If you visit beaches, lakes, or swimming pools in the Czech Republic, you will notice lifeguards on duty to ensure the safety of swimmers. A lifeguard’s essential role is to help prevent accidents and respond quickly in emergencies, which requires specialized training and expertise. Lifeguard training in the Czech Republic serves this purpose, preparing individuals to protect swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.
The Czech Republic may be a landlocked country, but it is home to hundreds of lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and public swimming pools, as well as modern water parks. Swimming is one of the most popular recreational activities nationwide, and during the summer months, aquatic facilities are often filled with visitors. This creates a consistent demand for lifeguards to ensure public safety.
Lifeguards serve at lakes, waterparks, rivers, and swimming pools throughout the country, keeping swimmers safe. With numerous aquatic venues, there are ample opportunities for those who wish to pursue lifeguarding as a fulfilling career.
Lifeguard training in the Czech Republic is the first step toward building a career in aquatics. Once certified by a respected organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates can confidently apply for lifeguard positions at beaches, pools, and aquatic centers.
ALA training centers in the Czech Republic offer a variety of lifeguard training programs and certifications. While demand peaks in the summer, year-round training and employment opportunities exist thanks to indoor pools and aquatic facilities.
With more than 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards who now serve communities worldwide. Employers widely recognize certification through ALA, which demonstrates a high standard of safety and professionalism.
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, both nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3)) dedicated to reducing drownings and improving aquatic safety worldwide.
ALA’s mission is to make swimming pools, lakes, rivers, and beaches safer. To achieve this, ALA works directly with employers to train lifeguards and implement strong safety practices.
ALA has been referenced by leading organizations such as:
The CDC Healthy Swimming Program
The U.S. General Service Administration (GSA)
Since the early 1990s, ALA has ensured its programs meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. 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) recommendations for pre-service evaluations and in-service training.
To enroll in the American Lifeguard Association’s lifeguard training course in the Czech Republic, candidates must meet the minimum requirements:
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 prerequisite skills to complete the program successfully:
Swimming Test
Swim 300 yards continuously:
100 yards of front crawl with rhythmic breathing and a 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 with the object
Exit the water without using steps or a ladder
Complete 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, all of which are valid for two years.
Although lifeguarding is often considered a summer job for students, it can also develop into a long-term career. Many facilities, especially indoor pools and recreation centers, require lifeguards year-round.
With additional training, lifeguards can advance into higher-paying and more specialized roles, such as:
Water Safety Instructor
Swim Coach
Aquatic Supervisor or Manager
These positions provide leadership opportunities, professional growth, and the chance to contribute to public health and aquatic safety on a larger scale.
During the ALA lifeguard training course, participants learn a wide range of rescue, first aid, and resuscitation skills, including:
Rescue Skills
Slide-In Entry
Stride and Compact Jumps
Rescue Approaches (front crawl or breaststroke)
Simple and Extension Assists
Reaching and Throwing Assists
Swimming Extension Rescue
Active and Passive Drowning Victim Rescues
Two-Person Removal with a Backboard
Multiple-Victim Rescue
Feet-First Surface Dive
Submerged Victim Recovery in Deep Water
Head-Hold Escapes (front and rear)
Caring for Head, Neck, or Back Injuries
Manual In-Line Stabilization on Land (lying down, sitting, or standing)
Head Splint Techniques (face-up and face-down, shallow and deep water)
Head and Chin Support (face-up and face-down, shallow and deep water)
In-Line Stabilization for Submerged Victims
Backboard Techniques in Shallow and Deep Water
CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
Initial Assessment and Removing Gloves
Rescue Breathing (adult, child, infant)
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
Prague
Slapy Reservoir (Slapská přehrada): One of the most popular Czech Republic beaches near Prague, with sandy shores, boating, and family recreation. Lifeguards are present at the main swimming areas.
Hostivař Reservoir: A city lake with beach zones and water attractions. This urban Czech Republic beach has lifeguards on duty during peak season.
Žluté lázně (Prague): A riverside recreational area offering pools, volleyball, and artificial beach areas along the Vltava River. Lifeguards are stationed throughout the summer.
South Bohemia
Lipno Reservoir (Lipenská přehrada): The largest body of water in the country, often referred to as one of the most popular Czech Republic beaches. Known for swimming, sailing, and family fun. Lifeguards patrol the main public beaches.
Orlík Reservoir: A scenic getaway featuring natural beach areas and boating. Limited lifeguard coverage in less crowded zones.
Central Bohemia
Máchovo jezero (Mácha Lake): A historic and highly visited Czech Republic beach, featuring sandy shores, paddle boats, and campsites. Lifeguards are stationed in designated swimming zones.
Lhota Lake: Famous for its clear waters and sandy beach areas. Seasonal lifeguard patrols keep swimmers safe.
South Moravia
Nové Mlýny Reservoirs: A system of lakes that double as popular Czech Republic beaches for swimming, windsurfing, and sunbathing. Lifeguards monitor busier sections in the summer months.
Brno Reservoir (Brněnská přehrada): A major city attraction often referred to as the “Brno beach.” This popular Czech Republic beach spot has lifeguards present during peak season.
North Bohemia
Hněvkovice Reservoir: Offers natural beach areas for relaxation and recreation, though lifeguard services are limited.
Lake Kamencové jezero (Chomutov): A unique mineral lake and one of the most famous Czech Republic beaches for its therapeutic waters. Fully staffed with lifeguards in summer.
Waterparks (Year-Round)
Aquapalace Praha: Central Europe’s largest waterpark with artificial beach zones, slides, and pools. Lifeguards are on duty year-round.
Aqualand Moravia (Pasohlávky): A modern aquatic center often compared to indoor Czech Republic beaches, offering pools, slides, and wellness areas. Lifeguards operate daily.
Would you like to read about: Lifeguard training in Poland
The primary role of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to keep swimmers safe and secure. Lifeguards monitor their assigned area from elevated chairs, patrol waterfronts, and use rescue equipment when needed.
The American Lifeguard Association is recognized as one of the leading providers of aquatic safety training in the Czech Republic and worldwide. With over 30 years of experience, ALA continues to deliver training that meets the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
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.
The course covers rescue techniques, CPR/AED, First Aid, injury management (head, neck, spine), and final skill scenarios to prepare for real-life emergencies.
Lifeguards can work at beaches, lakes, rivers, waterparks, and swimming pools, including popular spots like Lipno Reservoir, Máchovo jezero, and Aquapalace Praha.
ALA has over 30 years of experience, global recognition, and support from nonprofit safety organizations. Its programs meet OSHA standards and reflect the latest aquatic safety research.
Yes. While many see lifeguarding as a summer job, year-round employment is available at indoor pools, aquatic centers, and through advanced roles like water safety instructor or aquatic manager.
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) offers internationally recognized lifeguard training and certification programs in the Czech Republic.
You must be at least 15 years old to work at a swimming pool, waterpark, or lake, and 16 years old to work at beaches or waterfront facilities.
You must swim 300 yards continuously (front crawl and breaststroke) and complete a timed rescue event, including retrieving a 10-pound object from deep water.
ALA certification is valid for two years and includes Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid.
The American Lifeguard Association has been approved for the Capital One Affiliate Program! for Tuition Assistance Loan
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