If you often visit a beach, lake, waterpark, or swimming pool, you’ve likely seen lifeguards on duty to protect swimmers and respond quickly when emergencies happen. A lifeguard’s main responsibility is preventing accidents and taking action when needed—and for that, proper training is required. Lifeguard course in Gwinnett County is designed for this purpose: preparing candidates to safeguard swimmers at pools, waterfronts, and aquatic facilities.
Gwinnett County offers plenty of places where people enjoy swimming, from community pools and aquatic centers to waterparks and seasonal swim facilities. Swimming is one of the most enjoyable ways to stay active and cool off, especially during the warmer months. With so many residents and families visiting these aquatic venues, having trained lifeguards on duty becomes essential. Lifeguards are the professionals who monitor swimmers, prevent accidents, and respond quickly in emergencies. That’s why the demand for lifeguards in Gwinnett County increases significantly in peak seasons—particularly in summer—when pool attendance and water activities are at their highest.
Lifeguards work at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools to supervise swimmers and prevent incidents. Across the U.S., families enjoy many aquatic destinations—and the same is true in Gwinnett County, where pools, water facilities, and recreational programs create consistent opportunities for trained lifeguards.
Lifeguard course in Gwinnett County is the first step toward entering a meaningful role in aquatics. After completing training and earning certification through a recognized organization like the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates can explore job options at pools, aquatic centers, and seasonal water venues.
ALA training centers offer multiple lifeguard course options and certifications. While training demand is highest in summer, candidates can still benefit throughout the year due to indoor pools and year-round aquatic programs.
With certification from ALA, lifeguards can apply for roles with confidence, supported by the organization’s credibility. ALA has trained lifeguards for more than 30 years, and certified professionals serve communities across the world.
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, both 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations committed to improving aquatic safety and reducing drowning incidents.
ALA’s mission is to help make beaches, pools, and waterways safer by training lifeguard professionals and promoting strong safety practices. The organization also works directly with employers nationwide to develop capable lifeguard teams.
ALA has been referenced over the years by public health and safety entities, including:
Since the early 1990s, ALA has aligned its programs to meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA requirements for workplace safety. Training reflects ECC science and includes guidance from lifeguard training standards research. In addition, ALA requires employers to follow MAHC recommendations by conducting pre-service evaluations and in-service training for staff.
To enroll in the American Lifeguard Association lifeguarding program, candidates must meet minimum age requirements under U.S. labor guidelines:
15 years or older to work at a swimming pool, waterpark, or lake
16 years or older to work at beaches or waterfront facilities
Candidates must also successfully complete the following prerequisite skills:
Swim 300 yards continuously, using these strokes in order:
100 yards of front crawl with rhythmic breathing and a stabilizing, propellant kick (breathing may be to the side or front)
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)
Complete a timed skill test:
Starting in the water:
Swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke
Surface dive 7–10 feet and 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
Complete all of this within 1 minute and 40 seconds
After completing the course successfully, each participant receives an American Lifeguard Certificate indicating Lifeguard, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid, valid for two years.
Many people view lifeguarding as a seasonal summer job, especially for students. However, it can also become a long-term career path, particularly for those who want year-round work in aquatics.
One of the best ways to grow after completing a Lifeguard course in Gwinnett County is to seek employment at facilities that operate throughout the year, such as indoor pools or recreation centers. With additional training and experience, lifeguards may advance into roles like:
Water Safety Instructor
Swim Coach
Aquatic Supervisor or Facility Leader
These opportunities can offer higher pay, leadership growth, and long-term stability.
During the ALA lifeguarding program, participants learn a wide range of professional 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 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 professionals who can keep swimmers safe in real environments. Lifeguards often monitor from raised chairs to improve visibility, patrol open-water zones when needed, and use equipment such as rescue tools or binoculars as part of routine supervision.
The American Lifeguard Association is regarded as a leading provider of aquatic health and safety training in the United States. With more than 30 years of experience, ALA delivers training guided by strong ethics and a commitment to quality.
For Lifeguard course in Gwinnett County, if you are searching for “lifeguard training near me,” the American Lifeguard Association is a reliable option. For more information about ALA lifeguard course and certification programs, please contact us.
The American Lifeguard Association has been approved for the Capital One Affiliate Program! for Tuition Assistance Loan
To stay updated with our special offers, subscribe to our weekly newsletter. We will not share your information with any third party.
8300 Boone Blvd 5th Floor Vienna, VA 22182
703-761-6750
Media Contact
703-856-8901
alalifeguard@aol.com
