Lifeguard Training: Skills, Requirements & Certification

Lifeguards protect swimmers at public waterways, beaches and private pools. They can save people from drowning and apply first aid. Physical fitness is a prerequisite but a short training period adds additional skills.

Types

• Many organizations offer training, often related to jobs offered by the sponsoring institution. Community centers, cities and recreation facilities may have their own courses. Some locations, however, may not recognize training from another location.

Considerations

• The American Red Cross offers a universally acknowledged training regimen. Its standalone curriculum includes basic lifeguarding and waterfront, water park and shallow water attendant training.

Tests

• All courses require swim tests, but they can vary depending on the specific training. For example, a shallow water attendant may only need to swim 50 yards continuously, while a basic lifeguard needs to swim 300 yards.

Content

• Course content typically covers surveillance or how to spot trouble, rescuing people on land or water, first aid such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and professional responsibilities such as public interaction.

Advancement

• Those who achieve a high level of lifeguarding skill can pursue opportunities as an instructor or trainer. Additional specialized courses such as Fundamentals of Instructor Training and Bloodborne Pathogens are needed.