If you visit beaches, lakes, waterparks, or swimming pools in Westmoreland County, PA, 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 Westmoreland County, PA, serves this purpose, preparing individuals to protect swimmers at beaches, lakes, water parks, and swimming pools.
The United States is home to countless beaches, lakes, rivers, and swimming pools, and swimming is one of the most popular warm-weather activities. Along with the nation’s long coastline and major waterfront destinations, there are also hundreds of thousands of public swimming pools nationwide, which creates strong demand for trained lifeguards every year. This demand also applies to Westmoreland County, PA, where community pools, recreation centers, camps, and seasonal waterfront activities increase the need for certified lifeguards, especially during summer when swimming activity peaks.
Lifeguard Training in Westmoreland County, PA
Lifeguards serve at beaches, waterparks, lakes, and swimming pools throughout the county to protect swimmers. With so many aquatic facilities available, there are ample opportunities for those who wish to pursue lifeguarding as a rewarding role.
Lifeguard training in Westmoreland 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 beaches, pools, and aquatic centers.
ALA training centers in Westmoreland County, PA, offer multiple lifeguard training programs and certifications. At the same time, demand peaks in the summertime, training and employment opportunities continue throughout the year thanks to indoor aquatic facilities and year-round recreation programs.
With over 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards who now serve communities worldwide. Certification through ALA provides a credential that is recognized by many employers and demonstrates a commitment 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 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 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 also reflects the latest ECC science and incorporates findings from lifeguard training standards. In addition, ALA requires employers to meet the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) recommendations for pre-service evaluations and in-service training.
Requirements for Lifeguard Training in Westmoreland County, PA
To enroll in the American Lifeguard Association’s lifeguard training course in Westmoreland County, PA, 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 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 Westmoreland 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 Westmoreland 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 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 Westmoreland 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.
