Lifeguard Class and Training in Riverside County

When you visit swimming pools, lakes, or waterparks in Riverside County, you’ll often see lifeguards on duty, actively watching over swimmers to maintain a safe environment. A lifeguard’s main responsibility is to prevent accidents and respond quickly during emergencies, which is why professional training is essential. A lifeguard class in Riverside County prepares individuals to protect swimmers at pools, lakes, waterparks, and other aquatic facilities.

Swimming is one of the most popular recreational activities, and Riverside County offers many aquatic locations where people enjoy spending time in the water. From community pools and resort facilities to lakes and waterparks, these venues depend on trained lifeguards to ensure safety. As aquatic activities increase during warmer months, the demand for certified lifeguards continues to rise.

Lifeguard Class in Riverside County

Lifeguards play a critical role at swimming pools, lakes, waterparks, and aquatic centers throughout Riverside County, helping keep swimmers safe at all times. With a wide range of public and private aquatic facilities, Riverside County provides excellent opportunities for those interested in lifeguarding as a meaningful and rewarding career.

A lifeguard class in Riverside County is the first step toward entering the aquatics field. After earning certification through a trusted organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates are prepared to apply for lifeguard positions at pools, aquatic centers, and waterfront facilities.

ALA offers multiple lifeguard class programs and certifications. While hiring demand is highest during the summer season, training and job opportunities remain available year-round due to indoor pools, resorts, and aquatic programs that operate throughout the year.

With more than 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards who now serve communities worldwide. Certification through ALA is widely recognized by employers and reflects a strong commitment to safety and professionalism.

About the American Lifeguard Association

The American Lifeguard Association is supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, both 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations dedicated to reducing drownings and improving aquatic safety. ALA’s mission is to make swimming pools, beaches, and waterways safer. To accomplish this, ALA works with employers across North America to train lifeguards and promote effective safety standards.

ALA’s programs are referenced by several public health and safety organizations, including:

• The CDC Healthy Swimming  Program

• The U.S. Department of Labor

• The U.S. General Service Administration (GSA)

Since the early 1990s, ALA has aligned its programs with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Training also reflects current ECC science and incorporates findings from the U.S. Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition Report. In addition, ALA requires employers to follow Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) guidelines for pre-service evaluations and ongoing in-service training.

Requirements for Lifeguard Class in Riverside County

To enroll in the ALA lifeguard class in Riverside County, candidates must meet the following minimum age requirements:

• 15 years or older to work at swimming pools, waterparks, or lakes

• 16 years or older to work at beaches or waterfront facilities

Candidates must also successfully complete the following course requirements:

Swimming Requirements

Swim 300 yards continuously, including:

• 100 yards of front crawl with rhythmic breathing and a steady kick

• 100 yards of breaststroke using the pull, breath, kick, and glide sequence

• 100 yards of front crawl or breaststroke (or a combination of both)

Timed Skill Test

Complete the following within 1 minute and 40 seconds:

• Start in the water and swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke

• Surface dive 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object

• Swim 20 yards back while holding the object

• Exit the water without using steps or a ladder

After successfully completing the course, participants receive an American Lifeguard Certificate, which includes Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid, all valid for two years.

Lifeguard Class in Riverside County: Long-Term Career Opportunities

Although lifeguarding is often viewed as seasonal employment, it can also become a long-term career. Riverside County offers year-round opportunities through indoor pools, resorts, aquatic centers, and recreation facilities.

With additional certifications, lifeguards may advance into roles such as:

• Water Safety Instructor

• Swim Coach

• Aquatic Supervisor or Manager

These positions often provide higher pay, leadership responsibilities, and long-term career growth in aquatic safety.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Class in Riverside County

In the ALA lifeguard class, participants develop essential skills in water rescue techniques, CPR/AED, and First Aid.

Rescue Skills

• Slide-In Entry

• Stride and Compact Jumps

• Rescue Approach (Front Crawl or Breaststroke)

• Simple Assist

• Extension Assist from the Deck

• Reaching and Throwing Assists

• Swimming Extension Rescue

• Active and Passive Drowning Victim Rescues

• Two-Person Backboard Removal

• Passive Submerged Victim (Shallow Water)

• Multiple-Victim Rescue

• Feet-First Surface Dive

• Submerged Victim Recovery (Deep Water)

• Front and Rear Head-Hold Escapes

Spinal Injury Care Skills

• Manual In-Line Stabilization on land

• Backboard Use for Standing Victims

• Head Splint and Chin Support Techniques

• In-Line Stabilization for Submerged Victims

• Backboard Use in Shallow and Deep Water

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Skills

• Removing Gloves

• Initial Assessment

• Rescue Breathing (Adult, Child, Infant)

• Bag-Valve-Mask Use (Two Rescuers)

• Conscious and Unconscious Choking Care

• CPR (One-Rescuer and Two-Rescuer)

• AED Use for Adults and Children

First Aid Skills

• Secondary Assessment

• Control of External Bleeding

• Application of Slings, Binders, and Splints

Final Skill Scenarios

• Active Drowning Victim

• Submerged Passive Drowning Victim

• Head, Neck, or Back Injury

The Final Wave

The primary purpose of a lifeguard class is to ensure swimmer safety at all times. Lifeguards may supervise from elevated chairs, patrol aquatic zones, and use rescue equipment or binoculars, depending on the facility.

The American Lifeguard Association is one of the leading aquatic health and safety training providers, with more than 30 years of experience. ALA follows a strict code of ethics and is committed to delivering high-quality training worldwide.

If you are searching for “lifeguard class near me” in Riverside County, the American Lifeguard Association is a reliable choice. For more information about ALA lifeguard class and certification programs, please contact us.