Become a Trained Lifeguard with ALA in Bronx County

If you visit beaches or swimming pools in Bronx County, 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 Bronx County serves this purpose, preparing individuals to protect swimmers at community pools, recreation centers, and nearby waterfront areas in New York City.

Bronx County has numerous public pools and access to NYC’s aquatic network, making swimming very popular, especially in the summer. Outdoor pools fill with visitors during warm months, while indoor facilities stay active all year. This creates a strong demand for trained lifeguards across the Bronx.

Lifeguard Training in Bronx County

Lifeguards serve at pools, recreation centers, summer camps, waterparks, and waterfronts throughout Bronx County to keep swimmers safe. With so many aquatic facilities available, there are ample opportunities for individuals who want to pursue lifeguarding as a rewarding role.

Lifeguard training in Bronx County is the first step toward building a career in aquatics. Once certified through a respected organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates become well-positioned to seek employment at NYC Parks pools, private clubs, fitness centers, and community aquatic programs.

ALA training centers near Bronx County offer multiple lifeguard programs and certifications. While demand increases during summer, indoor pools ensure employment opportunities remain available throughout the year.

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

About the American Lifeguard Association

The American Lifeguard Association is supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, both 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 to train lifeguards and promote strong aquatic 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 reflects the latest ECC science and incorporates findings from national aquatic safety research. ALA also recommends that employers follow the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) for pre-service and in-service evaluations.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in Bronx County

To enroll in the ALA’s lifeguard training course in Bronx County, candidates must meet the minimum age requirements generally recognized nationwide:

• 15 years or older to work at a swimming pool or waterpark
• 16 years or older to work at a beach or waterfront location

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

Swimming Requirements:

• Swim 300 yards continuously, using:

   

  • 100 yards of front crawl with rhythmic breathing
  • 100 yards of breaststroke using pull-breath-kick-glide
  • 100 yards of either front crawl or breaststroke (or a combination)

Timed Event:

• Start in the water
• Swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke
• Surface dive 7–10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object
• Swim 20 yards back with the object
• Exit the water without steps or a ladder
• Complete 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 Bronx County: Long-Term Career Options

Although many view lifeguarding as a part-time or summer job, it can evolve into a long-term profession. Year-round employment is available at indoor pools and aquatic centers across New York City. Additional training allows lifeguards to advance into roles such as:

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

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

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in Bronx County

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
• Reaching and Throwing Assists
• Swimming Extension Rescue
• Active and Passive Drowning Victim Rescues
• Two-Person Removal with Backboard
• Passive Submerged Victim in Shallow Water
• Multiple-Victim Rescue
• Feet-First Surface Dive
• Submerged Victim Recovery (Deep Water)
• Front and Rear Head-Hold Escapes

Caring for Head, Neck, or Back Injuries

• Manual In-Line Stabilization (land and water)
• Backboard Use for Standing Victim
• Head Splint Techniques (face-up/face-down)
• Head and Chin Support Techniques
• In-Line Stabilization for Submerged Victims
• Backboard Use 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 (two rescuers)
• Conscious and Unconscious Choking (adult, child, infant)
• One-Rescuer and Two-Rescuer CPR
• AED Use (adult and child)

First Aid Skills

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

Skill Scenarios

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

Would you like to read about: Lifeguard Training in Westchester County

Famous NYC Beaches Near Bronx County Where Lifeguards Are Essential

Orchard Beach (Bronx)

The Bronx’s main public beach along the Long Island Sound is fully staffed with lifeguards during the summer.

Coney Island Beach (Brooklyn)

One of the busiest beaches in the United States with extensive lifeguard coverage.

Rockaway Beach (Queens)

A popular swimming and surfing destination with lifeguards on duty throughout the season.

Jacob Riis Park Beach (Queens)

Known for family-friendly recreation and trained lifeguards in peak months.

Brighton Beach (Brooklyn)

A highly frequented waterfront area with designated lifeguard stations.

The Final Wave

The primary role of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to keep swimmers safe. Lifeguards monitor their zones from elevated chairs, patrol open-water areas, and use specialized rescue equipment when needed.

The American Lifeguard Association is recognized as one of the leading aquatic health and safety training providers in the United States. With over 30 years of experience, ALA delivers training guided by strong ethics and a commitment to excellence.

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