If you visit beaches or swimming pools in Benin, you will notice lifeguards on duty to ensure the safety of swimmers. A lifeguard’s primary role is to prevent accidents and respond quickly in emergencies—work that requires specialized training. Lifeguard training in Benin prepares individuals to safeguard swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.
Benin, located on the West African coast, is known for its Atlantic shoreline, fishing villages, and popular resort areas. Swimming and water recreation are common in public beaches, lakes, and hotel pools, which creates steady demand for lifeguards, especially during the dry season and peak tourist months.
Lifeguards in Benin work at beaches, waterparks, lakes, and swimming pools to protect swimmers and provide a safe environment. With numerous aquatic venues and a growing tourism sector, lifeguarding offers many opportunities for individuals seeking rewarding roles.
Lifeguard training in Benin is the first step toward building a career in aquatics. Once certified by a respected organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates are well-prepared to seek employment at beaches, pools, resorts, and aquatic centers.
ALA training centers connected with Benin-based providers offer multiple training programs and certifications. While the demand peaks during the summer and holiday seasons, opportunities continue year-round thanks to indoor pools, resort facilities, and water-based activities.
With over 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards who now serve communities worldwide. Certification through ALA is recognized internationally and demonstrates professionalism and commitment to safety.
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, both nonprofit organizations dedicated to reducing drownings and improving aquatic safety.
ALA’s mission is to make swimming pools, beaches, and waterways safer. To achieve this, ALA works with employers across Africa, North America, and beyond to train lifeguards and establish strong safety practices.
ALA has been referenced by major public health and safety organizations, including:
Training also reflects the latest ECC science and incorporates findings from the Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition Report. In addition, ALA requires employers to follow the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) for pre-service evaluations and in-service training.
To enroll in the American Lifeguard Association’s lifeguard training course in Benin, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Age Requirement
15 years or older to work at a pool, waterpark, or lake
16 years or older to work at a beach or waterfront facility
Swimming and Rescue Skills
Swim 300 yards continuously, using:
100 yards front crawl with rhythmic breathing and a stabilizing kick
100 yards breaststroke with pull-breath-kick-glide sequence
100 yards of either front crawl or breaststroke (or a combination)
Timed event:
Start in the water, swim 20 yards (front crawl or breaststroke)
Surface dive 7–10 feet, retrieve a 10-pound object
Swim 20 yards back, carrying the object
Exit without ladder or steps, within 1 minute 40 seconds
Upon completion, participants receive an ALA Lifeguard Certificate in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid, valid for two years.
While lifeguarding is often seen as a seasonal job, it can also develop into a long-term career. Year-round positions are available at resort pools and aquatic centers, and lifeguards may advance into roles such as:
Water Safety Instructor
Swim Coach
Aquatic Supervisor or Manager
These roles offer greater pay, leadership opportunities, and a career dedicated to public safety.
During the ALA lifeguard course, participants learn essential rescue skills, CPR/AED techniques, and First Aid practices.
Rescue Skills
Slide-In Entry
Stride and Compact Jumps
Rescue Approach (front crawl or breaststroke)
Assists: Simple, Extension, Reaching, and Throwing
Active and Passive Drowning Victim Rescues
Multiple-Victim Rescue
Submerged Victim Recovery (shallow and deep water)
Two-Person Removal with Backboard
Head-Hold Escapes and Spinal Injury Management
CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
Initial Assessment & Removing Gloves
Rescue Breathing (adult, child, infant)
Bag-Valve-Mask Use (two rescuers)
Choking Response (conscious and unconscious)
CPR (one- and two-rescuer, all age groups)
AED Use (adult and child)
First Aid Skills
Secondary Assessment
Controlling Bleeding
Splinting (soft, anatomic, sling, binder)
Final Skill Scenarios
Active Drowning Victim
Submerged Passive Victim
Head, Neck, or Back Injury
Would you like to read about: Lifeguard Training in Nigeria
1. Fidjrosse Beach (Cotonou)
A popular city beach lined with restaurants and bars. Lifeguards are present in the main swimming areas during busy hours.
2. Obama Beach (Cotonou)
Known for its lively atmosphere and local gatherings, this beach attracts crowds, and designated areas may have lifeguard coverage.
3. Grand Popo Beach
One of Benin’s most famous beaches is ideal for relaxation and surfing. Lifeguards patrol during high tourist seasons.
4. Ouidah Beach
Historic and scenic, Ouidah’s beach is visited by locals and tourists alike. Lifeguards are posted in busier swimming zones.
5. Possotomé Lake Beach (Lake Ahémé)
A freshwater spot for swimming and boating. Safety staff or lifeguards may monitor areas used for recreation.
6. Bouche du Roi Beach
A beautiful coastal site where the Mono River meets the Atlantic. Some sections have lifeguards, especially during eco-tourism activities.
7. Avlékété Beach (near Ouidah)
A quieter beach that has growing popularity; lifeguards are more present during peak times and community events.
The main purpose of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to protect swimmers and respond to emergencies. Lifeguards often monitor from high chairs, patrol open waters, and use rescue tools when needed.
The American Lifeguard Association is a recognized leader in aquatic safety training with more than 30 years of experience, guided by strong ethics and global standards.
For lifeguard training in Benin, if you are searching for “lifeguard training near me,” the American Lifeguard Association is the right choice. For more details on ALA lifeguard certification programs in Benin, please contact us.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Lifeguard Training program you can find more on our FAQ page if you don’t feel free to send us your questions on our contact us page
You must be at least 15 years old to work at a swimming pool, lake, or waterpark, and 16 years old to work at beaches or waterfront facilities.
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA), supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool & Spa Foundation, provides training and certification programs in Benin.
An ALA Lifeguard Certificate—including Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid—is valid for two years.
Candidates must:
Swim 300 yards continuously (front crawl and breaststroke).
Complete a timed rescue event involving a 20-yard swim, 7–10 ft dive for a 10-pound object, and return within 1 minute 40 seconds.
ALA-certified lifeguards can find jobs at beaches, pools, waterparks, resorts, and aquatic centers throughout Benin.
No. While peak demand is during tourist and summer seasons, year-round positions exist at resorts, hotels, and indoor aquatic facilities.
With additional training, lifeguards can advance into roles such as:
Water Safety Instructor
Swim Coach
Aquatic Supervisor or Manager
Yes. The ALA certification follows OSHA standards, ECC science, and MAHC guidelines, making it widely respected across the world.
The American Lifeguard Association has been approved for the Capital One Affiliate Program! for Tuition Assistance Loan
To stay updated with our special offers subscribe to our weekly newsletter. We’ll not share your info with any 3rd party.
8300 Boone Blvd 5th Floor Vienna, VA 22182
703-761-6750
Media Contact
703-856-8901
alalifeguard@aol.com