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How to become a lifeguard?
Tell us everything we need to know to become a lifeguard!
Note: We've seen a lot of interest in this career, so we're looking for guidance from our community of professionals.
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3 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1614
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California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
To become a lifeguard, you typically need to meet the following qualifications:
📚 EDUCATION: There are rarely formal education requirements for lifeguards. Many are in high school, working toward obtaining their high school diplomas. Some beaches may employ professional lifeguards.
❤️🩹 CERTIFICATIONS: Some pools and recreation departments sponsor certification classes before the summer season or allow employees to take classes after the hiring process before the season begins.
• FIRST AIDE & CPR CERTIFICATION: All lifeguards need to have valid, current certification in both first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION: Many lifeguarding positions require certification through an American Red Cross Lifeguarding & Water Safety class, which results in a lifeguard certificate. These classes include safety and rescue techniques, first aid and automated external defibrillators (AED).
🏊 SWIMMING: To efficiently and effectively keep swimmers safe, it's important to be physically able to help. You can develop effective swimming skills by joining a swimming or diving team. Some lifeguard jobs require physical tests that measure your swimming skills. A combination of swimming workouts and cross-training can help you get ready to apply for lifeguard jobs.
🗣️ COMMUNICATION: During moments of calm and moments of distress, it's important for lifeguards to communicate clearly. They often give directions, such as “No running” or “The pool is closing in 15 minutes.” Lifeguards who teach swim lessons or coach swim teams communicate frequently with children, teens and parents. In an emergency, a lifeguard may shout for help, write an incident report or communicate clearly with an emergency response team.
🚨 ATTENTION TO DETAIL: Lifeguards spend most of their shifts watching the surrounding environment. They watch the water and the surrounding area to make sure everyone is staying safe. This requires them to be alert and attentive at all times. A great lifeguard can spot a hazard before it becomes dangerous, such as a piece of debris near the pool.
🌀 LEADERSHIP: At a pool or beach, lifeguards can oversee many people. They may command authority and respect to maintain a safe environment. An effective leader may give directions easily and keep swimmers safe. After working as a lifeguard for one season or more, you might lead or manage other staff members.
📚 EDUCATION: There are rarely formal education requirements for lifeguards. Many are in high school, working toward obtaining their high school diplomas. Some beaches may employ professional lifeguards.
❤️🩹 CERTIFICATIONS: Some pools and recreation departments sponsor certification classes before the summer season or allow employees to take classes after the hiring process before the season begins.
• FIRST AIDE & CPR CERTIFICATION: All lifeguards need to have valid, current certification in both first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION: Many lifeguarding positions require certification through an American Red Cross Lifeguarding & Water Safety class, which results in a lifeguard certificate. These classes include safety and rescue techniques, first aid and automated external defibrillators (AED).
🏊 SWIMMING: To efficiently and effectively keep swimmers safe, it's important to be physically able to help. You can develop effective swimming skills by joining a swimming or diving team. Some lifeguard jobs require physical tests that measure your swimming skills. A combination of swimming workouts and cross-training can help you get ready to apply for lifeguard jobs.
🗣️ COMMUNICATION: During moments of calm and moments of distress, it's important for lifeguards to communicate clearly. They often give directions, such as “No running” or “The pool is closing in 15 minutes.” Lifeguards who teach swim lessons or coach swim teams communicate frequently with children, teens and parents. In an emergency, a lifeguard may shout for help, write an incident report or communicate clearly with an emergency response team.
🚨 ATTENTION TO DETAIL: Lifeguards spend most of their shifts watching the surrounding environment. They watch the water and the surrounding area to make sure everyone is staying safe. This requires them to be alert and attentive at all times. A great lifeguard can spot a hazard before it becomes dangerous, such as a piece of debris near the pool.
🌀 LEADERSHIP: At a pool or beach, lifeguards can oversee many people. They may command authority and respect to maintain a safe environment. An effective leader may give directions easily and keep swimmers safe. After working as a lifeguard for one season or more, you might lead or manage other staff members.
Trisha Borme
Talent Acquisition - Hiring
28
Answers
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
Updated
Trisha’s Answer
Hi The answer above is so thorough. I might just add each year the YMCA is desperately looking for life guards. I believe they may pay for the CPR and training as well. I might stop in to your local Y and ask some questions. Thanks.
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
339
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
To become a lifeguard, you need strong swimming skills, first aid knowledge, and certification. Start by taking lifeguard training courses from organizations like the Red Cross. These cover CPR, water rescue techniques, and first aid. Maintain physical fitness, stay alert, and ensure safety protocols are followed. Re-certification is essential regularly.