WELLCOME FIRST CLASS LIFEGUARD TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
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Lifeguard requirements to enroll with the American Lifeguard Association

You may want to become a lifeguard to help protect the lives of others. Becoming a lifeguard is a very important job. There are many steps that you will need to follow before you can get your certification. These include passing a test, completing training, and meeting certain qualifications and other lifeguard requirements.

A challenging job

Before you apply for lifeguard training, you should know that you are applying for a challenging and rewarding career. You should be ready to learn about the rules and regulations concerning lifeguards, first aid, CPR, and lifeguarding.

You should also be prepared to demonstrate your abilities and knowledge by passing a comprehensive lifeguard exam. If you want to work in this profession, you should have a clear understanding of how to swim.

Why the American Lifeguard Association?

The American Lifeguard Association® is considered one of the top aquatic health and safety training programs in the United States. Founded in 1990, and with the United States Senate’s assistance, the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) has become a nationally recognized association.

  • The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is one of the leading organizations that offer lifeguard training.
  • ALA offers many programs for people interested in becoming lifeguards, including online classes, individual and group training, and recertification.
  • ALA’s certification program requires that applicants complete a minimum of 28.5 hours of training, and pass an exam, to become certified lifeguards.
  • ALA program’s skills reflect ECC science and findings from the United States Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition.
  • ALA requires employers to meet the new Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) requirement to conduct pre-service evaluations and in-service training.
  • ALA’s Code of Ethics is one of the highest standards of conduct in our industry. We adhere to this code to ensure our candidates are qualified to protect the public from hazardous conditions in and around water.
  • ALA has provided lifeguard education since 1990 and has trained over 250,000 individuals worldwide.
  • ALA is one of the oldest and largest American organizations dedicated to protecting the public from the hazards of water recreation. We provide high-quality lifeguarding courses and offer certification for those who complete our programs.
  • ALA is a leading aquatic safety company. Its purpose is to teach lifesavers how to survive an aquatic emergency.
  • ALA has been listed over the years on the CDC Healthy Swimming website.
  • The U.S. Department of Labor has determined that the American Lifeguard Association offers lifeguard certification programs similar to those provided by the American Red Cross.
  • ALA provides lifesavers with the skills and knowledge they need to save lives.
  • ALA also teaches lifesavers how to avoid situations that may cause injury or death.
  • ALA has been teaching lifesavers for more than 30 years.
  • ALA training program teaches lifesavers how to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies.
  • ALA teaches lifesavers how to recognize signs of drowning and other life-threatening aquatic emergencies.
  • ALA provides lifesavers with the knowledge and skills they need to save lives.
  • ALA is a prominent leader in the aquatic safety industry.

The Lifeguard requirements

Our lifeguard course 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.

Prerequisites:

  • 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 diving 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 Association certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, valid for 2 years.

Our Lifeguard certification program

We offer a national certification program that can be started and completed at any time and regardless of where you live. With our nationally recognized certification program, you can begin training anywhere and finish it at any time.

After enrolling, you can complete your certification program in as little as a few days or a weekend, or you can feel free to go at your own pace. It is an online program that uses videos, manuals, and exams that you can achieve on your own and at your own pace.

Upon successful completion, you will become a certified lifeguard through the American Lifeguard Association, a nationally recognized organization. Our programs may be eligible for Continuing Education Unit (CEU) and college elective credits.

Responsibilities of a lifeguard

When you are a lifeguard, you have to watch over the safety of everyone who comes into the pool area. Below are just some of your responsibilities.

  • Know the Emergency Action Plan for your facility
  • Watch the patrons to help ensure they are safe and respond in an emergency.
  • Be ready to administer First aid, including CPR.
  • Spot hazards and help prevent accidents.
  • Advise on water safety.
  • Control unruly behavior.
  • You must also make sure you have the proper safety equipment at all times.
  • You must be in a designated lifeguard uniform.
  • You must stay up on your training through in-service training

What should you expect as a lifeguard?

If you want to become a lifeguard, it is important that you learn about the job. You’ll know what to expect if you go through lifeguard training. If you want to get the best job, you will need to take time to learn about your responsibilities.

You may find that lifeguarding is a really great job. In order to be a good lifeguard, you need to know what to expect when you are watching the swimmers. You should know how to help the swimmers when they are having problems. You should also know how to help other people.

You should be able to be helpful to others. You should also be able to give instructions to other people. You should also be willing to learn more about lifesaving techniques. This is one of the reasons why you should take lifeguard training classes.

Final Words

Lifeguards protect swimmers from dangerous situations. Swimming is one of the safest activities to do in the water. If you want to help save lives, you should fulfill the lifeguard requirements and contact us and enroll in a lifeguard training program.

Our lifeguard classes will teach you how to save lives. You should practice rescue drills throughout your lifeguard career. If you are going to save someone who is drowning, you should always have the proper training and safety equipment. If you are looking for lifeguard classes near me then we will do our best to help. Please let us know if you have any questions. You can reach us on our Contact Us page. You’re going to need to provide your first and last names, as well as your address, your phone number, and email address.

The American Lifeguard Association promotes the safe and enjoyable use of aquatic environments through public service announcements and national news media interviews. The Association’s opinion and viewpoints have been aired numerous times over the decades, on network shows such as NBC Today Show, Good Morning America, Doctors, and Weather Channel. It has also worked with all the national news networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. To learn more about our Association and read the latest news stories regarding the American Lifeguard Association nationwide efforts in the lifesaving profession, we ask that you tap American Lifeguard Association News.

Need help paying for courses?

The American Lifeguard Association has been approved for the Capital One Affiliate Program! for Tuition Assistance Loan

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