Accredited Lifeguard Training Programs Across the Netherlands

If you visit beaches or swimming pools in the Netherlands, you will notice lifeguards on duty to ensure everyone’s safety. The lifeguard’s essential job is to help prevent accidents and respond quickly in emergencies, which requires specialized training. Lifeguard training in the Netherlands serves this purpose—preparing individuals to protect swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.

The Netherlands is blessed with over 450 kilometers of coastline, vast inland lakes, and numerous swimming areas, making it one of Europe’s top aquatic destinations. Swimming in the Netherlands is widespread, whether in the North Sea, lakes, canals, indoor pools, recreation centers, or waterparks. This abundance of aquatic venues creates a strong demand for lifeguards, especially during the busy summer months when swimming activity peaks.

Lifeguard Training in the Netherlands

Lifeguards serve at beaches, waterparks, lakes, and swimming pools throughout the country to protect swimmers. With so many aquatic facilities available, there are ample opportunities for those who wish to pursue lifeguarding as a rewarding role.

Lifeguard training in the Netherlands is the first step toward building a career in aquatics. Once certified by a respected organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates become well-positioned to seek employment at beaches, pools, and aquatic centers.

ALA training centers in the Netherlands offer multiple lifeguard training programs and certifications. While demand peaks in the summertime, training and employment opportunities continue throughout the year thanks to the many indoor aquatic facilities across the Netherlands.

With over 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards who now serve communities worldwide. Certification through ALA provides a credential that is recognized by many employers and demonstrates a commitment to safety and professionalism.

About the American Lifeguard Association

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 drownings and improving aquatic safety.

ALA’s mission is to make swimming pools, beaches, and waterways safer. To achieve this, ALA works directly with employers across North America and Europe to train lifeguards and establish strong safety practices.

ALA has been referenced by public health and safety organizations, including:

• The CDC Healthy Swimming Program
• The U.S. Department of Labor
• The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)
• Since the early 1990s, ALA has aligned its programs with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.

Training also reflects the latest ECC science and incorporates findings from the European Lifeguard Training Standards. In addition, ALA requires employers to meet the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) recommendations for pre-service evaluations and in-service training.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in the Netherlands

To enroll in the American Lifeguard Association’s lifeguard training course in the Netherlands, candidates must meet the minimum age requirements generally recognized nationwide:

• 15 years or older to work at a swimming pool, waterpark, or lake
• 16 years or older to work at a beach or waterfront facility

Candidates must also demonstrate the following ALA prerequisite skills to successfully complete the program:

Swim 300 meters continuously, using the following strokes:

• 100 meters of front crawl with rhythmic breathing and a stabilizing, propulsive kick
• 100 meters of breaststroke using a pull, breath, kick, and glide sequence
• 100 meters of either front crawl or breaststroke (or a combination of both)

Complete a timed event:

• Start in the water, swim 20 meters using front crawl or breaststroke
• Surface dive 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object
• Return to the surface and swim 20 meters back to the starting point with the object
• Exit the water without using steps or a ladder
• All within 1 minute and 40 seconds

Upon successful completion, each participant receives an American Lifeguard Certificate in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid, valid for two years.

Lifeguarding in the Netherlands: Long-Term Career Options

Although many view lifeguarding as a summer job for students, it can grow into a long-term profession. Year-round employment is available at indoor pools and aquatic centers, and lifeguards can pursue additional training to advance into roles such as:

• Water Safety Instructor
• Swim Coach
• Aquatic Supervisor or Manager

These positions offer higher pay, leadership opportunities, and the chance to build a career dedicated to public health and safety.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in the Netherlands

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

Rescue Skills

• Slide-In Entry
• Stride and Compact Jumps
• 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 with a Backboard
• Passive Submerged Victim in Shallow Water
• Multiple-Victim Rescue
• Feet-First Surface Dive
• Submerged Victim Recovery in Deep Water
• Front and Rear Head-Hold Escapes

Caring for Head, Neck, or Back Injuries

• Manual In-Line Stabilization on land (lying down, sitting, or standing)
• Using a Backboard for a Standing Victim
• Head Splint Techniques (face-up and face-down, shallow or deep water)
• Head and Chin Support (face-up and face-down, shallow or deep water)
• In-Line Stabilization for Submerged Victims
• Using a Backboard in Shallow and Deep Water

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Skills

• Removing Gloves and Performing an Initial Assessment
• Rescue Breathing (adult, child, infant)
• Using a Bag-Valve-Mask Resuscitator (two rescuers)
• Conscious and Unconscious Choking (adult, child, infant)
• CPR (one-rescuer and two-rescuer for adult, child, infant)
• AED Use (adult and child)

First Aid Skills

• Secondary Assessment
• Controlling External Bleeding
• Applying Slings, Binders, Anatomic, and Soft Splints

Final Skill Scenarios

• Active Drowning Victim
• Submerged Passive Drowning Victim
• Head, Neck, or Back Injury

Would you like to read about: Lifeguard Training in Germany

Famous Dutch Beaches Where Lifeguards Are Essential

North Holland

Zandvoort Beach: The Netherlands’ most popular seaside resort, with lifeguards on duty during the summer months.
Bloemendaal aan Zee: Known for beach clubs and festivals, with lifeguards stationed daily during peak season.

South Holland

Scheveningen Beach (The Hague): The busiest beach in the country, fully staffed with trained lifeguards and rescue teams.
Hoek van Holland Beach: A wide family-friendly beach with supervised swimming zones and safety patrols.

Zeeland

Domburg Beach: Clean and calm beach waters monitored by lifeguards in summer.
Cadzand Beach: One of the safest beaches in Zeeland, patrolled daily by professional lifeguards.

Friesland

Makkum Beach: Popular for families and water sports, with lifeguard stations in designated swimming areas.
Lemmer Beach: A freshwater beach along the IJsselmeer with full safety supervision during summer.

Wadden Islands

Texel Beach: The largest island with multiple lifeguard-posted areas.
Ameland Beach: Known for its long coastline and seasonal lifeguard stations ensuring safe swimming.

The Final Wave

The primary role of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to keep swimmers safe. Lifeguards often monitor their area from a raised chair, patrol open water zones, and use binoculars or rescue equipment as needed.

The American Lifeguard Association is recognized as one of the leading aquatic health and safety training providers in the Netherlands. With more than 30 years of experience, ALA delivers training guided by a strict code of ethics and a commitment to excellence.

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