If you visit beaches or swimming pools in Ethiopia, you will notice lifeguards on duty to ensure everyone’s safety. The lifeguard’s essential role is to prevent accidents and respond quickly to emergencies, which requires specialized training. Lifeguard training in Ethiopia fulfills this purpose preparing individuals to safeguard swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.
Ethiopia is home to numerous lakes and resort destinations that provide popular spots for swimming and recreation. From Lake Langano and Lake Bishoftu to resort-based pools and waterparks, aquatic activities are a favorite pastime for many. This growing number of swimming venues creates a rising demand for lifeguards, especially during the warmer months when families, tourists, and local communities flock to the water.
Lifeguards in Ethiopia work at beaches, waterparks, lakes, and swimming pools to protect swimmers and ensure a safe environment. With aquatic facilities expanding across the country, there are many opportunities for those interested in becoming a lifeguard.
Lifeguard training in Ethiopia 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-positioned to seek employment at beaches, pools, and aquatic centers.
ALA training centers in Ethiopia offer multiple lifeguard training programs and certifications. While demand peaks during the summertime, indoor aquatic facilities and year-round water activities ensure that employment opportunities continue throughout the year.
With more than 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards serving communities around the world. Certification through ALA provides a credential recognized by employers and demonstrates dedication to safety and professionalism.
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, two 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on reducing drownings and improving aquatic safety.
ALA’s mission is to make beaches, swimming pools, and waterways safer. To achieve this, ALA partners directly with employers to provide lifeguard training and build strong safety practices.
ALA has been recognized by leading organizations, including:
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) requirements. Training also reflects the latest ECC science and incorporates findings from the Ethiopia 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 program in Ethiopia, candidates must meet the following age 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 these prerequisite skills to complete the course successfully:
Swim 300 yards continuously, using the following sequence:
100 yards of front crawl with rhythmic breathing and a stabilizing 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)
Complete a 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
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 completion, participants receive an American Lifeguard Certificate in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid, valid for two years.
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While lifeguarding is often viewed as a summer job for students, it can also become a long-term career. Year-round employment is available at indoor pools and aquatic centers. With additional training, lifeguards can advance into roles such as:
Water Safety Instructor
Swim Coach
Aquatic Supervisor or Manager
These positions provide higher pay, leadership opportunities, and the chance to dedicate a career to public health and safety.
During the ALA lifeguard training course, participants gain a comprehensive set of skills, including rescue techniques, CPR/AED, and First Aid.
Rescue Skills
Slide-In Entry
Stride and Compact Jumps
Rescue Approach (front crawl or breaststroke)
Simple, Extension, and Throwing Assists
Swimming Extension Rescue
Active and Passive Drowning Victim Rescues
Two-Person Removal with a Backboard
Submerged Victim Recovery (shallow and deep water)
Multiple-Victim Rescue
Feet-First Surface Dive
Front and Rear Head-Hold Escapes
Caring for Head, Neck, or Back Injuries
Manual In-Line Stabilization (on land or in water)
Using a Backboard (shallow or deep water)
Head Splint and Head/Chin Support Techniques (face-up or face-down victims)
CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
Initial Assessment and Removing Gloves
Rescue Breathing (adult, child, infant)
Using a Bag-Valve-Mask Resuscitator
Choking Response (conscious and unconscious victims)
CPR (one-rescuer and two-rescuer)
AED Use (adult and child)
First Aid Skills
Secondary Assessment
Controlling Bleeding
Applying Slings, Binders, and Splints
Final Skill Scenarios (active drowning, submerged victim, spinal injury)
Although Ethiopia is landlocked, its beautiful lakes offer beach-like settings where lifeguards are essential for swimmer safety. Some of the most popular include:
Lake Langano – Ethiopia’s most famous lake, with designated beaches and resorts that provide a coastal-style swimming experience.
Lake Bishoftu – A scenic lake surrounded by resorts, offering lakefront views and a beach-like atmosphere.
Sabana Beach Resort (Lake Langano): A top destination for visitors seeking a relaxing lake beach experience.
Simbo Resort Beach (Lake Langano): Well-known for its amenities and water activities.
Haile Resort Hawassa: A premier resort providing another option for a beach-style getaway.
These destinations highlight the importance of lifeguards in ensuring the safety of visitors enjoying Ethiopia’s lakeside beaches and resorts.
The ultimate goal of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to protect swimmers and respond effectively to emergencies. Lifeguards often monitor their zones from raised chairs, patrol open water areas, and use binoculars or rescue tools to ensure safety.
The American Lifeguard Association is recognized as a leader in aquatic safety training worldwide. With more than 30 years of experience, ALA continues to uphold high standards and a strong code of ethics.
For lifeguard training in Ethiopia, if you are searching for “lifeguard training near me,” the American Lifeguard Association is the trusted choice. For more information on ALA lifeguard training and certification programs, 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
Lifeguards play a vital role in keeping swimmers safe at lakes, resorts, pools, and waterparks. They help prevent accidents and respond quickly to emergencies.
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) offers certified lifeguard training programs in Ethiopia, with courses available at different training centers across the country.
Candidates must be able to swim 300 yards continuously, perform front crawl and breaststroke, and complete a timed event that includes retrieving a 10-pound object from deep water.
You must be at least 15 years old to work at a swimming pool, waterpark, or lake, and at least 16 years old to work at beaches or waterfronts.
Graduates receive an American Lifeguard Certificate, which includes Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid. The certification is valid for two years.
Yes. While many see it as a summer job, lifeguards can work year-round at indoor pools, aquatic centers, and resorts. With additional training, they can advance to roles such as swim instructor, coach, or aquatic supervisor.
Lifeguards are especially important at popular lake destinations such as Lake Langano and Lake Bishoftu, as well as at resorts like Sabana Beach Resort and Haile Resort Hawassa, where swimming activities are common.
ALA has more than 30 years of experience, global recognition, and programs that meet international safety standards. Its certification is respected by employers and demonstrates professionalism and commitment to swimmer safety.
The American Lifeguard Association has been approved for the Capital One Affiliate Program! for Tuition Assistance Loan
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