Lifeguard Course and training in Calhoun County

If you regularly visit a beach or a swimming pool, you have likely noticed that trained lifeguards are always on duty to protect swimmers. The primary responsibility of a lifeguard is to prevent accidents and respond to emergencies, which makes professional training essential. The Lifeguard course in Calhoun County is designed to prepare individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to keep swimmers safe at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.

Calhoun County offers plenty of places where people swim and enjoy the water, from community pools and aquatic centers to nearby lakes and seasonal splash facilities. Swimming is one of the most enjoyable ways to relax and stay active, which is why safety must always come first. With multiple locations where families, students, and visitors gather to swim, having trained lifeguards on duty is essential to supervise swimmers, prevent accidents, and respond quickly to emergencies. As a result, the demand for lifeguards in Calhoun County increases during peak swimming seasons—especially in the warmer months when aquatic activity is at its highest.

Lifeguard Course in Calhoun County

Lifeguards work at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools to ensure swimmer safety at all times. Across the U.S., there is no shortage of aquatic recreational facilities, and Calhoun County is no exception. The county offers several opportunities for trained lifeguards to work in various aquatic settings.

Enrolling in a Lifeguard course in Calhoun County is the first step toward building a rewarding career in aquatics. After earning certification from a recognized organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), individuals can pursue lifeguarding positions at pools, beaches, and other water facilities.

ALA training centers in Calhoun County provide multiple lifeguard courses and certification options. Although lifeguarding is most popular during the summer months, year-round opportunities exist due to indoor pools and aquatic facilities operating throughout the year.

Holding an ALA certification increases employment opportunities, as many employers value the organization’s strong reputation. For more than 30 years, ALA has trained lifeguards who now serve communities worldwide.

About the American Lifeguard Association

The American Lifeguard Association delivers comprehensive lifeguard education covering all essential safety and rescue skills. ALA 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 promote safer swimming environments at pools, beaches, and waterways. The organization works closely with employers across the country to ensure lifeguards are properly trained and prepared.

Over the years, ALA has been featured on the CDC Healthy Swimming website. In addition, the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. General Service Administration (GSA) have recognized that ALA’s lifeguard certification programs are comparable to those offered by the American Red Cross. Since the early 1990s, ALA has ensured its programs meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.

ALA’s training programs follow ECC scientific guidelines and reflect findings from the Calhoun County Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition Report. Employers participating in ALA programs are also required to comply with the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), including pre-service evaluations and ongoing in-service training.

Before exploring the skills taught in the program, it is important to review the eligibility requirements for enrolling in the ALA Lifeguard course.

Requirements for Lifeguard Course in Calhoun County

According to U.S. labor regulations, candidates must meet the following age requirements:

• At least 15 years old to work at swimming pools, waterparks, or lakes

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

To successfully complete the Lifeguard course, participants must demonstrate the following prerequisite skills:

Swim 300 yards continuously using these strokes in order:

• 100 yards of front crawl with rhythmic breathing and a strong stabilizing 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)

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 to retrieve a 10-pound object

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

• Exit the water without using steps or a ladder

• Complete the entire task within 1 minute and 40 seconds

Upon successful completion of the Lifeguard 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 Course in Calhoun County for Long-Term Career

While lifeguarding is often viewed as a temporary summer job, it can develop into a full-time career. Many aquatic facilities operate year-round and require certified lifeguards throughout the year.

With additional education and experience, certified lifeguards can advance into higher-paying roles such as water safety instructors, swim coaches, or aquatic supervisors.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Course in Calhoun County

Participants in the American Lifeguard Association program will learn a wide range of essential skills, including:

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 Rear Rescues

• Two-Person Backboard Removal

• Passive Submerged Victim (Shallow Water)

• Multiple-Victim Rescue

• Feet-First Surface Dive

• Submerged Victim Rescue (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

• 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 and Binders

• 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 a lifeguard is to maintain the safety of all swimmers within their assigned area. Lifeguards typically monitor aquatic zones from elevated chairs, patrol open water environments, and use tools such as binoculars and rescue equipment when necessary.

The American Lifeguard Association is recognized as one of the leading aquatic safety training providers in the Calhoun County. With more than three decades of experience, ALA delivers high-quality training guided by strong ethical standards.

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