Become a Certified Lifeguard in Bedford County with ALA

If you visit swimming pools, lakes, or other aquatic recreation spots in Bedford County, you will notice lifeguards on duty to help keep everyone safe. A lifeguard’s essential job is to prevent incidents, recognize risks early, and respond quickly during emergencies—skills that require specialized training. Lifeguard training in Bedford County serves this purpose by preparing individuals to protect swimmers at pools, lakes, waterparks, and other water-based facilities.

Swimming and water activities are popular in Bedford County, especially during warmer months when more people spend time in and around the water. As participation grows, aquatic facilities depend on trained lifeguards to supervise swimmers, enforce safety rules, and respond effectively when seconds matter. That’s why lifeguard training in Bedford County is a valuable step for anyone interested in aquatics and public safety—particularly during peak seasons when lifeguard demand rises.

Lifeguards in Bedford County

Lifeguards serve at pools, aquatic facilities, and waterfront recreation areas across Bedford County to protect swimmers and reduce risks. With a variety of aquatic environments and community programs available, there are strong opportunities for individuals who want to pursue lifeguarding as a meaningful and responsible role.

Lifeguard training in Bedford County is the first step toward building a career in aquatics. Once certified through a respected organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates become well-positioned to pursue lifeguard roles at pools, aquatic centers, and other swimming facilities in Bedford County.

ALA offers multiple lifeguard training programs and certifications designed to develop real-world readiness. While demand increases during summer months, training and employment opportunities may continue throughout the year through indoor pools and ongoing aquatic programming. ALA certification demonstrates professionalism, preparedness, and a strong commitment to safety in Bedford County.

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 and waterways safer. To support this goal, ALA works directly with employers and aquatic facilities to train lifeguards and promote stronger 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 aligned its programs with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. Training also reflects current ECC science and incorporates findings from recognized lifeguard training standards. In addition, ALA encourages employers to follow Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) recommendations for pre-service evaluations and in-service training.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in Bedford County

To enroll in the American Lifeguard Association’s lifeguard training course in Bedford County, 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 Bedford County: Long-Term Career Options

Although lifeguarding is often viewed as a seasonal job, it can grow into a long-term profession in Bedford County. Lifeguards may find ongoing opportunities at indoor pools and aquatic facilities that operate beyond the summer season.

With additional training and experience, a certified lifeguard can move into advanced roles such as:

• Water Safety Instructor

• Swim Coach

• Aquatic Supervisor or Manager

These positions may offer higher pay, leadership responsibilities, and a stronger career pathway in aquatic safety and operations. For many candidates, lifeguard training in Bedford County becomes the foundation for long-term growth in aquatics.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in Bedford County

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 in Bedford County. Lifeguards may monitor their area from an elevated chair when appropriate, patrol water zones, and use rescue equipment to respond quickly and professionally.

The American Lifeguard Association is recognized for delivering aquatic health and safety training guided by a strict code of ethics and a commitment to excellence. With more than 30 years of experience, ALA provides training built on professional standards and real-world lifesaving skills.

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