, you may want to consider private lessons. Private lessons allow you to focus on specific skills and techniques.

The above are just a few of the many different training programs that lifeguards can take. This training can help lifeguards become better equipped to handle any situation they may encounter.

So, what are you waiting for? Start your training today and become a lifeguard with American Lifeguard Association.

The American Lifeguard Association has been listed over the years with the CDC Healthy Swimming website. In addition, the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. General Service Administration (GSA) has determined that the American Lifeguard Association offers lifeguard certification programs similar to those provided by the American Red Cross. Also, since the early 1990s, we have helped ensure that all our training programs meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements for employees.