If you visit beaches or swimming pools, you will notice lifeguards on duty to ensure everyone’s safety. A lifeguard’s primary role is to help prevent accidents and respond quickly during emergencies, and that responsibility requires specialized training. Lifeguard class in Dougherty County serves this purpose—preparing individuals to protect swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.
Dougherty County offers plenty of places where people enjoy swimming, from public pools and aquatic facilities to nearby lakes and water attractions. Swimming is one of the most enjoyable ways to stay active, especially during warm seasons when families and friends spend more time around the water. With so many swimmers visiting pools, recreation centers, and seasonal water venues, the need for trained lifeguards becomes essential. That’s why Lifeguard class in Dougherty County plays an important role—preparing lifeguards to monitor swimmers, prevent accidents, and respond quickly to emergencies. Demand for lifeguards in the area typically increases during the summer months when aquatic activity is at its peak.
Lifeguards work at beaches, waterparks, lakes, and swimming pools to help keep swimmers safe. With many aquatic recreation options available across the U.S., opportunities can also be found locally, and Dougherty County is no exception.
Lifeguard class in Dougherty County is the first step toward building a strong pathway in the aquatic field. Once you earn your lifeguard certification from a respected organization like the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), you can pursue job opportunities at pools, waterfronts, and aquatic facilities.
ALA training centers offer different types of lifeguard programs and certifications. While lifeguard demand is highest in the summertime, training and work opportunities can continue throughout the year due to indoor pools and ongoing aquatic programs.
With more than 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards who now serve communities worldwide. Earning certification through ALA can help you stand out to employers because it reflects professional training and a commitment to safety.
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, both 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on reducing drownings and improving aquatic safety.
ALA’s mission is to help make swimming pools, beaches, and waterways safer. To support this mission, ALA works directly with employers nationwide to train lifeguard professionals and promote strong safety standards.
ALA has been referenced by public health and safety organizations, including:
Since the early 1990s, ALA has worked to align programs with Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements. Training reflects ECC science and findings from the Dougherty County Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition Report. ALA programs also require employers to follow the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) guidance for pre-service evaluations and in-service training for staff.
Before we discuss the course skills, it’s important to review the eligibility requirements to enroll in the ALA lifeguarding class.
To enroll in the Lifeguarding training course, U.S. Labor Laws generally require that you must be:
15 years or older to work at a swimming pool, waterpark, or lake
16 years or older to work at beaches
You must also be able to demonstrate the following skills to successfully complete the Lifeguarding course:
Swim 300 yards continuously, using these strokes in the following order:
100 yards of front crawl using rhythmic breathing and a stabilizing, propellant kick. Rhythmic breathing may be performed by breathing to the side or to the front.
100 yards of breaststroke using a pull, breath, kick, and glide sequence.
100 yards of either front crawl or breaststroke.
(The final 100 yards may be a combination of front crawl and breaststroke.)
Complete a timed event:
Starting in the water, swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke, then surface dive 7–10 feet, 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 a ladder or steps, within 1 minute, 40 seconds.
Upon completing the course, each participant will receive an American Lifeguard Certificate indicating Lifeguard, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid, valid for two years.
Many people consider lifeguarding a seasonal job, especially for students during summer break. However, it can also grow into a long-term profession with consistent opportunities.
A smart way to use your Lifeguard class in Dougherty County for career growth is to work at facilities that require lifeguards year-round, such as indoor aquatic centers. With additional education and training, lifeguards can also advance into higher-paying roles like:
Water Safety Instructor
Swim Coach
Aquatic Supervisor or Manager
These positions can offer leadership opportunities, improved wages, and a stronger career path in public safety.
During the ALA lifeguard class, participants learn a detailed set of practical skills across rescue techniques, CPR/AED, and First Aid.
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 from the Water Using a Backboard
Passive Submerged Victim—Shallow Water
Multiple-Victim Rescue
Feet-First Surface Dive
Submerged Victim—Deep Water
Front and Rear Head-Hold Escape
Manual In-Line Stabilization for a Head, Neck, or Back Injury on Land (Lying Down, Sitting, or Standing)
Using a Backboard for a Standing Victim on Land
Head Splint Technique—Face-Up Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface
Head Splint Technique—Face-Down Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface
Head and Chin Support—Face-Up Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface
Head and Chin Support—Face-Down Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface
Head Splint Technique—Face-Up Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface
Head Splint Technique—Face-Down Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface
Head and Chin Support—Face-Up Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface
In-Line Stabilization for a Submerged Victim—Face-Up, Face-Down, or on One Side in Deep Water
Using a Backboard in Shallow and Deep Water
Removing Gloves
Initial Assessment
Rescue Breathing—Adult, Child, and Infant
Using a Bag-Valve-Mask Resuscitator—Two Rescuers
Conscious Choking—Adult, Child, and Infant
Unconscious Choking—Adult, Child, and Infant
CPR—Adult, Child, and Infant
Two-Rescuer CPR—Adult, Child, and Infant
Using an AED—Adult and Child
Secondary Assessment
Controlling External Bleeding
Applying a Sling and Binder
Applying an Anatomic Splint
Applying a Soft Splint
Final Skill Scenario 1—Active Drowning Victim
Final Skill Scenario 2—Submerged Passive Drowning Victim
Final Skill Scenario 3—Head, Neck, or Back Injury
The purpose of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to protect swimmers and respond effectively in emergencies. Lifeguards often supervise their zones from an elevated chair to maintain a clear view of the water. In larger waterfront areas, lifeguards may patrol the swim zone, and binoculars are commonly used tools for many first responders.
The American Lifeguard Association is considered one of the leading aquatic health and safety training providers in the Dougherty County. With more than 30 years of experience, ALA delivers training based on a strong code of ethics and a commitment to quality safety education worldwide.
For Lifeguard class in Dougherty County, if you are searching for “lifeguard training near me,” the American Lifeguard Association is an excellent option. For more information about ALA lifeguard training and certification programs, please contact us.
The American Lifeguard Association has been approved for the Capital One Affiliate Program! for Tuition Assistance Loan
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