If you love water safety and helping others, a career or volunteer position as a lifeguard may be perfect for you. However, becoming a certified lifeguard does have some eligibility requirements to ensure those guarding lives are properly trained and prepared.
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) sets the standards for lifeguard training and certification in the United States. Here is a breakdown of who is eligible to start the process of earning an ALA lifeguard certificate through an approved training program.
Age Requirements for Lifeguard Certification
One of the main eligibility criteria to start lifeguard training is having reached a minimum age. The ALA requires all prospective lifeguards to be at least 15 years old at the start of their training program.
Some training facilities and employers may have a higher minimum age of 16 or 17 years old, depending on state laws and regulations. Being at or above the minimum age helps ensure lifeguard candidates have the physical and mental maturity needed for the job.
Physical Requirements for Lifeguard Certification
In addition to age restrictions, there are also physical requirements that must be met to qualify for a lifeguard training program. All certification candidates will need to complete a pre-screen evaluation to demonstrate they have the necessary swimming, physical, and sensory abilities.
The physical screening evaluates skills like treading water, swimming certain distances freestyle and backstroke, surface dives, and more. Candidates also need 20/20 vision or vision that can be corrected to 20/20 with contacts or glasses. The physical and vision screenings aim to only accept candidates who have the baseline fitness levels required for life-saving water rescues.
Swimming Ability Requirements for Lifeguard Certification
As a lifeguard’s primary duty is facilitating water rescues, significant swimming ability is vital for certification eligibility. Candidates must prove they can complete the following ALA pre-screen swimming skills evaluation:
- Swim 300 yards continuously using these strokes in the following order – 100 yards of front crawl, 100 yards of breaststroke, and 100 yards of either front crawl or breaststroke
- Surface dive to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object, return to the surface, and swim 20 yards back to the starting point with the object
- Tread water for 2 minutes without using hands
Passing this evaluation shows would-be lifeguards have the core strength, stamina, breath control, and water competency required in an emergency aquatic situation. It ensures only swimmers who meet a minimum standard move forward with training.
Additional Eligibility Requirements
Beyond the core requirements above, lifeguard candidates also need to:
- Complete a basic lifeguard training course approved by the ALA that covers CPR, first aid, safety protocols, rescues, and more
- Pass both a water skills and written exam at the end of training to prove proficiency
- Be able to work the scheduled hours at a facility once certified
- Have no health conditions that could interfere with lifeguard duties
Some pools, beaches, or ski resorts employing lifeguards may have additional eligibility criteria as well, such as holding a valid driver’s license. But at a minimum, candidates need to meet the age, physical, swimming, and training standards set forth by the ALA.
Becoming a Certified Lifeguard
For anyone interested in a career that helps others while enjoying an active lifestyle near the water, becoming a certified lifeguard may be an ideal option. The process begins by ensuring all eligibility criteria are met, including being of adequate age and demonstrating strong swimming abilities and physical fitness. From there, candidates register for an approved lifeguard training program to learn crucial emergency response skills.
The typical ALA training course takes between 30-50 hours over 2-3 weeks to complete depending on the provider. Courses cover first aid, CPR, spinal injuries, rescues, pool/open water surveillance techniques, water park operations, and more. Successful completion of both a final water skills test and written exam leads to certification through the American Lifeguard Association and opportunities to begin working as a professional lifeguard.
Maintaining Your Lifeguard Certification
To remain a certified lifeguard, certain continuing education and refresher requirements must be satisfied on a regular basis. The ALA mandates completing lifeguard recertification training every 1-3 years depending on age and experience levels. This keeps guards up-to-date on any policy changes and makes sure critical fitness and skills are maintained.
Some larger employers may require more frequent annual recertification as well. Lifeguards are also expected to continue practicing skills regularly and stay conditioning through swimming, running, and exercises like treading water.
Continuing education classes on topics like spinal injury management, first aid advancements, and new rescues methods are highly recommended too. Strict compliance with recertification ensures lifeguards retain the up-to-the-minute knowledge and abilities needed to best protect public safety in and around the water.
In Closing
If a prospective lifeguard candidate meets the age, physical, swimming, and training standards of the American Lifeguard Association, earning that highly valued certificate is within reach. With diligent practice, continuing education, and a passion for water safety, certified lifeguards play a crucial role in communities nationwide. Consider starting the journey today and helping others enjoy the water safely and responsibly. Read more informative article click here.
