Lifeguard training in Flagler County

If you visit beaches, lakes, or swimming pools in Flagler County, you will notice lifeguards on duty to help ensure everyone’s safety. A lifeguard’s essential job is to prevent accidents, enforce safety rules, and respond quickly during emergencies, responsibilities that require professional training. Lifeguard training in Flagler County serves this purpose by preparing individuals to protect swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.

Aquatic recreation is popular in Flagler County, especially during warmer seasons when community pools, recreation centers, and outdoor facilities see higher attendance. With increased activity in and around the water, the demand for trained lifeguards grows. This makes lifeguarding a valuable opportunity for individuals who want to gain professional safety skills while pursuing meaningful work in aquatics.

Lifeguard Training in Flagler County

Lifeguards serve at beaches, waterparks, lakes, and swimming pools throughout Flagler County to protect swimmers and maintain a safe aquatic environment. Their daily responsibilities include scanning water zones, identifying hazards, enforcing facility rules, assisting distressed swimmers, and providing emergency care when needed.

Lifeguard training in Flagler County is the first step toward entering the aquatics field. Once certified by a respected organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates become well-positioned to pursue lifeguarding opportunities at local pools, aquatic centers, recreation facilities, camps, and waterfront locations.

ALA training is often popular during peak swimming months, but opportunities may continue throughout the year due to indoor pools and year-round aquatic programming. Earning an ALA certification demonstrates preparedness, professionalism, and a strong commitment to public safety, qualities employers look for when hiring lifeguards.

About the American Lifeguard Association

The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) 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 standards. Through training, education, and professional development, ALA works to promote safer aquatic environments, including facilities that serve communities in Flagler County.

ALA’s mission is to make swimming pools, beaches, and waterways safer. To achieve this goal, ALA works directly with employers across North America to train lifeguards, strengthen workplace preparedness, and support consistent safety practices.

Over the years, ALA has been recognized and referenced by leading 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 aligned with national lifeguard training standards. 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 Flagler County

To enroll in a lifeguard class in Flagler County, candidates must meet the minimum 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

Swim 300 Yards Continuously (in this order)

• 100 yards of front crawl using 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

Timed Event (1 minute, 40 seconds)

• Swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke

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

• Return to the surface and swim 20 yards back

• Exit the water without using steps or a ladder

Certification Validity

Upon successful completion, participants receive certification in:

• Lifeguard

• CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer

• First Aid

All certifications are typically valid for two years.

Flagler County: Long-Term Career Options

Although many people begin lifeguarding as a seasonal job, it can grow into a long-term profession. Year-round opportunities may be available at indoor facilities and aquatic centers.

With additional training and experience, lifeguards may advance into roles such as:

• Water Safety Instructor

• Swim Coach

• Aquatic Supervisor or Manager

These positions provide leadership opportunities and long-term career growth in aquatics.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in Flagler County

During the ALA lifeguard training course, participants build a comprehensive skill set across rescue techniques, CPR/AED training, and First Aid response.

Rescue Skills

• Slide-In Entry

• Stride and Compact Jumps

• Rescue Approach

• 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

• Multiple-Victim Rescue

• Submerged Victim Recovery

Caring for Head, Neck, or Back Injuries

• Manual In-Line Stabilization

• Backboard Techniques

• Head Splint and Chin Support

• Shallow and Deep Water Stabilization

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Skills

• Initial Assessment

• Rescue Breathing

• CPR (One and Two Rescuer)

• AED Use

• Choking Care

First Aid Skills

• Secondary Assessment

• Controlling External Bleeding

• Applying Slings and Splints

Final Skill Scenarios

• Active Drowning Victim

• Submerged Passive Drowning Victim

• Head, Neck, or Back Injury

Train for the Moments That Matter

The primary role of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to keep swimmers safe through prevention, vigilance, and fast response. Lifeguards monitor their areas carefully, enforce safety rules, and act confidently during emergencies.

The American Lifeguard Association remains a trusted leader in aquatic safety training. If you are searching for lifeguard training near you in Flagler County, ALA provides professional certification designed to prepare you for real-world aquatic safety responsibilities.