If you regularly visit the beach, a lake, or a swimming pool in Leon County, you have likely noticed lifeguards on duty to help keep everyone safe. A lifeguard’s main responsibility is to prevent accidents, enforce safety rules, and respond quickly during emergencies tasks that require professional training. Lifeguard training in Leon County serves this purpose by preparing individuals to protect swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.
Aquatic recreation is a major part of life across, and Leon County is no exception. With pools, waterfront areas, camps, and recreation facilities seeing higher attendance during the warmer months, the need for trained lifeguards increases. This makes lifeguarding a valuable career path for individuals who want to build professional safety skills while working in a meaningful role.
Lifeguards are present at beaches, water parks, lakes, and swimming pools to maintain a safe environment for swimmers. Their day-to-day duties include scanning assigned zones, identifying hazards, enforcing facility rules, assisting swimmers in distress, and providing emergency care when needed.
Lifeguard training in Leon County is the first step toward entering the aquatics field. Once certified by a reputable organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates are well-positioned to pursue lifeguard jobs at local pools, recreation centers, camps, aquatic facilities, and waterfront locations.
ALA training is especially popular during the summer season, but certification can support opportunities year-round due to indoor pools and ongoing aquatic programs. Earning ALA certification demonstrates preparedness, professionalism, and a commitment to public safety qualities employers look for when hiring lifeguards.
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, which are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations dedicated to reducing drownings and strengthening aquatic safety standards. ALA’s mission is to make swimming pools, beaches, and waterways safer through training, education, and professional development.
ALA works directly with employers across the U.S. to train lifeguard professionals, support consistent safety practices, and strengthen workplace preparedness. 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. General Service Administration (GSA)
Since the early 1990s, ALA training programs have aligned with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for employee safety. ALA programs also reflect current Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) science and incorporate guidance from lifeguard training standards. In addition, ALA encourages facilities to follow Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) recommendations, including pre-service evaluations and ongoing in-service training.
To enroll in lifeguard training in Leon County, candidates must meet the minimum age requirements generally recognized by employers:
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 successfully complete the course:
100 yards of front crawl using rhythmic breathing and a stabilizing, propulsive kick
(Rhythmic breathing may be to the side or to the front.)
100 yards of breaststroke using a pull, breath, kick, and glide sequence
100 yards of either front crawl or breaststroke
(The last 100 yards may be a combination of front crawl and breaststroke.)
Starting in the water, the candidate must:
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 to the starting point with the object
Exit the water without using steps or a ladder
Upon successful completion of the course, each participant receives an American Lifeguard Certificate indicating:
Lifeguard
CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
First Aid
All credentials are typically valid for two years.
Many people begin lifeguarding as a seasonal role, but it can grow into a long-term profession. One benefit of completing lifeguard training in Leon County is the potential to find year-round opportunities at indoor pools, aquatic centers, and recreation facilities.
With additional training, experience, and leadership development, lifeguards may advance into roles such as:
Water Safety Instructor
Swim Coach
Aquatic Supervisor or Manager
These career paths often provide higher pay, leadership opportunities, and continued involvement in aquatic safety.
ALA lifeguard training builds a comprehensive skill set across rescue techniques, CPR/AED, and First Aid.
Slide-In Entry
Stride and Compact Jumps
Rescue Approach (Front Crawl or Breaststroke)
Simple Assist
Extension Assist from the Deck
Reaching Assist with Equipment and Throwing Assist
Swimming Extension Rescue
Active and Passive Drowning Victim Rescues
Two-Person Removal Using a Backboard
Passive Submerged Victim (Shallow Water)
Multiple-Victim Rescue
Feet-First Surface Dive
Submerged Victim Recovery (Deep Water)
Front and Rear Head-Hold Escapes
Caring for Head, Neck, or Back Injuries
Manual In-Line Stabilization on Land (Lying Down, Sitting, Standing)
Using a Backboard for a Standing Victim on Land
Head Splint Techniques (Face-Up/Face-Down, Shallow/Deep Water)
Head and Chin Support (Face-Up/Face-Down, Shallow/Deep Water)
In-Line Stabilization for Submerged Victims
Using a Backboard in Shallow and Deep Water
Removing Gloves and Initial Assessment
Rescue Breathing (Adult, Child, Infant)
Bag-Valve-Mask Resuscitation (Two Rescuers)
Conscious and Unconscious Choking Care (Adult, Child, Infant)
CPR (One-Rescuer and Two-Rescuer: Adult, Child, Infant)
AED Use (Adult and Child)
Secondary Assessment
Controlling External Bleeding
Applying Slings, Binders, and Splints (Anatomic and Soft Splints)
Active Drowning Victim
Submerged Passive Drowning Victim
Head, Neck, or Back Injury
The primary goal of lifeguard training is to help you protect swimmers through prevention, focused scanning, and fast emergency response. Lifeguards often monitor from an elevated chair to improve visibility, patrol larger areas when required, and rely on rescue equipment to respond effectively during incidents.
The American Lifeguard Association remains a trusted leader in aquatic safety training, offering professional certification backed by decades of experience and a commitment to quality. If you are searching for “lifeguard training near me in Leon County,” ALA is a strong choice for reliable training and recognized certification. For enrollment and program information, please contact the American Lifeguard Association.
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.
Lifeguard training is a certification program that teaches rescue skills, CPR/AED, First Aid, and emergency response procedures to prepare candidates for lifeguard employment.
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) provides professional lifeguard training and certification recognized by employers nationwide.
Candidates must be at least 15 years old for pool/lake/waterpark positions and 16 years old for beach or waterfront facilities.
Candidates must complete a 300-yard continuous swim (front crawl and breaststroke) and pass a 1 minute, 40 second timed brick retrieval event.
The cost of lifeguard training in Leon County is $285. This fee typically includes professional instruction, course materials, and certification in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid, valid for two years.
Training includes rescue skills, surveillance techniques, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, spinal injury management, and scenario-based emergency response.
You earn Lifeguard certification along with CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid certifications, typically valid for two years.
Lifeguard training classes in Leon County are typically offered throughout the year, with increased availability during the spring and summer months. Schedules may vary depending on the training provider and facility, so it is recommended to contact the American Lifeguard Association or the local host site for upcoming class dates and registration details.
The American Lifeguard Association has been approved for the Capital One Affiliate Program! for Tuition Assistance Loan
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