Are you one of those spirited kids on the lookout for a fun summer job other than just earning money? Lifeguarding is a perfect fit! It is an adventurous and active job, where you can learn certain life-saving skills, exercise those leadership qualities, and make a significant impact in the community. If you’re into becoming a lifeguard, your first step will be to enrol in a lifeguard class and perhaps get yourself certified with the American Lifeguard Association (ALA).
So, in this article, you will learn about a few reasons that make lifeguarding a fantastic career for teens, what to expect from lifeguard training, and how the American Lifeguard Association can assist you in getting on your way to a rewarding career.
Why Lifeguarding is a Wonderful Job for Youth
1. It is Active and Outdoors.
In contrast with other part-time jobs that keep you inside, with lifeguarding you work outdoors by the pool or beach, harbouring sunshine and activity. Constant movement is the hallmark of the job of watching the water, running, and performing rescues, much more engaging than a real desk job.
2. It Teaches Skills for Life.
Lifeguarding training teaches valuable assets like:
- First Aid and CPR-You learn how to act in case of medical emergencies, something that’s beneficial for any career.
- Water rescues- How to rescue a passive victim from more than just drowning and an injury of the spine skills generate confidence and fast thinking in an emergency.
- Teamwork and leadership need to communicate and work together to execute safety.
These skills apply across the board to daily life and jobs.
3. Teaching Responsibility and Discipline
A lifeguard is responsible for all the lives that they oversee. It is this extra burden of responsibility that helps a young worker mature, focus, and make sound judgments. Such qualities are appreciated by employers across all occupations; thus, this will become an attractive point on one’s CV.
4. Offers Flexible Hours and Good Pay
Many places offer lifeguarding jobs with flexible hours, making it feasible for working students. Lifeguards tend to earn very good hourly rates, especially on beaches or in water parks. Some even offer bonuses and extra pay for certifications.
5. A Gateway to Other Jobs
While on lifeguarding jobs, they can earn entrance into other professions prospective.
- Emergency Medical Services
- Firefighting
- Coast Guard or military service
- Swim coaching or aquatics managing
Working as a lifeguard gets you right into these jobs by giving frontline emergency response experience.
Lifeguard Classes Expectations
Before somebody is hired for a lifeguard job, they are required to complete an American lifeguard certification course. With lifeguard training classes from the American Lifeguard Association, one is guaranteed the best preparation for the job there is.
Course Overview bout:
- Different types of swim rescues
- How to use rescue tubes and other equipment
- How to deal with a distressed or drowning victim
2. First Aid & CPR/AED Training
- Be able to recognize and respond to cardiac emergencies
- Treat wounds, fractures, and other injuries
- Administer CPR and use an AED (automated external defibrillator)
3. Spinal Injury Management
Since neck and back injuries are common in the aquatic environment, lifeguards should be trained to stabilize and extract victims safely.
4. Surveillance and Prevention Techniques
There is as much of a need for emergency prevention as emergency response. You will learn how to:
- Identify swimmers who may be in distress before they are
- Effectively enforce safety rules
- Handle crowded swimming environments
5. Physical Fitness Requirements
Lifeguards must pass tests in swimming endurance and strength. The common ones are:
- Swim 300 yards with no stopping
- Tread water for 2 minutes without using hands
- Retrieve a brick that weighs 10 pounds from deep water
How Long Does Certification Take?
A normal lifeguard course can be expected to run about 25-30 hours over several days or weeks. Accelerated courses are available for those fast-tracking their certification.
The American Lifeguard Association: Why?
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is a national body offering high-level training with an emphasis on scenarios useful in the field. Here is the main reason other aspiring lifeguards prefer ALA:
- Full-Spectrum Courses – They teach everything from basic water rescue to advanced emergency care.
- Instructors with Real-World Experience – Our instructors come from the professional ranks, combining real-life experience with classroom learning.
- Flexible Training Options – ALA offers an on-site course option and a blended course option (online and on-site).
- Certification that is Widely Accepted – ALA lifeguard certifications are accepted by pools, beaches, and waterparks nationwide.
A lifeguard job
Lifeguarding is more than an occupation; it’s a venture. It keeps you moving, teaches you teamwork, and puts you in a position to save someone in need. The American Lifeguard Association courses provide some of the finest training available for your Lifeguard certification.
