Lifeguard training and certification in Broome County

If you visit swimming pools, lakes, or water recreation areas in Broome 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 Broome County serves this purpose: preparing individuals to protect swimmers at pools, lakes, water parks, and community aquatic facilities.

Broome County offers several public pools, indoor aquatic centers, and recreational lakes, making swimming a popular activity throughout the year. During the busy summer months, outdoor pools and lakefront areas experience increased attendance, creating a strong demand for trained lifeguards across the region.

Lifeguard Training in Broome County

Lifeguards serve at community pools, aquatic centers, lakes, and waterparks throughout Broome County to protect swimmers. With a range of aquatic facilities available, there are many opportunities for individuals who wish to pursue lifeguarding as a rewarding role.

Lifeguard training in Broome County 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 pools, recreation centers, summer camps, and waterfront programs.

ALA training centers near Broome County offer multiple lifeguard training programs and certifications. At the same time, demand peaks in the summertime, and indoor pools and fitness centers ensure continued employment opportunities 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 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 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 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 reflects the latest ECC science and incorporates findings from national aquatic safety research studies. 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 Broome County

To enroll in the American Lifeguard Association’s lifeguard training course in Broome County, candidates must meet the following minimum age requirements:

• 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 yards continuously using the following strokes:

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

Complete a 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
• Return to the surface and swim 20 yards 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 Broome County: 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 Broome 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 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 (land and water)
• Using a Backboard for a Standing Victim
• Head Splint Techniques (face-up and face-down)
• Head and Chin Support (shallow and 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)
• 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 Chenango County

Famous Swimming Areas Near Broome County Where Lifeguards Are Essential

Although Broome County does not have ocean beaches, several popular regional aquatic spots rely on lifeguards:

Dorchester Park (Whitney Point Lake)

A major recreation site featuring designated swim areas with lifeguards during the summer.

Chenango Valley State Park

Home to two lakes with supervised swimming areas.

Broome County Community Pools

Including Binghamton, Johnson City, Endicott, and Vestal pools—staffed with lifeguards in peak season.

SUNY Broome Ice Center & Aquatics Facilities

Certified lifeguards support indoor aquatic programs.

YMCA and Fitness Club Pools

Year-round facilities require regular lifeguard staffing.

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 essential 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 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 Broome County, 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.