How To Become A Lifeguard

Lifeguard Job Description
Lifeguards have to perform various duties on their job. They are usually supervising swimmers, and are alert in dealing with any kind of emergency. Lifeguards play a vital role in spotting possible hazards, and taking proactive steps to prevent accidents. They give advice to swimmers about water safety, and stop them in case they see any disruptive behavior. First aid and water rescue are also lifesaving skills that lifeguards must possess. Lifeguards have to perform some other trivial tasks as well, which include maintaining a cash register, giving swimming lessons, handling complaints, and performing customer services.

Job Nature
The jobs of lifeguards do not have set routines, and are not considered boring. They usually have to work in shifts at the beach and at pools. It is also common for lifeguards to work on weekends. The job of a lifeguard also requires you to work in a team because lifeguards are not usually working alone. Apart from interacting with the other lifeguards, they also have a lot of public contact.

How to Become a Lifeguard?
In order to become a lifeguard you will be required to take some specialized courses. Certification courses require you to pass some swimming tests in order to continue with lifeguard training. Usually the minimum requirement is to swim 300 meters while using the technique of rhythmic breathing. To pass the swimming tests, you also need a strong kick, in order to avoid extra strain on your arms while swimming. They type of swimming test you are required to pass will depend on where you would like to work. Open water lifeguards will have to pass different swim tests than lifeguards that work at a pool.

The lifeguard courses enable students to identify and prevent emergencies. They learn about working in teams, correctly scanning a body of water to ensure safety of swimmers, and performing water rescue. They also learn how to save drowning victims, respond skillfully to injured victims, provide first aid and emergency care, perform paperwork and debrief after emergency, and interact with customers. In order to become certified, you must attend the classes regularly, and perform all the essential skills correctly. Once you have passed the written tests and skill scenarios, the instructor will provide you with the documentation to become certified.

Online Education
Online training program in lifeguarding comes with many benefits. It helps the students to save time and money and acquire the most up to date knowledge about lifeguarding. The focus of the online training courses in lifeguarding is on the critical decision making. Online education is based on internationally standardized programs and can be quickly modified, which helps the students to stay up to date. Online training instruction is given with the help of various animations, illustrations and diagrams so that the students understand how to act appropriately in a variety of situations. There is also a separate module of online training where the students practice actual lifeguarding skills. Students requiring flexibility in their schedule and looking for the latest education in lifeguarding can benefit from these online programs.