Lifeguard training in Lifeguard Education and Career Opportunities in China

If you visit beaches or swimming pools in China, you will notice lifeguards on duty to ensure everyone’s safety. The lifeguard’s essential job is to help prevent accidents and respond quickly in emergencies, which requires specialized training. Lifeguard training in China serves this purpose—preparing individuals to protect swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.

China has one of the world’s longest coastlines, stretching over 14,000 kilometers along the Pacific Ocean. Swimming in China is widespread, whether in open seas, public pools, fitness and recreation centers, splash pads, or waterparks. This abundance of aquatic venues creates a strong demand for lifeguards, especially during the busy summer months when swimming activity peaks.

Lifeguard Training in China

Lifeguards serve at beaches, waterparks, lakes, and swimming pools throughout the country to protect swimmers. With so many aquatic facilities available, there are ample opportunities for those who wish to pursue lifeguarding as a rewarding role.

Lifeguard training in China is the first step toward building a career in aquatics. Once certified by a respected organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates become well-positioned to seek employment at beaches, pools, and aquatic centers.

ALA training centers in China offer multiple lifeguard training programs and certifications. While demand peaks in the summertime, training and employment opportunities continue throughout the year thanks to the many indoor aquatic facilities across China.

With over 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards who now serve communities worldwide. Certification through ALA provides a credential that is recognized by many employers and demonstrates a 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 achieve this, ALA works directly with employers across Asia to train lifeguards and establish strong safety practices.

ALA has been referenced by public health and safety organizations, including:

• The CDC Healthy Swimming Program
• The U.S. Department of Labor
• The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)
• Since the early 1990s, ALA has aligned its programs with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.

Training also reflects the latest ECC science and incorporates findings from the International Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition Report. In addition, ALA requires employers to meet the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) recommendations for pre-service evaluations and in-service training.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in China

To enroll in the American Lifeguard Association’s lifeguard training course in China, candidates must meet the minimum age requirements generally recognized nationwide:

• 15 years or older to work at a swimming pool, waterpark, or lake.
• 16 years or older to work at a beach or waterfront facility.

Candidates must also demonstrate the following ALA prerequisite skills to successfully complete the program:

Swimming Requirements:

• Swim 300 yards continuously, using the following strokes:
  • 100 yards of front crawl with rhythmic breathing and a stabilizing, propulsive kick.
  • 100 yards of breaststroke using a pull, breath, kick, and glide sequence.
  • 100 yards of either front crawl or breaststroke (or a combination of both).

Timed Event:

• Start in the water, swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke.
• Surface dive 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
• Return to the surface and swim 20 yards back to the starting point with the object.
• Exit the water without using steps or a ladder.
• All within 1 minute and 40 seconds.

Upon successful completion, each participant receives an American Lifeguard Certificate in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid, valid for two years.

Lifeguarding in China: Long-Term Career Options

Although many view lifeguarding as a summer job for students, it can grow into a long-term profession. Year-round employment is available at indoor pools and aquatic centers, and lifeguards can pursue additional training to advance into roles such as:

• Water Safety Instructor
• Swim Coach
• Aquatic Supervisor or Manager

These positions offer higher pay, leadership opportunities, and the chance to build a career dedicated to public health and safety.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in China

During the ALA lifeguard training course, participants develop a comprehensive set of skills across 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 Removal with a Backboard
• Passive Submerged Victim in Shallow Water
• Multiple-Victim Rescue
• Feet-First Surface Dive
• Submerged Victim Recovery in Deep Water
• Front and Rear Head-Hold Escapes

Caring for Head, Neck, or Back Injuries

• Manual In-Line Stabilization on land (lying down, sitting, or standing)
• Using a Backboard for a Standing Victim
• Head Splint Techniques (face-up and face-down, shallow or deep water)
• Head and Chin Support (face-up and face-down, shallow or deep water)
• In-Line Stabilization for Submerged Victims
• Using a Backboard in Shallow and Deep Water

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Skills

• Removing Gloves and Performing an Initial Assessment
• Rescue Breathing (adult, child, infant)
• Using a Bag-Valve-Mask Resuscitator (two rescuers)
• Conscious and Unconscious Choking (adult, child, infant)
• CPR (one-rescuer and two-rescuer for adult, child, infant)
• AED Use (adult and child)

First Aid Skills

• Secondary Assessment
• Controlling External Bleeding
• Applying Slings, Binders, Anatomic, and Soft Splints

Final Skill Scenarios

• Active Drowning Victim
• Submerged Passive Drowning Victim
• Head, Neck, or Back Injury

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Famous Chinese Beaches Where Lifeguards Are Essential

Sanya Bay (Hainan Island):
One of China’s most famous tropical beaches, featuring calm turquoise waters and golden sand. Lifeguards are on duty daily throughout the tourist season.

Yalong Bay (Hainan Island):
Known as “China’s Hawaii,” this stunning beach offers ideal swimming conditions and consistent lifeguard supervision.

Silver Beach (Beihai, Guangxi):
A scenic white-sand beach stretching for miles along the South China Sea. Lifeguards patrol the main zones during the summer.

Golden Pebble Beach (Dalian):
Located in northeastern China, this popular family destination is famous for its unique rock formations and lifeguard-monitored swimming areas.

Beidaihe Beach (Qinhuangdao, Hebei):
A historic and beloved beach resort, Beidaihe attracts both locals and international visitors. Lifeguards operate daily during the summer months.

Dameisha Beach (Shenzhen, Guangdong):
A vibrant public beach offering full-time lifeguard supervision to manage large crowds of swimmers and tourists.

Xichong Beach (Shenzhen, Guangdong):
Popular among surfers and adventure seekers, Xichong Beach requires professional lifeguard monitoring due to strong waves and currents.

Huludao Beach (Liaoning Province):
Located along the Bohai Sea, Huludao Beach is known for its beauty and well-trained lifeguard teams during the busy season.

The Final Wave

The primary role of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to keep swimmers safe. Lifeguards often monitor their area from a raised chair, patrol open water zones, and use binoculars or rescue equipment as needed.

The American Lifeguard Association is recognized as one of the leading aquatic health and safety training providers in China. With more than 30 years of experience, ALA delivers training guided by a strict code of ethics and a commitment to excellence.

For lifeguard training in China, if you are searching for “lifeguard training near me,” the American Lifeguard Association is the right choice. For more information on ALA lifeguard training and certification programs, please contact us.