Lifeguard Class and training in Dodge County

If you frequently visit beaches, lakes, or swimming pools in Dodge County, you have likely seen lifeguards on duty ensuring public safety. A lifeguard’s primary responsibility is to prevent accidents and respond effectively during emergencies, which requires professional training. Lifeguard class in Dodge County fulfills this need by preparing individuals to safeguard swimmers at pools, waterparks, lakes, and waterfront facilities.

Dodge County has plenty of places where people swim and enjoy the water—whether that’s community pools, indoor aquatic centers, lakes, or seasonal water attractions. Swimming is one of the most popular ways to relax and stay active, especially in warmer months when families and groups spend more time outdoors. With more swimmers using these facilities, the need for trained lifeguards naturally increases. That’s why lifeguarding remains a high-demand role in Dodge County, particularly during peak summer season when aquatic locations are busiest.

Lifeguard Class in Dodge County

Lifeguards play a crucial role at beaches, waterparks, lakes, and swimming pools across Dodge County. Their presence helps ensure a safe environment for swimmers of all ages. With multiple aquatic venues throughout the county, there are consistent opportunities for individuals interested in working as lifeguards.

Enrolling in a Lifeguard class in Dodge County is the first step toward entering the aquatic safety field. After earning certification from a well-recognized organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates become eligible to apply for lifeguard positions at a variety of aquatic facilities.

ALA training centers offer multiple lifeguard classes and certifications. While enrollment peaks during the summer season, Dodge County’s indoor pools and year-round aquatic centers provide opportunities beyond seasonal employment.

With more than three decades of experience, the American Lifeguard Association has certified lifeguards who serve communities nationwide and internationally. An ALA certification demonstrates professionalism, preparedness, and a strong commitment to public safety.

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 dedicated to enhancing aquatic safety and reducing drowning incidents.

ALA’s mission is to make swimming pools, beaches, and waterways safer by delivering high-quality training programs. The organization works closely with employers throughout the Dodge County to develop skilled and dependable lifeguard professionals.

ALA has been referenced by several recognized health and safety authorities, including:

• CDC Healthy Swimming

• U.S. Department of Labor

• U.S. General Service Administration (GSA)

Since the early 1990s, ALA programs have aligned with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Training reflects the latest ECC science and findings from the Dodge County Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition Report. In addition, ALA encourages employers to follow Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) guidelines for pre-service evaluations and ongoing in-service training.

Requirements for Lifeguard Class in Dodge County

To enroll in an American Lifeguard Association lifeguard class in Dodge County, candidates must meet the minimum age requirements generally recognized across the Dodge County:

• 15 years or older to work at swimming pools, waterparks, or lakes

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

Participants must also successfully complete the following prerequisite swimming skills:

Swimming Prerequisites

• Swim 300 yards continuously, including:

  • 100 yards front crawl with rhythmic breathing and a stabilizing kick

  • 100 yards breaststroke using a pull, breath, kick, and glide sequence

  • 100 yards front crawl or breaststroke (or a combination)

Timed Skill Test

• Start in the water and swim 20 yards

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

• Return to the surface and swim 20 yards back

• Exit the water without using steps or a ladder

• Complete the task within 1 minute and 40 seconds

Upon successful completion, participants receive an American Lifeguard Certificate in:

• Lifeguarding

• CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer

• First Aid

Certification is valid for two years.

Lifeguarding in Dodge County: Long-Term Career Options

Although many people view lifeguarding as a summer job, it can evolve into a long-term career. Dodge County offers year-round employment opportunities at indoor pools, recreation centers, and aquatic facilities.

With additional training and experience, certified lifeguards may advance into roles such as:

• Water Safety Instructor

• Swim Coach

• Aquatic Supervisor or Manager

These positions offer higher earning potential and leadership responsibilities within the aquatic industry.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Class in Dodge County

During the American Lifeguard Association lifeguard class, participants develop a wide range of practical skills essential for emergency response and swimmer safety.

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 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

Spinal Injury Management

• Manual In-Line Stabilization (land positions)

• Using a Backboard for Standing Victims

• Head Splint Techniques (face-up and face-down)

• Head and Chin Support (shallow and deep water)

• In-Line Stabilization for Submerged Victims

• Backboard Use in Shallow and Deep Water

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer

• Removing Gloves and Initial Assessment

• Rescue Breathing (adult, child, infant)

• Bag-Valve-Mask Resuscitation (two rescuers)

• Conscious and Unconscious Choking Care

• One-Rescuer and Two-Rescuer CPR

• AED Use for Adults and Children

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 education is to prepare individuals to protect lives. Lifeguards often supervise swimmers from elevated chairs, patrol open water areas, and use rescue equipment or binoculars when necessary.

The American Lifeguard Association is recognized as one of the leading aquatic safety training providers in the Dodge County. With over 30 years of experience, ALA remains committed to high ethical standards and excellence in safety education.

If you are searching for “lifeguard class near me” in Dodge County, the American Lifeguard Association is a trusted choice. For more information about lifeguard classes and certification programs in Dodge County, please contact us today.