Become a Certified Lifeguard in Mercer County, PA with ALA

If you visit beaches, lakes, waterparks, or swimming pools in the United States, 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 Mercer County, PA serves this purpose preparing individuals to protect swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.

The United States is home to countless aquatic facilities, including public pools, recreation centers, waterparks, and waterfront swimming areas. With swimming being a popular activity nationwide, the demand for trained lifeguards remains strong especially during summer months. In Mercer County, PA, lifeguards are needed at community pools, indoor aquatic centers, and seasonal swimming facilities where safety and fast response matter most.

Lifeguard Training in Mercer County, PA

Lifeguards serve at beaches, waterparks, lakes, and swimming pools to protect swimmers and respond to emergencies. Across Pennsylvania, there are many aquatic venues, creating real opportunities for those who want a rewarding role in public safety.

Lifeguard training in Mercer County, PA, 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, aquatic centers, and waterfront facilities.

ALA training centers offer multiple lifeguard training programs and certifications. While demand peaks in the summertime, training and employment opportunities can continue year-round due to the many indoor aquatic facilities. 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 reflects a commitment to professionalism and safety.

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 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 nationwide 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 ensured that its programs meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.

Training reflects ECC science and incorporates findings from lifeguard training standards coalition reports. ALA programs also encourage employers to follow the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) recommendations for pre-service evaluations and ongoing in-service training.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in Mercer County, PA

To enroll in the American Lifeguard Association’s lifeguard training course, candidates must meet the minimum age requirements generally recognized nationwide:

• 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 300 yards continuously, using the following strokes:

• 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)

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 Mercer County, PA: Long-Term Career Options

Although many view lifeguarding as a seasonal summer job, 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 roles can provide higher pay, leadership opportunities, and a pathway to long-term growth in the aquatics industry.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in Mercer County, PA

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 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 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 rescue equipment as needed to maintain clear supervision.

The American Lifeguard Association is recognized as a leading aquatic health and safety training provider. With more than 30 years of experience, ALA delivers training guided by a strict code of ethics and a commitment to quality.

For lifeguard training in Mercer County, PA, 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.