Lifeguarding is not just a job, it’s a responsibility that requires extensive training, skill and commitment. The first step to ensuring the protection of swimmers and beach-goers is obtaining lifeguard certification. Well known for its all-inclusive lifeguard training programs which equip people with the necessary skills to excel in this important role, American Lifeguard Association (ALA) also offers these courses. This guide will take you through how to get lifeguard certified by ALA so that you are adequately prepared for this fulfilling career.
Why You Should Get Certified as a Lifeguard
The significance of lifeguard certification can only be understood after diving into the process of getting one. They are tasked with averting and responding to emergencies in aquatic settings. In water rescue techniques, first aid, CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) usage among others, certification guarantees adequate training for lifeguards. In various emergency situations involving drowning victims or other aquatic incidents where immediate medical attention is needed such as heart attacks, certified lifeguards can efficiently manage them thereby making swimming areas safer for all.
Step-By-Step Guide To Lifeguarding Certification
Meet Prerequisites
Before signing up for any course aimed at certifying someone as a life guard there are certain prerequisites that should be met These include:
Age Requirement: Most programs expect candidates to be 15 years old at least.
Swimming Skills: Strong swimming ability must be demonstrated through swimming designated distance without stopping; treading water over specified period; retrieving submerged object from determined depth.
Find The Right Course For You
Pool guard training courses offered by ALA vary depending on different environments like waterfronts or waterparks among others Choose one that suits your career aspirations best considering the type of environment you want work in .
3.Register For Your Chosen Course
Register early via ALA website or accredited training center once you have selected an appropriate course since classes fill up fast especially during peak seasons.
4.Complete Pre-Course Assessment
A pre-course assessment has to be passed before actual training begins This usually involves:
Swimming Test: Showing off your swimming skills by covering pre-determined distance underwater.
Treading Water: Treading water for specific amount of time using no hands whatsoever .
Timed Event: Swimming against clock while retrieving an object from beneath surface then bringing back again.
5.Participate And Finish Training Sessions
Lifeguarding certificate courses consist both theoretical knowledge acquisition sessions alongside practical ones . Some topics included are;
Water Rescue Techniques – Active/Passive victim rescues Learning ways on how best to help distressed swimmers
First Aid/CPR Training – Understanding first aid provision techniques coupled with performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation procedures through hands-on practice sessions AED Usage Training – How use automated external defibrillators during emergencies Surveillance & Scanning Skills Development – Ability monitor waters closely looking out possible dangers Emergency Action Plans Creation/Implementation Skills Development – Formulating effective plans responding emergencies occurring at beaches/pools etc.,
6.Pass Your Final Exam
Finally after completing all required trainings students writing tests consisting theory/practical sections indicating they possess enough knowledge about guarding protocols taught throughout coursework along with lifesaving skills necessary save lives would receive their certificates upon passing both parts successfully.
Get Your Certification
If you finish the course and pass the final exam, the American Lifeguard Association will give you your lifeguard certification. The certificate lasts for two years and is accepted throughout the country.
Keep Your Certification Active
Lifeguard certification isn’t just a one-time thing. In order to keep your credentials valid, you need to take regular recertification classes. You’ll learn new lifeguarding techniques and safety rules in these courses. To help ensure that your skills are always up-to-date, consider taking ALA’s easy-to-access recertification courses.
Tips for Success in Lifeguard Certification
Practice Regularly: Consistent practice of swimming and rescue techniques will enhance your proficiency and confidence.
Stay Fit: Lifeguarding requires physical fitness. Regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle will improve your endurance and strength.
Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the latest developments in lifeguarding and water safety by attending workshops and reading relevant literature.
Stay Calm Under Pressure: Lifeguards must remain calm and composed during emergencies. Practice stress-relief techniques to help you stay focused.
Conclusion
The process of getting certified as a lifeguard with the American Lifeguard Association is organized but also gratifying because it prepares individuals for such an important job; ensuring other people’s safety around water bodies should never be taken lightly at any point in time by anyone involved directly or indirectly including parents who should make sure they enroll their children into swimming lessons from tender age so that once they grow up, becoming life guards becomes second nature since its all about protecting lives through vigilance coupled with training done periodically until one retires after many years serving different communities where he/she was posted during service period which could last anywhere between 5-10years depending on how long each community wants them there before moving onto another one nearby etc..
