The American Lifeguard Association® (ALA) offers both group and individual lifeguard training, providing prospective lifeguards with flexible options to obtain their certification. While group training has its benefits, individual training provides a more personalized, flexible, and effective learning experience. This analysis explores why individual training is often the superior choice for lifeguard certification.
Individual Training: An Overview
Individual Instruction
Our course provides standardized, instructor-led video instructions for those seeking lifeguard certification in a blended learning environment. Participants have the flexibility to complete the coursework at their own pace and according to their schedule. This format enables employers to assess skills and also encourages ongoing skill development and practice through regular in-service training sessions. Additionally, our program mandates that employers adhere to the CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) standards, which includes conducting comprehensive pre-service and in-service training evaluations.
Flexible Scheduling
Individual training offers unparalleled flexibility in scheduling. Candidates can choose convenient times, making it easier for individuals with busy schedules or other commitments to complete their training. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for professionals or students who may find it challenging to adhere to a fixed group training schedule.
In-Depth Feedback
The individual can spend more time addressing specific areas where the trainee needs improvement. This focused attention can accelerate the learning process and ensure that the trainee reaches a high level of proficiency.
Comfortable Learning Pace
Individual training allows the trainee to learn at their own pace. This can be especially advantageous for those who may need more time to master certain skills or who prefer a more relaxed learning environment. Candidates can take the necessary time to practice and refine their techniques without the pressure of keeping up with a group.
Enhanced Affordability and Satisfaction
The American Lifeguard Association is pleased to announce that we have secured a national grant to lower our lifeguard and safety training fees. These funds will be available until they are exhausted. ALA’s lowest price policy ensures that all training programs, including individual training, remain affordable. They offer the option to pay over time and provide a 30-day satisfaction policy, making their training accessible to a wider audience. This commitment to affordability, combined with the advantages of individual training, ensures that cost is not a barrier to receiving high-quality lifeguard training.
Compliance with MAHC Standards
Our lifeguard training and certification program requires that employers adhere to the standards outlined by the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). In accordance with these national standards, employers must conduct both pre-service and in-service training evaluations. This rigorous approach ensures that our training not only meets national benchmarks but also provides candidates with top-tier education, preparing them for effective prevention and response to aquatic emergencies.
Advantages Over Group Training
Focused Attention
In group training, instructors must divide their time among all participants. Individual lifeguard training eliminates this issue, ensuring that each session is entirely focused on the candidate’s development.
Customized Learning Experience
Group lifeguard training follows a pace designed to cater to the average learning speed of the group. This can be problematic for both faster and slower learners. Individual training allows the candidate to customize the curriculum and pace according to the trainee’s unique needs, ensuring that they fully grasp each concept before moving on.
Enhanced Skill Mastery
Individual training provides the opportunity for trainees to master skills more effectively. This focused environment helps them develop a deeper understanding and proficiency in lifeguarding techniques, making them more confident and capable lifeguards.
Practical Considerations
Real-World Application
While lifeguarding is a team-oriented job, the foundational skills and knowledge must first be learned individually. Individual training ensures that each trainee has a solid grasp of the essential skills before integrating into a team environment. This approach ensures that all team members are competent and confident in their abilities, leading to more effective teamwork during real-life emergencies.
Employee Orientation
An orientation session about facility operations and responsibilities helps lifeguards understand the facility, their responsibilities, and management’s expectations. The orientation is critical for learning what is unique about your workplace. Ask your employer questions about your facility and become completely familiar with your facility’s operations.
The employer ensures that each lifeguard candidate has all the skills and knowledge necessary for the position they are being considered for. The employer also needs to make sure the candidate meets the requirements regarding physical and all other elements before starting employment. The employer should evaluate your current skill level. Your employer may have you participate in rescue scenarios to ensure that you understand your team’s responsibilities and are familiar with your facility’s layout and equipment.
Continue with In-Service Training with Your Employer
Earning a lifeguarding certification means you have completed a training course on a given date. It does not mean that you have learned everything there is to know about lifeguarding. Once hired as a lifeguard, you should expect to be required to continue your training. Employers must adhere to the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) guidelines, which mandate both pre-service evaluations and continuous in-service training.
Skills Covered in the Program
Rescue Skills:
- Slide-In Entry
- Stride and Compact Jumps
- Rescue Approach—Front Crawl or Breaststroke
- Simple Assist
- Extension Assist from the Deck
- Reaching Assist with Equipment and Throwing Assist
- Swimming Extension Rescue
- Active and Passive Drowning Victim Rear Rescue
- Two-Person Removal from the Water Using a Backboard
- Passive Submerged Victim—Shallow Water
- Submerged Victim—Deep Water
- Multiple-Victim Rescue
- Feet-First Surface Dive
- Front and Rear Head-Hold Escape
Caring for Head, Neck, or Back Injury Skills:
- Manual In-Line Stabilization for a Head, Neck, or Back Injury on Land—Lying Down, Sitting, or Standing
- Using a Backboard for a Standing Victim on Land
- Head Splint Technique—Face-Up Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface
- Head Splint Technique—Face-Down Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface
- Head Splint Technique—Face-Up Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface
- Head Splint Technique—Face-Down Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface
- Head and Chin Support—Face-Up Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface
- Head and Chin Support—Face-Down Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface
- Head and Chin Support—Face-Up Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface
- Head and Chin Support—Face-Down Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface
- Stabilization for a Submerged Victim—Face-Up, Face-Down, or on One Side in Deep Water
- Using a Backboard in Shallow and Deep Water
CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Skills:
- Removing Gloves
- Initial Assessment
- Rescue Breathing—Adult, Child, and Infant
- Using a Bag-Valve-Mask Resuscitator—Two Rescuers
- Conscious Choking—Adult, Child, and Infant
- Unconscious Choking—Adult, Child, and Infant
- CPR—Adult, Child, and Infant
- Two-Rescuer CPR—Adult, Child, and Infant
- Using an AED—Adult and Child
First Aid Skills:
- Secondary Assessment
- Controlling External Bleeding
- Applying a Sling and Binder
- Applying an Anatomic Splint
- Applying a Soft Splint
Skill Scenarios:
- Final Skill Scenario 1—Active Drowning Victim
- Final Skill Scenario 2—Submerged Passive Drowning Victim
- Final Skill Scenario 3—Head, Neck, or Back Injury
National standards require that all employers test each candidate to ensure they possess the required skills. Employers should also further their staff training through in-service programs to help increase their ability levels. At any time during employment, a staff member should be able to demonstrate their skills to show proficiency. Therefore, even after you complete our program, you must continue practicing your skills and work to improve them.
There is nothing more important than learning how to save a life and nothing more rewarding than knowing you did it the right way. ALA has helped save tens of thousands of lives over the past quarter of a century. Learn to be alert, be professional, and save lives the right way. Get certified now and start saving lives!
Contact us for more information 703-761-6750 – alalifeguard@aol.com
