Lifeguard Training in Highland County

If you visit beaches, lakes, or swimming pools in Highland County, you will often notice lifeguards on duty to help protect swimmers. A lifeguard’s essential job is to prevent accidents and respond quickly during emergencies, which requires specialized training. A lifeguard training in Highland County serves this purpose preparing individuals to protect swimmers at beaches, lakes, waterparks, and swimming pools.

Swimming is a popular activity across the United States, from community pools and recreation facilities to seasonal waterfront locations. With increased swimming activity during warmer months, the demand for qualified lifeguards remains strong. This is also true in Highland County, where facilities depend on lifeguards who can maintain surveillance, respond to distress quickly, and provide immediate care when needed.

Lifeguards in Highland County

Lifeguards serve at beaches, waterparks, lakes, and swimming pools throughout Highland County to support safe aquatic recreation. With a variety of swim venues and aquatic programming, there are real opportunities for individuals who want to pursue lifeguarding as a practical and meaningful role.

Lifeguard training in Highland 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 well-positioned to seek employment at pools, aquatic centers, and waterfront facilities.

ALA programs are especially popular during peak swimming seasons, but training and employment opportunities can continue throughout the year because some facilities operate indoor pools and ongoing programs beyond summer.

With over 30 years of experience, ALA has trained lifeguards who serve communities worldwide. An ALA credential demonstrates professionalism, safety knowledge, and readiness to perform lifesaving duties in aquatic environments.

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.

ALA’s mission is to make swimming pools, beaches, and waterways safer. To achieve this, ALA works directly with employers nationwide to help train lifeguard professionals and promote consistent 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 aligned with 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 Highland County

To enroll in the American Lifeguard Association lifeguard training course in Highland County, candidates must meet 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 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 Highland County: Long-Term Career Options

Although many people view lifeguarding as seasonal work, it can become a long-term profession. Year-round roles may be available at indoor aquatic facilities, and lifeguards can pursue additional training to move into advanced positions such as:

• Water Safety Instructor

• Swim Coach

• Aquatic Supervisor or Manager

These roles can offer higher earning potential, leadership opportunities, and long-term career growth while serving the community in Highland County.

Learning Skills with Lifeguard Training in Highland 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 Highland County. Lifeguards may monitor their zone from a raised chair, patrol active swim areas, and respond quickly with rescue techniques and emergency care.

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 Highland County, 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.