Lifeguard Training in Northumberland County

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 Northumberland County, PA serves this purpose, preparing individuals to protect swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.

Northumberland County, PA, is blessed with countless swimming pools and nearby open-water venues like lakes. Swimming is a favorite pastime across the area, whether it’s at public pools, fitness and recreation centers, waterparks, or seasonal aquatic programs. This abundance of aquatic facilities creates a strong demand for lifeguards, especially during the busy summer months when swimming activity peaks. In Northumberland County, PA, the need for trained and certified lifeguards is equally important, with community pools and summer activities requiring professionals who can keep swimmers safe.

Lifeguard Training in Northumberland County, PA

Lifeguards serve at beaches, waterparks, lakes, and swimming pools to protect swimmers and respond quickly in emergencies. With many aquatic facilities and family recreation spots across Pennsylvania, opportunities are available for those who want to pursue lifeguarding as a meaningful and rewarding role.

Lifeguard training in Northumberland County, PA, is the first step toward building a career in aquatics. Once certified through a trusted organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates become well-positioned to seek employment at pools, aquatic centers, and waterfront facilities.

ALA training programs help prepare candidates for real-life responsibilities and provide certifications that employers recognize. While lifeguard training is most in demand during summer, opportunities remain throughout the year due to indoor facilities and year-round aquatic programs.

With more than 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards serving communities nationwide and around the world. ALA certification reflects professionalism, safety knowledge, and job readiness.

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 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 support 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 also reflects the latest ECC science and incorporates findings from lifeguard training standards. In addition, ALA encourages employers to meet the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) recommendations for pre-service evaluations and in-service training.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in Northumberland 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 ALA prerequisite skills to 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, all of which are valid for two years.

Lifeguarding in Northumberland County, PA: 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 Northumberland 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 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 (lying down, sitting, or standing)

• Using a Backboard for a Standing Victim on Land

• Head Splint Technique (face-up and face-down, shallow water at or near the surface)

• Head and Chin Support (face-up and face-down, shallow water at or near the surface)

• Head Splint Technique (face-up and face-down, deep water at or near surface)

• Head and Chin Support (face-up, deep water at or near surface)

• In-Line Stabilization for a Submerged Victim (face-up, face-down, or on one side in deep water)

• Using a Backboard in Shallow and Deep Water

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Skills

• Removing Gloves

• Initial Assessment

• Rescue Breathing (adult, child, infant)

• Using a Bag-Valve-Mask Resuscitator (two rescuers)

• Conscious Choking (adult, child, infant)

• Unconscious Choking (adult, child, infant)

• CPR (adult, child, infant)

• Two-Rescuer CPR (adult, child, infant)

• Using an AED (adult and child)

First Aid Skills

• Secondary Assessment

• Controlling External Bleeding

• Applying a Sling and Binder

• Applying an Anatomic Splint

• Applying a Soft Splint

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 binoculars or rescue equipment as needed.

The American Lifeguard Association is recognized as one of the leading aquatic health and safety training providers. 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 Northumberland 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.