If you are passionate about swimming, love to be in the water, and want to save lives, becoming a lifeguard may be the perfect career choice for you. However, before you can jump into the pool, you need to obtain lifeguard certification. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to get certified as a lifeguard.
Step 1: Meet the Requirements
To become a lifeguard, you need to meet certain requirements. Most organizations require that you are at least 15 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and can swim a certain distance in a specific time. The distance and time requirements vary depending on the organization, so make sure to check the requirements of the organization where you want to get certified.
Step 2: Enroll in a Lifeguard Certification Course
The next step to becoming a lifeguard is to enroll in a certification course. The American Lifeguard Association are the most popular organizations that offer lifeguard certification courses. The course will cover topics such as water safety, rescue techniques, CPR, first aid, and more. The courses are typically offered in-person, but some organizations offer online courses as well.
Step 3: Complete the Course Requirements
Once you enroll in a lifeguard certification course, you need to complete the course requirements to get certified. The requirements vary depending on the organization, but most courses require you to pass a written test and demonstrate your swimming and rescue skills in a practical exam. You will also need to demonstrate your CPR and first aid skills.
Step 4: Pass the Certification Exam
After completing the course requirements, you will need to pass a certification exam to become a certified lifeguard. The exam will test your knowledge of water safety, rescue techniques, CPR, and first aid. You will also need to demonstrate your swimming and rescue skills in a practical exam.
Step 5: Maintain Your Certification
Once you pass the certification exam, you will need to maintain your certification by taking refresher courses and keeping your CPR and first aid skills up-to-date. Most organizations require you to renew your certification every two years.
Tips for Obtaining Lifeguard Certification
Start training early: If you want to become a lifeguard, start training as soon as possible. Swim regularly and work on your endurance, speed, and technique.
Practice rescue techniques: You will need to demonstrate your rescue skills in the certification exam, so make sure to practice rescue techniques regularly.
Keep your CPR and first aid skills up-to-date: As a lifeguard, you may need to perform CPR or first aid on someone who is in distress. Make sure to keep your CPR and first aid skills up-to-date by taking refresher courses regularly.
Stay focused during the certification course: The certification course covers a lot of material, so make sure to stay focused and take notes during the course.
Take the certification exam seriously: The certification exam is the final step to becoming a lifeguard, so take it seriously. Study the material, practice your skills, and stay calm during the exam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming a certified lifeguard requires meeting certain requirements, enrolling in a certification course, completing the course requirements, passing a certification exam, and maintaining your certification. It is important to start training early, practice rescue techniques regularly, keep your CPR and first aid skills up-to-date, stay focused during the certification course, and take the certification exam seriously. By following these steps and tips, you can become a certified lifeguard and embark on a fulfilling career that involves saving lives and ensuring the safety of swimmers. Remember, being a lifeguard requires dedication and hard work, but the reward of being able to help someone in need is priceless.