If you’re someone who loves to spend time in and around water, enjoys being outdoors, and has a natural instinct to help others, then becoming a lifeguard may be a great career option for you. Lifeguard training is a challenging and rewarding job that requires a high level of physical fitness, mental toughness, and a commitment to safety. Here’s a guide to becoming a lifeguard.
Learn to Swim
Before you can become a lifeguard, you must first learn how to swim. You should be able to swim at least 100 meters without stopping and be comfortable treading water for at least 2 minutes. If you’re not a strong swimmer, take swimming lessons and practice regularly until you’re confident in your abilities.
Get Certified
To become a lifeguard, you must complete a lifeguard certification course. The course will teach you the skills and knowledge necessary to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. The American Lifeguard Association offer lifeguard certification courses that include CPR, first aid, and lifeguarding skills.
Meet the Physical Requirements
Lifeguarding is a physically demanding job, and you must be in excellent physical condition to perform the duties of a lifeguard. You must be able to swim long distances, lift heavy weights, and perform rescues in challenging conditions. Before you start working as a lifeguard, you will need to pass a physical fitness test that measures your strength, endurance, and swimming ability.
Build Experience
To become a successful lifeguard, you need to build experience. Work as a lifeguard at a community pool or a local beach, and gain experience working in different environments and with different types of people. This experience will help you develop the skills and confidence you need to handle emergencies and keep people safe.
Stay Current
Lifeguarding requires ongoing training and education to stay current with the latest techniques and best practices. Stay up-to-date with the latest CPR and first aid techniques, and take continuing education courses to improve your skills and knowledge. Join professional organizations, attend conferences and workshops, and network with other lifeguards to stay informed and engaged.
Be Prepared
As a lifeguard, you must be prepared for anything. You never know when an emergency will occur, and you need to be ready to respond quickly and effectively. Keep your equipment in good condition, stay alert and vigilant at all times, and know the procedures for responding to different types of emergencies.
Becoming a lifeguard is an excellent way to combine your love of water with your desire to help others. With dedication, hard work, and a commitment to safety, you can become a successful and highly respected lifeguard.