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.
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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.
:-)
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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.
:-)
