Lifeguard Training in Forsyth County

If you visit beaches, lakes, or swimming pools in Forsyth County, you will always see 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 Forsyth County fulfills this need by preparing individuals to safeguard swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.

Forsyth County is home to a strong swimming culture, with community pools, recreation centers, and nearby lakes attracting swimmers throughout the year. Swimming is one of the most enjoyable ways to stay active and cool off, especially during warmer months. With so many people visiting pools and waterfront areas, a reliable team of trained lifeguards becomes essential to monitor safety and respond quickly in emergencies. That’s why the demand for certified lifeguards in Forsyth County increases significantly during the summer season, when aquatic activity is at its peak.

Lifeguard Training in Forsyth County

Lifeguards play a vital role at beaches, waterparks, lakes, and swimming pools by ensuring the safety of swimmers. Across the Forsyth County—and within Forsyth County—there are numerous aquatic facilities that rely on trained lifeguards to maintain a safe swimming environment.

Lifeguard training in Forsyth County is the first step toward entering a rewarding career in aquatics. After earning certification from a recognized organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates become eligible for employment at pools, beaches, and aquatic centers throughout the region.

ALA training centers serving Forsyth County provide a variety of lifeguard training programs and certifications. While lifeguard training is most popular during the summer months, opportunities are available year-round due to indoor pools, fitness centers, and recreational facilities operating throughout the year.

With more than 30 years of experience, the American Lifeguard Association has trained lifeguards who now serve communities across the Forsyth County and worldwide. An ALA lifeguard certification is widely respected and helps demonstrate professionalism, skill, and commitment to water safety.

About the American Lifeguard Association

The American Lifeguard Association is supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, both recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on improving aquatic safety and reducing drowning incidents.

ALA’s mission is to make swimming pools, beaches, and waterways safer for everyone. To achieve this goal, the organization works closely with employers nationwide to train professional lifeguards and promote strong aquatic safety standards.

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 that all training programs comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. ALA training reflects the latest ECC science and follows findings from the Forsyth County Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition Report. In addition, employers are required to meet Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) guidelines for pre-service evaluations and ongoing in-service training.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in Forsyth County

To enroll in the American Lifeguard Association lifeguard training program in Forsyth County, candidates must meet the minimum age requirements established by U.S. labor regulations:

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

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

Candidates must also successfully complete the following prerequisite swimming skills:

Continuous Swim Test

• 100 yards of front crawl using rhythmic breathing and a stabilizing 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 to a depth of 7–10 feet and 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 sequence 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, valid for two years.

Lifeguarding in Forsyth County: Long-Term Career Options

Although lifeguarding is often viewed as a seasonal summer job, it can develop into a long-term career. Many facilities in Forsyth County operate year-round, providing steady employment opportunities at indoor pools and recreation centers.

With additional certifications and experience, lifeguards can advance into higher-paying roles such as:

• Water Safety Instructor

• Swim Coach

• Aquatic Supervisor or Facility Manager

These positions offer increased responsibility, leadership opportunities, and long-term career growth within the aquatic industry.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in Forsyth County

During the ALA lifeguard training program, participants develop a comprehensive set of skills focused on rescue techniques, CPR/AED, and First Aid.

Rescue Skills

• Slide-In Entry

• Stride Jump and Compact Jump

• Rescue Approaches using Front Crawl or Breaststroke

• Simple Assist

• Extension Assist from the Deck

• Reaching Assist and Throwing Assist with Equipment

• Swimming Extension Rescue

• Active and Passive Drowning Victim Rescues

• Two-Person Removal from Water Using a Backboard

• Passive Submerged Victim Rescue in Shallow Water

• Multiple-Victim Rescue

• Feet-First Surface Dive

• Submerged Victim Rescue in Deep Water

• Front and Rear Head-Hold Escape Techniques

Head, Neck, and Spine Injury Care

• Manual In-Line Stabilization on Land

• Using a Backboard for 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

• Backboard Use in Shallow and Deep Water

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer

• Removing Gloves and Performing Initial Assessments

• Rescue Breathing for Adults, Children, and Infants

• Bag-Valve-Mask Resuscitation (Two-Rescuer)

• 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 Splints, and Soft Splints

Final Skill Scenarios

• Active Drowning Victim Rescue

• Submerged Passive Drowning Victim Rescue

• Head, Neck, or Back Injury Management

The Final Wave

The primary purpose of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to protect swimmers and prevent accidents. Lifeguards typically monitor their assigned area from elevated chairs, patrol open water zones, and use rescue equipment or binoculars when necessary.

The American Lifeguard Association is recognized as one of the leading aquatic health and safety training providers in the Forsyth County. With over 30 years of experience, ALA follows a strict code of ethics and remains committed to delivering high-quality lifeguard training.

For lifeguard training in Forsyth County, if you are searching online for “lifeguard training near me,” the American Lifeguard Association is the right choice. For more information about ALA lifeguard training and certification programs, please contact us today.