How to become a certified lifeguard

Do you think you have the skills it takes to be a lifeguard? In this publication we explain how to be a lifeguard or lifeguard, as these young men and women who supervise, from the top of the lifeguard towers, the activities of national and foreign tourists on beaches, swimming pools and water parks are also known; to ensure swimmers of all ages are safe.

If you like to protect bathers, surfers and swimmers, from dangerous water conditions. You are passionate about teaching beachgoers the swimming rules they must follow, and you are willing to train yourself in lifesaving techniques that you would apply when necessary; So, is this a good profession for you? We invite you to continue reading and learn how to be a lifeguard.

What do lifeguards do?

Lifeguards’ job is to keep people safe in and around the water. They are trained to detect the safety of the waters and ensure that safe practices are followed, by enforcing the rules on bathers. They can also handle emergencies related to water and sand sports or pool areas and water parks.

When first responders work outdoors, they are exposed to various types of weather.
This job is physically demanding, depending on the situations that occur during a work shift.
Lifeguards may also conduct swim lessons, during which time they may work with people of all ages, to promote safety in the pool and during designated swim or watersports time.

Other activities they carry out are the following:

  • They open and close facilities at the beginning and end of the day.
  • They keep public water areas free of dangerous objects and debris that can cause accidents.
  • They watch swimmers and bathers from their lifeguard towers to guarantee their safety.
  • They monitor weather conditions to prevent hazardous weather conditions.

Steps to Become a Certified Lifeguard

  • There are no formal education requirements for first responders beyond training and certifications. That is why it is an attractive option for many students.
  • Lifeguard requirements typically include a high school diploma or its equivalent.
    The lifeguard-lifeguard certification process involves taking one of several programs available; to verify that would-be lifeguards are good swimmers, as well as trained in CPR and first aid.

What other requirements do you need to become a lifeguard?

Now you know the answer to the question how to be a lifeguard. However, there are some other requirements that you will have to take into account. These include:

  • Be at least 15 years old
  • To be in good physical shape
  • Have no serious mobility restrictions.
  • have good eyesight
  • Have a broad understanding of what to look for to keep swimmers safe.
  • Maintain lifeguard certification

How much do lifeguards earn?

The median base salary for lifeguards and other recreational protective services workers in the United States is $33,234 per year, according to Indeed Salaries, based on 17,800 reported salaries, updated as of April 2022. However, many first responders do not work full time, so this salary may not be representative of many people’s experiences.

Must Read: 3 Reasons Lifeguarding Class Will Change the Way You Think About lifeguarding

No online lifeguard certification

  • Due to the physical nature of lifeguard training and testing, you cannot become lifeguard certified online.
  • Certification requires someone to watch you swim and perform simulated lifeguarding duties, to make sure you have all the required skills.
    It is possible to book a certification test online at a local test center, but you will be required under all circumstances to attend the test itself.
    If you’ve wondered how do I become a certified lifeguard, you now have the tools you need to pursue this career.

Set the right expectations

  • There are several reasons why a person might seek a lifeguard position. Consider yours. Some examples might be seeking extra-work income or working during a break at work or school.
  • Lifeguard positions are often sought out by students because they are seasonal and correspond with school holidays at all levels of high school and higher education.
    Young teens can become lifeguards for extra money, in some cases, because a high school diploma isn’t necessarily a requirement. Understand your reasons for wanting to be a lifeguard, where you want to work, and set realistic expectations and goals.