Where Did All the Lifeguards Go? Retirees Could Help Keep Community Pools Open Through Labor Day
Every August, community pool operators confront the same troubling question: Where did all our lifeguards go? The answer is usually straightforward. They went back to school. High school students return to classes, athletics, and extracurricular activities. College students pack their belongings, attend orientation, and head back to universities—often several weeks before Labor Day. Yet the […]
National Lifeguard Championships Show Why Lifeguards Are Professional First Responders
More than 1,200 lifeguards from across the United States recently gathered on Fort Lauderdale Beach for one of the country’s premier professional lifesaving competitions: the 2026 National Lifeguard Championships. For several days, lifeguards competed in demanding swimming, running, paddling, rowing and rescue-oriented events designed to showcase the strength, endurance and skills associated with professional lifesaving. […]
New Jersey Recognizes Open Water Lifeguards as First Responders: A Historic Milestone for Water Safety
For decades, lifeguards have quietly stood as the first line of defense against drowning and aquatic emergencies. Whether responding to a swimmer caught in a rip current, administering CPR after a cardiac emergency, or coordinating emergency action plans during a mass rescue, lifeguards have consistently performed the duties of first responders. Now, the State of […]
Thunderstorm Pool Safety: American Lifeguard Association Issues Critical Lightning Safety Guidelines for Lifeguards and Aquatic Facilities
As severe weather continues to impact communities across the United States, the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is reminding aquatic facilities, certified lifeguards, pool operators, and swimmers about the importance of following established thunderstorm and lightning safety procedures. Whether at a community pool, waterpark, aquatic center, country club, or resort, proper thunderstorm response is a critical […]
US Sailing Instructor Certification: Basic Keelboat Instructor Course and ALA Credential Recognition
What Is the US Sailing Basic Keelboat Instructor Certification? The US Sailing Basic Keelboat Instructor Certification is a professional training and evaluation program designed for experienced sailors who want to become certified sailing instructors. This intensive three-day, 24-hour course is not an entry-level sailing class. Instead, it evaluates whether candidates meet the national standards required […]
Is It Worth It to Be a Lifeguard?
The Value of Lifeguarding and the American Lifeguard Association’s Perspective** For generations, people have asked whether being a lifeguard is “worth it.” Some see it as a summer job, others as the first step on a career pathway in public safety, aquatic management, or emergency response. But when you look deeper—beyond the red suit, the […]
How to Renew Your Lifeguard Certification – Fast, Easy, and Now
The American Lifeguard Association® is pleased to announce that we have secured a national grant from the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to continue to keep our training fees low. These funds will be available until they are fully utilized. As a result, our first-time lifeguarding and lifeguard recertification training prices […]
Tackling the Lifeguard Shortage Crisis
As summer begins, families rush to aquatic facilities, seeking fun and relaxation in swimming pools, water parks, and beaches. However, a growing concern casts a shadow over these spots: a shortage of lifeguards is putting lives at risk. This crisis needs urgent attention and effective solutions. The Importance of Lifeguards Lifeguards are crucial for aquatic […]
Ensuring Water Safety and Community Outreach in Nevada
Lifeguards are essential in any aquatic environment, whether it’s a swimming pool, beach, or waterpark. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of swimmers and preventing drowning incidents. In Nevada, where the hot and dry climate attracts many visitors to the state’s water attractions, the need for well-trained lifeguards is particularly high. Let’s dive deeper […]
What Is The Importance Of A Lifeguard?
Nobody wants to see anyone drown in front of them, but many people are unsure how to respond when someone begins struggling for his or her life in the water. Despite advances in technology, estimated annual drowning-related fatalities have remained constant here in the United States at approximately 10 per 100,000 people (approximately 3,300) over […]