If you regularly visit beaches, lakes, or swimming pools in Franklin County, you will always notice 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 Franklin County is designed to prepare individuals to safeguard swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.
Franklin County has plenty of places where people swim and cool off—community pools, indoor aquatic centers, lakes, and seasonal waterfront spots. Swimming is one of the most enjoyed activities, especially when families and visitors pack these facilities during warm weather. With so many aquatic venues operating across the county, there’s a real need for trained lifeguards who can supervise swimmers, prevent accidents, and respond quickly in emergencies. That’s why lifeguarding remains a high-demand role in Franklin County, particularly during the summer months when swimming activity is at its peak.
Lifeguards work at beaches, waterparks, lakes, and swimming pools throughout Franklin County to ensure the safety of all visitors. With a wide range of aquatic attractions available, there are excellent opportunities for individuals interested in serving their community while working in a dynamic outdoor environment.
Lifeguard training in Franklin County is the first step toward building a successful 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 across the county.
ALA training centers serving Franklin County provide various lifeguard training programs and certifications. While lifeguard demand increases during summer months, indoor pools and year-round aquatic facilities allow certified lifeguards to find employment throughout the year.
With over 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards who now serve communities worldwide. An ALA certification demonstrates professionalism, competence, and a strong commitment to water safety.
The American Lifeguard Association is supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, both 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations dedicated to reducing drowning incidents and improving aquatic safety.
ALA’s mission is to make swimming pools, beaches, and waterways safer. To accomplish this, ALA works closely with employers across the Franklin County to train lifeguards and promote high safety standards.
The American Lifeguard Association has been referenced and recognized by several public health and safety organizations, including:
Since the early 1990s, ALA has ensured its training programs align with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. ALA courses are based on the latest ECC science and reflect findings from the Franklin County Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition Report. In addition, employers are required to follow Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) guidelines for pre-service evaluations and ongoing staff training.
To enroll in an American Lifeguard Association lifeguard training course in Franklin County, candidates must meet the minimum age requirements under U.S. labor laws:
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 demonstrate the following prerequisite skills:
Swim 300 yards continuously using the following strokes:
100 yards of front crawl with 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
Start 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 with the object
Exit the water without using steps or a ladder
All tasks must be completed within 1 minute and 40 seconds.
Upon successful completion, 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. Franklin County offers year-round opportunities at indoor pools, aquatic centers, and fitness facilities.
With additional training, certified lifeguards can advance into higher-paying and leadership roles, including:
Water Safety Instructor
Swim Coach
Aquatic Supervisor or Facility Manager
These roles provide career growth while allowing individuals to remain active in the aquatic safety field.
ALA lifeguard training provides comprehensive instruction in rescue techniques, CPR/AED, and First Aid.
Slide-In Entry
Stride and Compact Jumps
Rescue Approaches (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
Manual In-Line Stabilization on Land
Using a Backboard 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
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
Secondary Assessment
Controlling External Bleeding
Applying Slings and Binders
Anatomic and Soft Splints
Active Drowning Victim Rescue
Submerged Passive Drowning Victim Rescue
Head, Neck, or Back Injury Response
The main objective of lifeguard training is to ensure swimmer safety at all times. Lifeguards often observe 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 safety training providers in the Franklin County. With more than 30 years of experience, ALA follows a strict code of ethics and remains committed to delivering high-quality lifeguard training.
If you are searching for lifeguard training in Franklin County or typing “lifeguard training near me,” the American Lifeguard Association is the right choice. For more information about ALA lifeguard training and certification programs in Franklin 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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