Become a Certified Lifeguard in Barrow County with ALA

If you frequently visit beaches, lakes, or swimming pools, you have likely noticed trained lifeguards on duty to protect swimmers. A lifeguard’s primary responsibility is to prevent accidents and respond effectively during emergencies, which makes professional training essential. Lifeguard training in Barrow County is designed to prepare individuals to safeguard swimmers at beaches, waterparks, lakes, and swimming pools.

Barrow County offers plenty of places where families and swimmers enjoy time in the water. From community pools and aquatic centers to seasonal water attractions and nearby lakes, swimming is a popular activity for people of all ages. With so many swimmers using these facilities—especially during the warmer months—having trained lifeguards on duty becomes essential. Lifeguards help prevent accidents, respond quickly in emergencies, and maintain a safe environment for everyone. That’s why the demand for certified lifeguards in Barrow County increases significantly during peak swim season.

Lifeguard Training in Barrow County

Lifeguards serve at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools to ensure public safety. Across the Lifeguard training in Barrow County, aquatic recreation sites are abundant, and Barrow County is no exception. The county offers several aquatic facilities that rely on trained lifeguards to maintain a safe swimming environment.

Lifeguard training in Barrow County is the first step toward entering a rewarding career in aquatics. Once you earn your lifeguard certification from a recognized organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), you open the door to numerous employment opportunities.

ALA training centers provide multiple lifeguard training programs and certifications. While lifeguard training in Barrow County is especially popular during the summer, opportunities remain available year-round due to indoor pools and ongoing aquatic activities.

With over 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards who serve communities worldwide. An ALA certification is respected by employers and helps candidates secure positions at beaches, pools, and aquatic facilities.

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 committed to aquatic safety and drowning prevention.

ALA’s mission is to reduce drowning incidents and improve safety at swimming pools, beaches, and waterways. The organization works directly with employers across the country to train lifeguard professionals and promote strong safety standards.

Over the years, ALA has been recognized and referenced by leading public health and safety organizations, including:

• The CDC Healthy Swimming

• The U.S. Department of Labor 

• The U.S. General Service Administration (GSA)

Since the early 1990s, ALA has ensured that its training programs meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. ALA training reflects current ECC science and incorporates findings from the Lifeguard training in Barrow County Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition Report. In addition, employers are required to comply with the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) for pre-service and in-service training.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in Barrow County

To enroll in the American Lifeguard Association’s lifeguard training program in Barrow County, candidates must meet minimum age requirements as defined by U.S. labor laws:

• 15 years or older to work at a swimming pool, waterpark, or lake

• 16 years or older to work at beaches or waterfront facilities

Candidates must also successfully demonstrate the following prerequisite skills:

Swim Test

Swim 300 yards continuously using the following strokes:

• 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

Timed Skill Test

• Start in the water and 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

• Complete the task within 1 minute and 40 seconds

Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive an American Lifeguard Certificate in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid, valid for two years.

Lifeguard Training in Barrow County for Long-Term Career

Although many people view lifeguarding as a seasonal summer job, it can develop into a long-term profession. Facilities such as indoor pools and aquatic centers offer year-round employment opportunities.

With additional certifications, lifeguards can advance into higher-paying roles, including:

• Water Safety Instructor

• Swim Coach

• Aquatic Supervisor

These career paths offer increased responsibility, leadership opportunities, and long-term professional growth.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in Barrow County

Participants in the American Lifeguard Association lifeguarding course gain extensive hands-on training in 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 Water 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

Head, Neck, and Back Injury Care

• Manual In-Line Stabilization on Land

• Backboard Use for Standing Victims

• Head Splint Techniques (Face-Up and Face-Down, Shallow and Deep Water)

• Head and Chin Support Techniques

• In-Line Stabilization for Submerged Victims

• Backboard Use in Shallow and Deep Water

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Skills

• Removing Gloves

• Initial Assessment

• Rescue Breathing (Adult, Child, Infant)

• Bag-Valve-Mask Resuscitation (Two Rescuers)

• Conscious and Unconscious Choking Care

• CPR (One-Rescuer and Two-Rescuer)

• 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

The Final Wave

The primary objective of lifeguard training is to ensure swimmer safety. Lifeguards often monitor their assigned areas from elevated chairs, patrol open water zones, and use tools such as binoculars and rescue equipment when necessary.

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

If you are searching for “lifeguard training near me” in Barrow County, the American Lifeguard Association is the ideal choice. For more information about ALA lifeguard training and certification programs, please contact us.