Become a Certified Lifeguard in Berrien County with ALA

If you regularly visit beaches or swimming pools, you have likely noticed lifeguards stationed nearby 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 Berrien County is designed to prepare individuals to safeguard swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.

Berrien County offers plenty of opportunities for swimming and water recreation, from local beaches and lakes to public pools and water facilities. Swimming is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend time outdoors, but it also requires strong safety coverage—especially in busy seasons. That’s why lifeguards are so important in Berrien County: they help protect swimmers and prevent emergencies at beaches, waterfront areas, waterparks, and swimming pools. As visitor numbers rise during the summer months, the demand for trained lifeguards also increases, making this role especially needed during peak swim season.

Lifeguard Training in Berrien County

Lifeguards play a critical role at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools by ensuring the safety of all swimmers. Across the United States, there is no shortage of aquatic recreational facilities, and Berrien County is no exception. The county offers numerous opportunities for individuals interested in working in aquatic safety.

Lifeguard training in Berrien County is the first step toward entering a rewarding career in the aquatic field. Once certified through a recognized organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), individuals can pursue employment opportunities at various aquatic facilities.

ALA training centers provide multiple lifeguard training courses and certifications. Lifeguard training in Berrien County is especially popular during the summer months, but opportunities extend throughout the year due to the presence of indoor pools and ongoing water-related activities.

With more than 30 years of experience, the American Lifeguard Association has trained lifeguards who serve communities across the globe. An ALA certification helps candidates secure employment by demonstrating professional training and commitment to safety.

About the American Lifeguard Association

The American Lifeguard Association is supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, both recognized as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. These organizations focus on improving safety at beaches, swimming pools, and aquatic environments.

ALA’s mission is to reduce drowning incidents and promote safer swimming environments. To achieve this goal, ALA collaborates with employers nationwide to train skilled lifeguard professionals.

Over the years, the American Lifeguard Association has been referenced by several 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 its training programs comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. ALA programs are based on current ECC science and findings from the United States Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition Report. In addition, ALA requires employers to follow the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) guidelines for pre-service evaluations and ongoing staff training.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in Berrien County

To enroll in lifeguard training in Berrien County, candidates must meet minimum age requirements established under U.S. labor laws:

• At least 15 years old to work at a swimming pool, waterpark, or lake

• At least 16 years old to work at beaches or waterfront facilities

Candidates must also successfully demonstrate the following prerequisite skills:

Swim 300 yards continuously using the following 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 technique

• 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

• Surface dive to a depth of 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object

• Return to the surface and swim 20 yards back with the object

• Exit the water without using a ladder or steps

All tasks must be completed 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 Berrien County for Long-Term Career

While many people view lifeguarding as a seasonal summer job, it can also develop into a long-term career. Lifeguards can find year-round employment at indoor aquatic facilities within Berrien County.

With additional education and training, lifeguards may advance into higher-paying roles such as water safety instructors, swim coaches, or aquatic supervisors, creating greater professional growth opportunities.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in Berrien County

Participants enrolled in American Lifeguard Association training programs gain extensive hands-on experience in rescue techniques, emergency response, CPR/AED, and First Aid.

Rescue Skills

• Slide-In Entry

• Stride Jump and Compact Jump

• 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 Backboard Removal

• Passive Submerged Victim Rescue (Shallow Water)

• Multiple-Victim Rescue

• Feet-First Surface Dive

• Submerged Victim Rescue (Deep Water)

• Front and Rear Head-Hold Escapes

Caring for Head, Neck, or Back Injuries

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

• Backboarding a Standing Victim

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

• Head and Chin Support Techniques (Shallow Water)

• Head Splint Techniques (Deep Water)

• Head and Chin Support Techniques (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)

• Two-Rescuer Bag-Valve-Mask Ventilation

• Conscious and Unconscious Choking Care

• CPR for Adult, Child, and Infant

• Two-Rescuer CPR

• 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 Rescue

• Passive Submerged Drowning Victim Rescue

• Head, Neck, or Back Injury Response

The Final Wave

The main objective of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to protect swimmers within their assigned areas. Lifeguards often monitor from elevated chairs, patrol large water areas, and utilize equipment such as rescue tubes and binoculars when needed.

The American Lifeguard Association is recognized as one of the leading aquatic health and safety training organizations in the United States. With over three decades of experience, ALA remains committed to providing high-quality training guided by a strong code of ethics.

If you are searching online for “lifeguard training near me” in Berrien County, the American Lifeguard Association is an excellent choice. For more details about ALA lifeguard training and certification programs, please feel free to contact us.