Lifeguard training and certification in Genesee County

If you visit swimming pools, lakes, or aquatic facilities in Genesee County, you will almost always see trained lifeguards on duty to protect swimmers. A lifeguard’s primary responsibility is to prevent accidents and respond quickly during emergencies, which is why professional training is essential. Lifeguard training in Genesee County prepares individuals to safeguard swimmers at pools, waterparks, lakes, and other aquatic environments.

Aquatic recreation continues to grow in popularity, and facilities rely on qualified lifeguards to maintain safety standards. During busy seasons, the demand for trained lifeguards increases even more. For individuals seeking responsibility, hands-on skills, and meaningful work, lifeguard certification offers a strong pathway into the aquatic field.

Lifeguards training in Genesee County

Lifeguards work across Genesee County to ensure the safety of swimmers at a variety of aquatic locations. Their role goes beyond observation—they actively scan their zones, enforce safety rules, recognize early signs of distress, and provide immediate emergency care when needed.

Lifeguard training in Genesee County is the first step toward qualifying for these roles. Once certified through a recognized organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates gain skills that employers look for, including rescue response, CPR/AED, first aid, and teamwork during emergencies.

ALA training emphasizes readiness, confidence, and consistency so lifeguards can perform effectively in real-life situations.

About the American Lifeguard Association

The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, both 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on drowning prevention and aquatic safety.

ALA’s mission is to help make swimming pools, beaches, and waterways safer through high-quality training and a prevention-first approach. ALA works closely with aquatic facilities and employers to support lifeguard development and promote consistent safety practices.

ALA training reflects recognized emergency cardiovascular care (ECC) science and workplace safety expectations. Over time, ALA has been referenced by organizations such as:

• 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 for employee safety. ALA also encourages facilities to conduct pre-service evaluations and ongoing in-service training to help lifeguards maintain their skills beyond initial certification.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in Genesee County

To enroll in an ALA lifeguard training course intended for work in Genesee County, candidates typically meet widely accepted 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 prerequisite swimming and fitness skills before completing the course.

Swim Test Prerequisites

Swim 300 yards continuously, using the following strokes in order:

• 100 yards of front crawl with rhythmic breathing and a stabilizing, propulsive kick

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

• 100 yards of either front crawl or breaststroke (or a combination)

Timed Skill Event

Complete the following within 1 minute and 40 seconds:

• 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 holding the object

• Exit the water without using steps or a ladder

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

Lifeguarding in Genesee County: Long-Term Career Options

Although lifeguarding is often viewed as seasonal work, it can grow into a long-term career. In Genesee County, indoor aquatic facilities and extended programs can offer opportunities beyond peak seasons.

With experience and additional training, lifeguards may advance into roles such as:

• Water Safety Instructor

• Swim Coach

• Aquatic Supervisor or Manager

These roles involve greater responsibility, leadership opportunities, and higher earning potential.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in Genesee County

ALA lifeguard training provides comprehensive instruction in rescue techniques, CPR/AED, first aid, and final skill evaluations.

Rescue Skills

• 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

• Caring for Head, Neck, or Back Injury Skills

• Manual In-Line Stabilization on Land

• Using a Backboard in Shallow and Deep Water

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Skills

• Initial Assessment and Glove Removal

• Rescue Breathing (adult, child, infant)

• Bag-Valve-Mask Use (two rescuers)

• Conscious and Unconscious Choking Response

• CPR (one- and two-rescuer)

• AED Use (adult and child)

First Aid Skills

• Secondary Assessment

• Bleeding Control

• Slings, Binders, Anatomic and Soft Splints

Final Skill Scenarios

• Active Drowning Victim

• Submerged Passive Drowning Victim

• Head, Neck, or Back Injury

The Final Wave

Lifeguard training prepares individuals to protect swimmers through prevention, quick decision-making, and confident emergency care. Lifeguards monitor zones from elevated stations, rotate positions to stay alert, and use rescue equipment to improve response times.

If you’re searching for lifeguard training in Genesee County, the American Lifeguard Association provides a structured path to certification and job-ready skills. Contact ALA to explore available training options.