A lifeguard is a trained professional who is responsible for ensuring the safety of people in and around a body of water such as a pool, lake, or ocean. They monitor the water, enforce safety rules, and provide rescue and first-aid in emergency situations. Lifeguards are trained in CPR, water rescue techniques, and first aid. They work in various settings including public pools, water parks, and beaches.
The Skills Of A Lifeguard
A lifeguard possesses a variety of essential skills that enable them to effectively carry out their duties and keep people safe in and around bodies of water. These skills include strong swimming abilities, knowledge of water rescue techniques, and the ability to remain calm and composed in emergency situations.
Lifeguards also need to have good observation skills and the ability to anticipate potential dangers and take preventive measures before they become a problem. Additionally, they must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, both with the public and with other lifeguards, in order to coordinate rescue efforts and provide instructions.
Other important skills for a lifeguard include physical fitness, the ability to make quick decisions, and proficiency in first-aid and CPR. To maintain these skills, lifeguards typically receive regular training and certification in water safety and rescue techniques.
Different Professions After Getting Lifeguard Certification
Having a lifeguard certification can open up various career paths in the fields of aquatic safety and rescue, recreation, and healthcare. Some of the professions you can pursue after getting lifeguard certification include:
- Lifeguard/Swim Instructor: Work as a lifeguard at a pool, beach, water park, or other aquatic facilities.
- Pool Manager: Oversee the day-to-day operations of a pool or aquatic centre.
- Surf Instructor: Teach surfing or stand-up paddleboarding.
- Dive Instructor: Teach scuba diving or snorkelling.
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Respond to medical emergencies and provide basic life support.
- Water Safety Instructor: Teach water safety to children and adults in community programs.
- Lifeguard Instructor: Train and certify new lifeguards.
- Recreational Therapist: Use recreational activities, including aquatics, to help people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses.
These are a few examples of the many career paths available after obtaining a lifeguard certification. The specific opportunities will depend on your interests, skills, and location.
It is important to note that there are no set rules for who can be a lifeguard or what kind of lifeguard they should be. It is not uncommon for a lifeguard to have a wide range of experiences including personal training, scuba diving, water skiing, and even work as a professional athlete. Lifeguards who train for this career are known as “lifeguard professionals” or “professional lifeguards.” Many colleges and universities offer lifeguard training.
Different Careers After Getting Lifeguard Training
Obtaining a lifeguard training certification opens up a variety of career options in the fields of aquatic safety, recreation, and healthcare. Lifeguards with certification can find employment as a lifeguard at a pool, beach, water park, or another aquatic facility.
They can also take on leadership roles such as pool manager or lifeguard instructor. Those interested in water sports can work as surf instructors or dive instructors. In the field of healthcare, lifeguards with certification can pursue careers as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or recreational therapists, using their aquatic skills to help people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses.
Some lifeguards may choose to expand their knowledge and skills by obtaining additional certifications in areas such as water safety instruction, first-aid, or CPR, increasing their employability and career opportunities. Ultimately, the specific career paths available after obtaining lifeguard class and certification will depend on an individual’s interests, skills, and location.
Working As A Swimming Instructor
Yes, that’s correct! After obtaining a lifeguard certification, one can also work as a swimming instructor. Swimming instructors teach people of all ages how to swim and improve their swimming skills. They use techniques such as demonstration, explanation, and hands-on practice to help their students learn and develop their swimming abilities.
As a lifeguard, one has the skills, knowledge, and experience in water safety and rescue that make them well-suited for this type of work. Additionally, lifeguards who work as swimming instructors often have a strong understanding of the physical and mental aspects of swimming, which enables them to help their students overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of career opportunities after getting a lifeguard certification. You can choose different professions and even can be self-employed with the help of this career. But you need to make sure that you are very clear about your goals before you start your lifeguarding job.
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is helping a lot of people every year by providing lifeguard training and making decisions to choose different careers in this profession. You should have some idea of the things you want to achieve with your career. If you are passionate about the career then you can go for it.
Enrol in one of the lifeguard training programs provided by ALA and start a rewarding career as a lifeguard this summer.