Complete Lifeguard Course in Guam – ALA Training & Certification

If you usually go to the beach or swimming pool, you will notice lifeguards on duty to ensure everyone’s safety. A lifeguard’s essential responsibility is to prevent accidents and respond effectively in emergencies, which requires specialized training. A lifeguard course in Guam provides this preparation training individuals to protect swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.

Guam is an island surrounded by stunning beaches and home to many swimming pools, making it a hub for aquatic recreation. Swimming is one of the most enjoyable activities here, whether in the warm waters of Tumon Bay, at family-friendly beach parks, or in resort and community pools. With its beautiful coastline and numerous aquatic facilities, Guam requires a strong presence of lifeguards to ensure swimmer safety. The demand for lifeguards is especially high during the peak tourist season, but opportunities exist year-round thanks to the island’s indoor pools and resort-based water attractions.

Lifeguard Course in Guam

Lifeguards play a vital role at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and pools throughout Guam, ensuring the safety of swimmers and visitors. Just like elsewhere in the Guam’s aquatic centers and natural waterfronts provide ample opportunities for those interested in lifeguarding.

A lifeguard course in Guam is the first step toward a rewarding aquatic career. Once certified through a recognized organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates are qualified to apply for positions at pools, aquatic parks, and beaches.

ALA training centers in Guam provide a range of lifeguard certification programs. While enrollment is most popular in summer, training remains valuable year-round due to indoor aquatic facilities and ongoing recreational water activities.

With over 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards worldwide, providing certification that employers trust and respect.

Would you like to read about: Lifeguard Course in  Northern Mariana Islands

About the American Lifeguard Association

The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation both nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3)) dedicated to reducing drownings and enhancing water safety.

ALA collaborates directly with aquatic employers nationwide to provide lifeguard education and safety training. It has been referenced by leading institutions, including:

Since the 1990s, ALA has ensured that its programs meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Training reflects the latest ECC science and findings from the Guam Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition Report. Employers are also required to follow the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) for pre-service evaluations and in-service training.

Lifeguard Course in Guam

Requirements for the Lifeguard Course in Guam

To join the American Lifeguard Association’s lifeguard course in Guam, candidates must meet age requirements:

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

  • 16 years or older to work at beaches or waterfronts

Candidates must also demonstrate prerequisite swimming and rescue skills:

  • Swim 300 yards continuously, consisting of:

    • 100 yards of front crawl with rhythmic breathing and propellant kick

    • 100 yards of breaststroke with pull, breath, kick, and glide sequence

    • 100 yards of front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both

  • Complete a timed event within 1 minute 40 seconds:

    • Start in the water, swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke

    • Surface dive 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object

    • Return to the surface, swim 20 yards with the object, and exit without a ladder or steps

Upon completion, participants receive an American Lifeguard Certificate in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid valid for two years.

Lifeguard Course in Guam for long-term career

While lifeguarding is often considered a summer job for students, it can evolve into a long-term profession. With additional training, lifeguards can advance into higher-paying, year-round positions such as:

  • Water Safety Instructor

  • Swim Coach

  • Aquatic Supervisor or Manager

These roles provide leadership experience and greater career growth within aquatic safety and recreation.

Skills Learned in a Lifeguard Course in Guam

ALA’s lifeguard course equips participants with a wide range of rescue, CPR/AED, and first aid skills, including:

Rescue Skills

  • Slide-In Entry, Stride, and Compact Jumps

  • Rescue Approaches (front crawl or breaststroke)

  • Extension, Reaching, and Throwing Assists

  • Swimming Extension and Multiple-Victim Rescues

  • Active and Passive Drowning Victim Rescues

  • Submerged Victim Recovery (shallow and deep water)

  • Two-Person Removal with Backboard

  • Head-Hold Escapes and In-Line Stabilization Techniques

Caring for Head, Neck, or Back Injuries

  • Manual in-line stabilization on land (lying, sitting, or standing)

  • Using a backboard for a standing victim on land

  • Head Splint Technique  face-up, shallow water (at or near surface)

  • Head Splint Technique  face-down, shallow water (at or near surface)

  • Head and Chin Support  face-up, shallow water (at or near surface)

  • Head and Chin Support  face-down, shallow water (at or near surface)

  • Head Splint Technique  face-up, deep water (at or near surface)

  • Head Splint Technique  face-down, deep water (at or near surface)

  • Head and Chin Support  face-up, 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

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer

  • Removing Gloves and Initial Assessments

  • Rescue Breathing (adult, child, infant)

  • CPR (one-rescuer and two-rescuer for all age groups)

  • Conscious and Unconscious Choking Protocols

  • Using AEDs and Bag-Valve-Mask Devices

First Aid Skills

  • Secondary Assessments

  • Controlling External Bleeding

  • Applying Slings, Binders, and Splints

  • Managing Head, Neck, or Back Injuries

Final Skill Scenarios

  • Active Drowning Victim

  • Submerged Passive Drowning Victim

  • Head, Neck, or Back Injury Response

Famous Beaches in Guam Where Lifeguards Are Essential

  • Tumon Bay – The most famous beach in Guam, lined with resorts and bustling with tourists. Lifeguards are often on duty due to heavy swimming and snorkeling activity.

  • Ypao Beach Park – A popular family-friendly beach known for its picnic areas and snorkeling zones. Lifeguards are stationed during peak hours.

  • Gun Beach – A scenic beach near Tumon, loved for snorkeling and diving. Some areas may not have full lifeguard coverage, so safety awareness is important.

  • Tanguisson Beach – Known for its natural beauty and coral formations. Lifeguard presence can be limited, so swimmers must take precautions.

  • Ipao Beach – Close to major resorts, this beach attracts locals and tourists alike, with lifeguards helping to maintain safe swimming conditions.

  • Ritidian Point – A pristine, remote beach at Guam’s northern tip. While stunning, it generally has no lifeguards, making water safety training essential.

These beaches highlight why certified lifeguards are crucial in Guam whether on busy tourist stretches or natural, less-monitored shorelines.

The Final Word

The primary mission of a lifeguard course in Guam is to prepare individuals to safeguard swimmers. Lifeguards monitor from raised chairs, patrol open water areas, and use essential tools like binoculars and rescue equipment.

The American Lifeguard Association is one of the leading providers of aquatic health and safety training, with a legacy of over 30 years. Its programs emphasize ethics, professionalism, and lifesaving excellence.

For those searching for “lifeguard course near me” in Guam, the American Lifeguard Association is the trusted choice. For details on lifeguard training and certification programs, contact the ALA today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Lifeguard Training program you can find more on our FAQ page if you don’t feel free to send us your questions on our contact us page

Anyone 15 years or older can enroll to work at pools, lakes, or waterparks, while candidates must be at least 16 years old to work at beaches.

Successful participants earn an American Lifeguard Certificate, including Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid—valid for two years.

Course length varies, but most programs can be completed in a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on scheduling and practice sessions.

Yes, ALA certification is widely recognized across the United States, including Guam, and accepted by many aquatic employers worldwide.

Yes, candidates must demonstrate the ability to swim 300 yards continuously, perform rescue techniques, and complete a timed underwater retrieval test.

While many lifeguards work seasonally, there are year-round opportunities at indoor pools, resorts, and aquatic centers. With additional training, you can advance into higher roles like swim instructor, coach, or aquatic supervisor.

Lifeguards are essential at popular beaches such as Tumon Bay, Ypao Beach Park, and Gun Beach, as well as hotels, resorts, and public swimming pools.

You can register directly through the American Lifeguard Association’s official training centers in Guam or visit their website to find course schedules and enrollment details.

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