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
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.
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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.
