Become a Certified Lifeguard in Ben Hill County with ALA

When you visit beaches, swimming pools, or waterparks, you will almost always see lifeguards on duty to protect swimmers. A lifeguard’s primary responsibility is to prevent accidents and respond to emergencies, which makes professional training essential. Lifeguard training in Ben Hill County exists to prepare individuals to safeguard swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.

Ben Hill County offers plenty of places where people enjoy swimming and water recreation. Whether it’s community swimming pools, splash areas, water attractions, or nearby lakes and aquatic facilities, there are many opportunities for families and visitors to get in the water. With so many swimmers using these venues—especially during the warmer months—there is a strong need for trained lifeguards to supervise activities and respond quickly in emergencies. That’s why lifeguarding remains a high-demand role in Ben Hill County, particularly during the summer season.

Lifeguard Training in Ben Hill County

Lifeguards serve at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools to ensure public safety. Across the United States, there are numerous aquatic recreation facilities, and Ben Hill County is no exception. These environments require trained professionals who are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies.

Lifeguard training in Ben Hill County is the first step toward entering a rewarding aquatic career. Once certified through a trusted organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), individuals can pursue employment opportunities at pools, beaches, and other aquatic facilities.

ALA training centers offer a variety of lifeguard training programs and certifications. Lifeguard training in Ben Hill County is especially popular during the summer months; however, it remains valuable year-round due to the availability of indoor pools and ongoing aquatic activities throughout the year.

With more than 30 years of experience, the American Lifeguard Association has trained lifeguards who now serve communities around the world. An ALA certification is well-regarded by employers and helps candidates stand out when seeking lifeguard positions.

About the American Lifeguard Association

The American Lifeguard Association is supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, both of which are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving aquatic safety and reducing drownings.

ALA’s core mission is to help make beaches, swimming pools, and waterways safer for everyone. To accomplish this, ALA collaborates directly with employers nationwide to train professional lifeguards and promote strong safety standards.

Over the years, the American Lifeguard Association has been referenced by various 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 align with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. ALA courses are based on current ECC science and findings from the United States Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition Report. Employers are also required to meet the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) guidelines for pre-service evaluations and in-service staff training.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in Ben Hill County

To enroll in the American Lifeguard Association’s lifeguard training course in Ben Hill County, candidates must meet the minimum age requirements established by U.S. labor regulations:

• 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 complete the following prerequisite swimming skills:

Swim 300 yards continuously using these strokes:

• 100 yards of front crawl with rhythmic breathing and a steady, propellant 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 skill test:

• Begin in the water and swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke

• Perform a surface dive to a depth of 7–10 feet and retrieve a 10-pound object

• Return to the surface and swim 20 yards back to the starting point while holding the object

• Exit the water without using steps or a ladder

• Complete the entire sequence 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. The certification is valid for two years.

Lifeguard Training in Ben Hill County for Long-Term Career

Many people view lifeguarding as a temporary summer job, particularly for students. However, lifeguarding can develop into a long-term profession with the right training and experience.

One way to build a lasting career after lifeguard training in Ben Hill County is to work at facilities that operate year-round, such as indoor pools and aquatic centers. With additional certifications, lifeguards can advance into higher-paying roles, including water safety instructors or swim coaches.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in Ben Hill County

Participants enrolled in the American Lifeguard Association’s lifeguard training program will learn a wide range of essential skills.

Rescue Skills

• 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 Rear Rescue

• Two-Person Removal Using a Backboard

• Passive Submerged Victim in Shallow Water

• Multiple-Victim Rescue

• Feet-First Surface Dive

• Submerged Victim Recovery in Deep Water

• Front and Rear Head-Hold Escapes

Head, Neck, and Spine Injury Care

• Manual In-Line Stabilization on Land (lying, sitting, or standing)

• Using a Backboard for a Standing Victim on Land

• Head Splint Techniques (face-up and face-down, shallow water)

• Head and Chin Support (face-up and face-down, shallow water)

• Head Splint Techniques (face-up and face-down, deep water)

• Head and Chin Support (face-up and face-down, deep water)

• 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 (adult, child, infant; one- and two-rescuer)

• AED Use for Adult and Child

First Aid Skills

• Secondary Assessment

• Controlling External Bleeding

• Applying Slings and Binders

• Applying Anatomic and Soft Splints

Final Skill Scenarios

• Active Drowning Victim

• Submerged Passive Drowning Victim

• Head, Neck, or Back Injury

Final Wave

The primary goal of lifeguard training is to ensure the safety of all swimmers under a lifeguard’s supervision. Lifeguards often monitor their assigned areas from elevated chairs, patrol large aquatic environments, and use tools such as binoculars and rescue equipment to maintain vigilance.

The American Lifeguard Association is widely recognized as one of the leading aquatic health and safety training providers in the United States. With more than three decades of experience, ALA remains committed to ethical standards and delivering high-quality safety training worldwide.

If you are searching online for “lifeguard training near me” in Ben Hill County, the American Lifeguard Association is the ideal choice. For additional details about ALA lifeguard training and certification programs, please contact us.