Become a Certified Lifeguard in Fairfax County with ALA

If you visit beaches, lakes, or swimming pools in Fairfax County, you will notice lifeguards on duty to help keep everyone safe. A lifeguard’s essential job is to prevent accidents, recognize danger early, and respond quickly during emergencies—responsibilities that require specialized training. Lifeguard training in Fairfax County serves this purpose by preparing individuals to protect swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.

Fairfax County includes a wide range of aquatic environments where trained lifeguards are important—from community pools and recreation facilities to seasonal water attractions and waterfront areas. As swimming activity increases, especially during warmer months, the demand for skilled lifeguards also grows. Certification can be a strong step for anyone seeking a responsible role focused on aquatic safety.

Lifeguards in Fairfax County

Lifeguards serve at beaches, waterparks, lakes, and swimming pools throughout Fairfax County to protect swimmers and respond to emergencies. With many aquatic venues available, there are solid opportunities for individuals who want to pursue lifeguarding as a rewarding role with real responsibility.

Lifeguard training in Fairfax County is the first step toward building a future in aquatics. Once certified by a respected organization such as the American Lifeguard Association (ALA), candidates become better positioned to seek employment at pools, waterfront facilities, and aquatic centers where professional credentials are valued.

ALA supports lifeguards who want hands-on skills and recognized certification. With more than 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards who now serve communities worldwide. Earning an ALA credential reflects readiness, professionalism, and a commitment to safety in aquatic settings.

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 help make swimming pools, beaches, and waterways safer. To accomplish this, ALA works directly with employers across North America to train lifeguards and strengthen safety practices in aquatic facilities.

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 reflects current ECC science and incorporates findings aligned with recognized lifeguard training standards. In addition, ALA requires employers to follow Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) recommendations for pre-service evaluations and in-service training.

Requirements for Lifeguard Training in Fairfax County

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

Although many people see lifeguarding as a seasonal job, it can grow into a long-term profession in Fairfax County. Year-round opportunities may be available at indoor pools, recreation facilities, and aquatic programs. With additional training and experience, lifeguards can advance into roles such as:

• Water Safety Instructor

• Swim Coach

• Aquatic Supervisor or Manager

These roles often offer higher pay, leadership responsibilities, and the opportunity to build a career dedicated to public safety and community wellness in Fairfax County.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in Fairfax County

During the ALA lifeguard 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 Fairfax County. Lifeguards often monitor their area from a raised chair when appropriate, patrol open-water zones, and use scanning techniques and rescue equipment to identify risks early and respond efficiently. In many aquatic environments, binoculars and safety gear support visibility and readiness.

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 excellence.

For lifeguard training in Fairfax 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.