If you spend time at swimming pools, lakes, or beaches in Floyd County, you will always see trained lifeguards on duty 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 Floyd County prepares individuals to safeguard swimmers at pools, lakes, waterparks, and waterfront facilities.
Floyd County offers plenty of places where residents and visitors enjoy swimming, whether that’s at community pools, aquatic centers, waterparks, or nearby lakes and waterfront areas. Swimming is one of the best ways to relax, stay fit, and spend time with family—especially when the weather is warm. With so many people heading to the water during peak season, having trained lifeguards on duty becomes essential. That’s why lifeguards are in strong demand in and around Floyd County, particularly during the summer months when aquatic facilities are busiest and safety coverage is most needed.
Lifeguards serve at swimming pools, lakes, waterparks, and other aquatic facilities throughout Floyd County to ensure public safety. With many recreational water venues available, the county offers excellent opportunities for individuals interested in working in aquatics.
Lifeguard training in Floyd County is the first step toward building a successful career in aquatic safety. After earning certification from a recognized organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates become eligible for employment at various aquatic facilities.
ALA training centers serving Floyd County provide multiple lifeguard training programs and certifications. While enrollment is most popular during the summer, opportunities remain available throughout the year due to indoor pools and aquatic programs operating year-round.
With more than 30 years of experience, the American Lifeguard Association has trained lifeguards who serve communities across the country and around the world. An ALA certification demonstrates professionalism, preparedness, and a commitment to swimmer safety.
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 drowning incidents.
ALA’s mission is to create safer swimming environments at pools, beaches, and waterways. To achieve this, the organization works directly with employers nationwide to train competent lifeguard professionals.
Over the years, ALA has been referenced by several public health and safety authorities, including:
Since the early 1990s, ALA training programs have aligned with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. Courses are based on current ECC science and follow findings from the United States Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition Report. Employers are also required to meet Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) recommendations for pre-service and in-service training.
To enroll in an American Lifeguard Association lifeguard training course in Floyd County, candidates must meet the following age requirements under U.S. labor guidelines:
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
Participants must also successfully demonstrate the following prerequisite skills:
Continuous Swim Test (300 yards):
100 yards of front crawl using 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
Timed Skill Test:
Begin in the water and swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke
Surface dive 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object
Return to the surface and swim 20 yards back while holding the object
Exit the water without using a ladder or steps
Complete the entire task within 1 minute and 40 seconds
After successfully completing the course, participants receive an American Lifeguard Certificate in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid, valid for two years.
Although lifeguarding is often considered a seasonal job, it can develop into a long-term career. Many indoor pools and aquatic centers in and around Floyd County operate year-round, offering consistent employment opportunities.
With additional certifications and experience, lifeguards can advance into higher-paying roles such as:
Water Safety Instructor
Swim Coach
Aquatic Supervisor or Manager
These positions provide leadership opportunities and allow individuals to build a stable career in aquatic safety and public health.
Participants in the American Lifeguard Association lifeguard course receive comprehensive training in rescue techniques, CPR/AED, and First Aid.
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 Removal Using a Backboard
Passive Submerged Victim Rescue (Shallow Water)
Multiple-Victim Rescue
Feet-First Surface Dive
Submerged Victim Rescue (Deep Water)
Front and Rear Head-Hold Escapes
Manual In-Line Stabilization on Land
Backboarding a Standing Victim
Head Splint Techniques (Face-Up and Face-Down, Shallow and Deep Water)
Head and Chin Support Techniques
In-Line Stabilization for Submerged Victims
Using a Backboard in Shallow and Deep Water
Removing Gloves and Initial Assessment
Rescue Breathing (Adult, Child, Infant)
Bag-Valve-Mask Use (Two Rescuers)
Conscious and Unconscious Choking Care
CPR (One-Rescuer and Two-Rescuer)
AED Use for Adults and Children
Secondary Assessment
Controlling External Bleeding
Applying Slings, Binders, and Splints
Active Drowning Victim
Submerged Passive Drowning Victim
Head, Neck, or Back Injury
The purpose of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to protect lives. Lifeguards monitor their assigned areas from elevated chairs, patrol open water zones, and use rescue equipment and binoculars when necessary.
The American Lifeguard Association is recognized as one of the leading aquatic health and safety training providers in the United States. With more than three decades of experience, ALA delivers training guided by a strong code of ethics and a commitment to excellence.
If you are searching for lifeguard training in Floyd County or looking online for “lifeguard training near me,” the American Lifeguard Association is the right choice. For additional information about ALA lifeguard training and certification programs in Floyd County, please contact us today.
The American Lifeguard Association has been approved for the Capital One Affiliate Program! for Tuition Assistance Loan
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