Are you looking for a summer job you’ll love? How about lifeguarding? Most people imagine lifeguarding as the ultimate summer job since you get to spend every day hanging out at the beach, enjoying the sun and the sand, but the job is much more than that.
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What You Need to Become a Lifeguard
Becoming a lifeguard is a rewarding and exciting career path that requires dedication, training and a commitment to safety. There are a few essential steps you need to take to become a lifeguard, including the necessary training, physical fitness, and responsibilities.
A Strong Mindset
First and foremost, becoming a lifeguard requires the right mindset. This job isn’t just about spending your days by the ocean, getting tan. Lifeguards are responsible for ensuring the safety of swimmers, preventing accidents, and responding to emergencies. As such, successful lifeguards must be calm under pressure, have excellent communication skills, and be able to make quick, informed decisions in high-stress situations.
The Right Certification
The next step in becoming a lifeguard is to enroll in a certified lifeguard training program. These programs will give you certifications like CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and BLS (basic life support) and are available through a variety of organizations, including online courses for BLS and CPR certification like ProTrainings. In your training to become a lifeguard, you will learn essential skills such as water rescue techniques, CPR, and first aid. You will also learn about the duties and responsibilities of a lifeguard, including how to recognize and respond to emergencies, how to enforce pool and beach rules, and how to maintain a safe swimming environment.
Physical Fitness
In addition to formal training, becoming a lifeguard requires physical fitness. It should go without saying that lifeguards need to be able to swim long distances, tread water for extended periods, and have the strength and endurance to perform rescues. Many lifeguard training programs require a swim test as part of the certification process, which typically includes swimming a set distance within a specified time frame and demonstrating proficiency in other water skills. To prepare for the physical demands of lifeguarding, it is essential to engage in regular exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Cardiovascular exercises such as running or swimming, weight training, and flexibility exercises can all help build the physical fitness necessary to become a successful lifeguard.
Knowledge of Safety Rules
Another critical aspect of becoming a lifeguard is understanding the rules and regulations of the pool or beach where you will be working. This includes knowing the local laws, pool safety guidelines, and emergency procedures. You must also be able to communicate these rules and regulations to swimmers effectively.
Knowledge of Equipment
Lifeguards must also be knowledgeable about the equipment they will be using to perform rescues and maintain safety. This includes rescue tubes, life jackets, and other flotation devices, as well as first aid supplies and defibrillators. You must also be able to inspect and maintain this equipment to ensure it is in good working order.
Getting the Job and Doing it Well
Once you have completed your training and passed any required swim tests, it is time to start looking for lifeguard job opportunities. Lifeguards are employed at a variety of locations, including public and private swimming pools, beaches, water parks, and community centers.
Highlight Your Strengths
When applying for lifeguard positions, be sure to highlight your training, physical fitness, and other relevant qualifications. Be prepared to provide references and undergo a background check as part of the hiring process.
Nailing the Interview
For the interviews, you must present yourself well. Be friendly and respectful toward whoever is interviewing you. The way that you treat others is a sign of how well you’ll do in the role. You should also try to dress professionally–just because your uniform for the job would be a swimsuit doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put effort into what you’d wear for the interview. If you want to stand out, you should do your research on your prospective employer and their business and try to make conversation with them about it. Knowledge will almost always earn you bonus points in an interview.
Never Stop Training
Once you have secured a lifeguard position, it is essential to continue your training and stay up-to-date on the latest safety techniques and procedures. Lifeguards must also be able to work effectively as part of a team, communicating with other lifeguards and pool staff to ensure a safe swimming environment, so try to build a strong relationship with your coworkers to help make sure you’re all on the same page.
Take it Seriously
Finally, it is important to remember that lifeguarding is a serious responsibility. Lifeguards must always be alert, attentive, and ready to respond to emergencies. They must also be able to remain calm and maintain a positive attitude in high-stress situations.
