So I'm 22 and I've never had a job before. I have been trying since I was 19. I'm going to try and be a lifeguard at some community pools since they always seem to offer jobs.
My question is, what is the training like to be a pool guard? It's 2 consecutive weeks. I looked at the prerequisites and it says I need to be able to continuously swim 300 meters, which is pretty easy since I used to be on the swim team in high school. And I swim twice a week to work out. My main concern is the training since my endurance is horrible, even when I was on the swim team. I had to take many breaks during practice. It was only recent that I found out I actually have asthma (one month ago).
Another question is: How long does the training take to be a beach lifeguard and what is it like? I may want to do it after I be a pool guard for a while. Hopefully my endurance will be better in the future now that I know I have asthma and can treat it.
With your background and controlling your asthma you should be able to handle it. I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 8 and have been on daily medication since then. I was a lifeguard in college for 2 1/2 years and there was no problems. During that time I saved two kids who had just gotten in over there heads in four feet of water. One was actually in a pool I was just visiting, instincts took over. The one thing I was taught by a very good instructor and boss that technique usually is what saves the day. Pay attention in class and you will do fine.
Former Member
There is a pretty high demand in most areas for Guards, and there is usually a high turnover rate. You have a pretty good chance of finding a job once you get certified. This time of year may be a bit tougher. The biggest hiring times are early Spring, and when Schools end for Summer, and start again in the Fall.
There is not a lot of emphasis on swimming in most current Lifeguard certifications. Am. Red Cross (ARC) is pretty much the standard. Most of the training is on being a medical emergency "first responder". Basic First Aid, and CPR/AED is most of the course. In most cases a lifeguard will only give very basic care, and in the case of 911 emergencies you will likely only be treating the victim for 5-10 minutes... until EMS gets there.
As for rescues... all Guards use rescue tubes now, which gives you a lot of support in pulling someone in.
From what I've experienced... Most "saves" are going to assists... to children, up to about 10y/o... so in most cases, not a big physical challenge.
The training is not all that difficult. Most High School age kids pass. It is pretty rare that someone fails the course.
Statistically, there is a very slim chance that you will ever be faced with a life-threatening situation.
You do have to be alert on stand. Most drownings are silent. I've heard way too many stories of someone drowning in front of a lifeguard. So... You need to be alert... and watchful... that is most important.
it is also important to be a team player. Guards work in a team, and all depend on each other. It is not as intense as being a Firefighter, or an EMT, but the same need for team support is there.
I do not have any direct experience with Beach Lifeguarding, but I know it is much more rigorous compared to what basic Pool Guards experience.
If you want it enough though... you should be able to get it... even with a minor medical issue such as asthma, you should be able to manage it OK.
:-)
Like most people said, basic lifegaurd training is more on first responder stuff like first aid, CPR, and general life saving skills. The risker the job the higher the standard on the test. I started a pools and tried to get a job at one of the NY state parks. The NY test was tougher (not by much though) than the lifeguarding class. My final summer I was an Ocean lifeguard, and that test was rough. It took most of the day and the hardest Lifeguard test I ever took. Even with that test I believe the yardage was somewhere around 600 yards. I think that you would be fine.
When I tried to be a beach guard, I was not allowed because I WORE CONTACTS/GLASSES.
Former Member
As a swimmer that also has asthma and also a lifeguard, the training really isnt that bad. When I did it, you just had to swim the 300 and then do a few laps on your back holding a 10lb weight, also swim with it on your side using only one arm. Then you just have to practice the actual rescue maneuvers and the basic first-aid and cpr.
Former Member
Thanks for the information guys. I'm signing up for training in two weeks.
Former Member
That's a concern for the swimmers. If something happens, will the lifeguard be up to the job?:confused:
With the last round of trainings I received....It depends. Most of the training they do now is general first aide. I guess with medical response times much quicker now than they were 20 years ago - I guess the main priority of most pool lifeguards in a serious situation is management until medics arrive. The CPR is a separate certification and as in depth or more so than ever. But neck injuries are not uncommon around pools, so I would have liked to see hands-on backboard training.
Former Member
I have been certified off and on since the early 90's. IMO, the test is entirely too easy now, and doesn't require you to demonstrate enough. I'm not just talking about the swim - 300 yards is sufficient - most rescue swims will only be a few yards anyway. However, one of the most important skills - correctly using a backboard - I never had to demonstrate other than answering questions about it. I was a head guard at a large pool when I was younger, and we practiced this weekly, and it was focused on in the class.
In short, the test is so watered down now, you should have no problem with it.
