Lifeguard Training in Réunion – Get Certified with ALA

If you visit beaches or swimming pools in Réunion, 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 Réunion serves this purpose, preparing individuals to protect swimmers at beaches, lagoons, waterparks, and swimming pools.

Réunion Island, located in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, is surrounded by pristine beaches and turquoise waters. From coral reefs to volcanic rock coasts, its aquatic beauty attracts swimmers and tourists all year round. This popularity creates a strong demand for professional lifeguards, particularly during the high tourist season from November to April when beach activity peaks.

Lifeguard Training in Réunion

Lifeguards serve at beaches, lagoons, hotel pools, and waterparks across Réunion to protect swimmers and ensure a safe environment. With many aquatic venues and a thriving tourism industry, there are ample opportunities for individuals who wish to pursue lifeguarding as a rewarding profession.

Lifeguard training in Réunion is the first step toward building a career in aquatic safety. Once certified by a respected organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates are qualified to work at beaches, pools, and aquatic centers both locally and internationally.

ALA training programs in Réunion are conducted year-round, providing opportunities for students, professionals, and aquatic enthusiasts. With more than 30 years of experience, ALA-certified lifeguards now serve communities worldwide. Certification from ALA is a mark of professionalism and commitment to water 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 worldwide.

ALA’s mission is to make swimming pools, beaches, and waterways safer through education, training, and partnerships. To achieve this, ALA works closely with aquatic employers globally to implement strong safety practices.

ALA has been recognized by major public health and safety organizations, including:

Its training also incorporates the latest ECC science and global aquatic safety research. ALA requires all employers to comply with the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) guidelines for pre-service and in-service evaluations.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in Réunion

To enroll in the American Lifeguard Association’s lifeguard training program in Réunion, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Age Requirements:
    • 15 years or older to work at a pool, waterpark, or lagoon.
    • 16 years or older to work at a beach or open-water facility.
  • Physical Skills:
    • Swim 300 meters continuously using front crawl and breaststroke.
    • Retrieve a 10-pound object from a depth of 7–10 feet.
    • Swim back 20 meters holding the object and exit the water without using a ladder, all within 1 minute and 40 seconds.

Upon successful completion, participants earn certifications valid for two years, including:

  • American Lifeguard Certificate in Lifeguarding
  • CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer
  • First Aid Certification

These qualifications are internationally recognized and meet professional lifeguard employment standards worldwide.

Lifeguarding in Réunion: Long-Term Career Options

While many begin lifeguarding as a part-time or seasonal job, it can evolve into a long-term professional career. Réunion offers year-round employment at hotel pools, resorts, and aquatic centers.

Lifeguards can advance into specialized or supervisory roles such as:

  • Water Safety Instructor
  • Swim Coach
  • Aquatic Supervisor or Facility Manager

These positions offer leadership opportunities, stable income, and the satisfaction of protecting lives while promoting health and recreation.

Lifeguard training in Reunion

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in Réunion

During the ALA Lifeguard Training Course, participants develop a comprehensive skill set that prepares them for real-world aquatic emergencies.

Rescue Skills

  • Slide-In Entry
  • Stride and Compact Jumps
  • Rescue Approach (front crawl or breaststroke)
  • Simple and Extension Assists
  • Active and Passive Drowning Victim Rescues
  • Multiple-Victim and Submerged Victim Rescues
  • Two-Person Removal Using a Backboard

Head, Neck, and Back Injury Care

  • Manual In-Line Stabilization
  • Head Splint and Chin Support (face-up and face-down techniques)
  • Using a Backboard in Shallow and Deep Water

CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer

  • Rescue Breathing for Adults, Children, and Infants
  • Using a Bag-Valve-Mask (two rescuers)
  • CPR (one- and two-person)
  • AED Use for Adults and Children
  • Conscious and Unconscious Choking Response

First Aid Skills

  • Secondary Assessment
  • Controlling External Bleeding
  • Applying Slings, Binders, and Splints

These practical skills enable lifeguards to respond effectively to any water-related emergency.

Would you like to read about: Lifeguard Training in Mauritius

Famous Beaches in Réunion Where Lifeguards Are Essential

Réunion boasts stunning beaches that attract both locals and international visitors. Lifeguards play a vital role in maintaining safety at these popular destinations:

  • Boucan Canot Beach (Saint-Paul): Known for surfing and golden sands, this beach has trained lifeguards and shark nets for swimmer protection.
  • L’Hermitage Beach: A calm lagoon protected by coral reefs, ideal for families and snorkelers with lifeguards stationed year-round.
  • Saint-Leu Beach: A favorite for diving and bodyboarding, lifeguards ensure safety in areas prone to strong waves.
  • Étang-Salé Beach: A striking black-sand beach where lifeguards maintain watch during high tide and tourist peaks.
  • Saint-Gilles-les-Bains: One of the busiest coastal towns, where lifeguards monitor both natural beaches and resort pools daily.

The Final Wave

The main goal of lifeguard training is to prepare individuals to keep swimmers safe and to handle emergencies with confidence. Lifeguards in Réunion protect one of the world’s most beautiful island environments, ensuring safe and enjoyable experiences for all.

The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) stands as a global leader in aquatic safety and professional lifeguard training. With more than three decades of expertise, ALA continues to train competent, ethical, and skilled professionals.

For lifeguard training in Réunion, if you are searching for “lifeguard training near me,” the American Lifeguard Association is your trusted choice.

For more information on ALA lifeguard certification and enrollment, please contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Certified lifeguards in Réunion can work at public beaches, resorts, hotel pools, waterparks, and diving centers throughout the island — especially in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains and Boucan Canot.

Yes. Every ALA graduate receives First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer certificates (valid for two years), making you fully prepared to handle medical emergencies.

The average cost ranges between €180 and €350, depending on the facility and training level. Group and student discounts are often available.

With 30+ years of experience, ALA is one of the world’s leading lifeguard training organizations. Its certification meets international safety standards and is trusted by employers worldwide.

Most ALA lifeguard training courses in Réunion take 25 to 30 hours to complete, including classroom instruction and hands-on rescue practice. Some intensive weekend options are available for those on tight schedules.

You must be at least 15 years old to work at pools and 16 years old for beaches or open-water locations to join ALA-certified lifeguard training in Réunion.

Not necessarily — but you should be able to swim 300 meters continuously, retrieve a 10-pound object from deep water, and demonstrate strong front crawl and breaststroke techniques.

Yes! The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) certification is internationally recognized, allowing you to work in Europe, the Indian Ocean region, and beyond.

Need help paying for courses?

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