Lifeguards are responsible for keeping swimmers safe and preventing accidents from happening in and around water. To become a certified lifeguard, there are several requirements you must meet, including physical fitness, swimming skills, and knowledge of rescue techniques. In this article, we will discuss the top 7 requirements for lifeguard certification.
Age Requirement
The minimum age requirement for becoming a certified lifeguard varies depending on the certification program and the state you are in. However, most programs require that you be at least 15 years old. This is because being a lifeguard requires maturity and responsibility to handle emergency situations.
Physical Fitness
Lifeguarding is a physically demanding job that requires a high level of fitness. Before enrolling in a lifeguard certification program, you must ensure that you meet the physical fitness requirements. This includes having a strong core, upper body strength, and cardiovascular endurance. You should also be able to swim continuously for a certain distance, which varies depending on the certification program.
Swimming Skills
As a lifeguard, you will be required to swim in a variety of conditions, including rough water and deep water. You must have excellent swimming skills to be able to rescue swimmers who are in distress. To become certified, you must be able to perform several different swimming strokes, including freestyle, breaststroke, and backstroke. You should also be able to perform a variety of rescue techniques, including reaching assists, throw rescues, and submerged victim rescues.
CPR and First Aid Certification
CPR and first aid certification are essential requirements for lifeguard certification. As a lifeguard, you must be able to administer CPR and first aid to a victim in an emergency situation. You must be able to recognize the signs of a heart attack, stroke, and other medical emergencies and know how to respond appropriately.
Lifeguard Training Course
Before becoming certified, you must complete a lifeguard training course. This course covers a wide range of topics, including water rescue techniques, pool management, and first aid. The course also includes both written and practical exams to test your knowledge and skills. The length of the course varies depending on the certification program, but most courses take around 20-30 hours to complete.
Pass a Swim Test
To become certified, you must pass a swim test that measures your swimming skills and endurance. The test typically includes a timed swim, which requires you to swim a certain distance within a specific time frame. You may also be required to perform a variety of rescue techniques and demonstrate your ability to recognize the signs of drowning.
Renewal of Certification
Lifeguard certification is not a one-time requirement. To maintain your certification, you must renew it periodically, usually every two years. The renewal process typically requires you to complete a refresher course, which includes both written and practical exams. You may also be required to complete additional training in CPR and first aid.