Become a Certified Lifeguard in Berks County with ALA

If you often visit a beach or swimming pool in Berks County, you have probably noticed that lifeguards are always present to help keep everyone safe. A lifeguard’s key responsibility is to prevent accidents and respond immediately when emergencies occur, which is why proper training is essential. Lifeguard training in Berks County is designed to prepare individuals to protect swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.

Berks County offers many places where people enjoy swimming and water recreation. From public pools to waterfront areas, these aquatic locations require trained lifeguards who can supervise swimmers and reduce risks. Because swimming activity increases during warmer weather, the demand for lifeguards becomes highest in the summer months when aquatic facilities are busiest.

Lifeguard Training in Berks County

Lifeguards work at beaches, waterparks, lakes, and swimming pools throughout Berks County to ensure swimmers remain protected. With many aquatic facilities available, there are strong opportunities for individuals who want to begin a career in lifeguarding and serve the community.

Lifeguard training in Berks County is the first step toward building a career in the aquatic field. Once you earn your lifeguard certification from a trusted organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), you become well-qualified to apply for jobs at pools, beaches, and aquatic centers.

ALA training centers offer a range of lifeguard training courses and certifications. While the need for lifeguards is greatest during the summer, training and employment opportunities remain available year-round because many indoor pools and aquatic centers operate throughout the year.

With more than 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards who now serve communities worldwide. An ALA certification is recognized by many employers and reflects a strong dedication 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 committed to reducing drownings and improving aquatic safety.

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

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 programs have followed Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA requirements.

Training reflects current ECC science and includes findings from the United States Lifeguard Training  Standards Coalition Report. ALA also requires employers to follow the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) recommendations for pre-service evaluations and in-service training.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in Berks County

To enroll in the American Lifeguard Association lifeguard training course in Berks County, candidates must meet the 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 prerequisite skills to successfully complete the program:

Swim Requirement

Swim 300 yards continuously using:

• 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 of both)

Timed Event

• Start in the water and 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
• Complete everything within 1 minute and 40 seconds

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

Lifeguard Training in Berks County for Long-Term Career

Many people think lifeguarding is only a summer job, but 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 often provide higher pay, leadership responsibilities, and long-term career development in aquatic safety.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in Berks County

During the ALA lifeguard training course, participants develop a complete set of skills in 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

The Final Wave

The main purpose of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to protect swimmers and respond effectively to emergencies. Lifeguards often watch their assigned areas from elevated chairs, patrol open-water zones, and use binoculars or rescue equipment when necessary.

The American Lifeguard Association is recognized as a leading aquatic health and safety training provider with more than 30 years of experience. ALA follows a strict code of ethics and is committed to delivering high-quality training.

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