Lifeguard training is a professional certification course that teaches water rescue skills, CPR/AED, First Aid, and emergency response procedures to prepare individuals for employment in aquatic safety.
If you visit beaches, lakes, or swimming pools in Orleans County, you will notice lifeguards on duty helping ensure everyone’s safety. A lifeguard’s essential job is to prevent accidents, enforce safety rules, and respond quickly during emergencies responsibilities that require professional training. Lifeguard training in Orleans County prepares individuals to protect swimmers at beaches, lakes, community pools, camps, and waterfront facilities.
Aquatic recreation is an important part of life in Orleans County, especially during warmer months when local parks, lakes, and outdoor pools experience increased attendance. As water activity rises, so does the demand for properly trained lifeguards. Lifeguarding provides an opportunity to gain valuable safety skills while working in a meaningful public safety role.
Lifeguards serve at beaches, lakes, waterparks, camps, and swimming pools throughout Orleans County to protect swimmers and maintain a safe aquatic environment. Their daily responsibilities include scanning assigned water zones, identifying potential hazards, enforcing facility rules, assisting distressed swimmers, and providing emergency medical care when needed.
Lifeguard training in Orleans County is the first step toward entering the aquatics field. Once certified by a respected organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates are well-positioned to pursue lifeguarding opportunities at local aquatic centers, recreation facilities, summer camps, and waterfront locations.
ALA training is especially popular during peak swimming season, but year-round opportunities may be available depending on indoor facilities and community programming. Earning ALA certification demonstrates preparedness, professionalism, and commitment to public safety—qualities employers value when hiring lifeguards.
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) 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 standards. Through professional training, education, and development programs, ALA promotes safer aquatic environments across communities, including those in Orleans County.
ALA’s mission is to make swimming pools, beaches, and waterways safer. To achieve this goal, ALA collaborates with employers throughout North America to train lifeguards, strengthen workplace preparedness, and promote consistent safety practices. This ensures lifeguards serving in Orleans County are trained to respond effectively and meet professional standards.
Over the years, ALA has been recognized and referenced by leading public health and safety organizations, including:
Since the early 1990s, ALA has aligned its programs with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for workplace safety. Training programs also reflect current Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) science and encourage adherence to Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) recommendations, including pre-service evaluations and ongoing in-service training.
To enroll in lifeguard training in Orleans County, candidates must meet minimum age requirements commonly recognized by employers:
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 prerequisite swimming skills:
100 yards of front crawl using 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
(The final 100 yards may be a combination of both strokes.)
Starting in the water, the candidate must:
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 with the object
Exit the water without using steps or a ladder
Upon successful completion of the course, each participant receives an American Lifeguard Certificate indicating:
Lifeguard
CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
First Aid
All certifications are typically valid for two years.
While many individuals begin lifeguarding as a seasonal role, it can develop into a long-term career path. In Orleans County, lifeguards may find year-round employment opportunities at indoor pools, recreation centers, and community aquatic programs.
With additional experience and training, lifeguards can advance into leadership roles such as:
Water Safety Instructor
Swim Coach
Aquatic Supervisor or Manager
These positions often offer increased pay, leadership responsibilities, and long-term professional growth within aquatics and public safety.
During ALA lifeguard training, participants develop comprehensive rescue, CPR/AED, and First Aid 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
Passive Submerged Victim Recovery (shallow and deep water)
Multiple-Victim Rescue
Feet-First Surface Dive
Front and Rear Head-Hold Escapes
Two-Person Removal with a Backboard
Care for Head, Neck, or Back Injuries
Manual In-Line Stabilization (land and water)
Backboard Use in Shallow and Deep Water
Initial Assessment and Glove Removal
Rescue Breathing (adult, child, infant)
Bag-Valve-Mask Use (two rescuers)
Conscious and Unconscious Choking Care
One-Rescuer and Two-Rescuer CPR
AED Use for Adults and Children
Secondary Assessment
Controlling External Bleeding
Applying Slings, Binders, and Splints
Active Drowning Victim
Submerged Passive Drowning Victim
Head, Neck, or Back Injury
The primary goal of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to keep swimmers safe through prevention, vigilance, and rapid emergency response. Lifeguards often monitor from elevated stands for better visibility, patrol waterfront areas, and use rescue equipment to respond quickly and efficiently.
The American Lifeguard Association is a trusted provider of aquatic safety certification, offering professional training backed by decades of experience. If you are searching for “lifeguard training near me in Orleans County,” ALA provides recognized certification and comprehensive preparation for employment in aquatics. For enrollment details and program information, contact the American Lifeguard Association.
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.
Lifeguard training is a professional certification course that teaches water rescue skills, CPR/AED, First Aid, and emergency response procedures to prepare individuals for employment in aquatic safety.
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) provides professional lifeguard certification programs recognized by many employers nationwide.
Costs vary depending on the provider and facility. It is recommended to contact the American Lifeguard Association or the local training host for current pricing and available schedules.
Candidates must be at least 15 years old for pool or lake positions and 16 years old for beach or waterfront employment.
Candidates must swim 300 yards continuously using specified strokes and complete a timed brick retrieval event within 1 minute and 40 seconds.
Participants earn Lifeguard Certification, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid certification, typically valid for two years.
Training includes water rescue techniques, CPR/AED for adults, children, and infants, First Aid, spinal injury management, drowning victim rescues, and emergency response procedures.
After certification, you can apply for positions at community pools, lakes, beaches, summer camps, aquatic centers, recreation departments, and waterparks in and around Orleans County.
The American Lifeguard Association has been approved for the Capital One Affiliate Program! for Tuition Assistance Loan
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