What Skills Will I Learn During a Lifeguard Course?

Ensuring swimmer safety requires a unique blend of training, abilities and composure – which is precisely what lifeguards receive through American Lifeguard Association (ALA) certification courses. ALA programs prepare lifeguards to supervise pools and beaches through comprehensive instruction in water rescue techniques, CPR/first aid protocols, physical fitness standards and professional responsibilities. Let’s explore the valuable skills taught in ALA lifeguard certification training.

CPR and First Aid Certification

All ALA lifeguard course provide dual certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid. Through classroom and manikin practice, you’ll learn adult, child and infant CPR as well as protocols for controlling bleeding, treating shock and more. This prepares you to offer emergency care until EMS arrives. Certification shows facilities you can respond quickly and effectively to injuries and health issues in aquatic environments.

Swimming Ability and Water Skills Tests

ALA sets a high bar for swimming competency. Lifeguard Courses ensure you achieve proficiency through challenging skills tests. Tests may include swimming 500 yards continuously, treading water for two minutes and retrieving submerged objects in deep water – all demonstrating you have the strength, endurance and skills for in-water rescues. Passing proves you exceed the physical demands of lifeguarding.

Lifesaving Techniques

You’ll gain understanding of accidental injury causation and learn prevention strategies. ALA provides thorough instruction in surveillance zone coverage, scan patterns, and drown-proofing methods. You’ll practice essential rescue skills like in-water retrieves, front and back carries, spinal injury management, rescuer reaching assists and other techniques proven to save lives. Practicing until you’ve mastered each skill exemplifies your preparedness.

Use of Safety Equipment

Through ALA courses, you’ll gain expertise using lifesaving devices. You’ll learn proper selection and deployment of equipment like facemasks, rescue tubes, backboards and protective gloves based on ever-evolving safety standards. Practicing how and when to apply each tool teaches you to respond safely and effectively in any emergency scenario. Carrying the proper gear exemplifies your attention to detail.

Professional Responsibilities

Strong understanding of on-duty responsibilities is imparted. You’ll understand legal roles like patron surveillance, rule enforcement, emergency plan activation and event supervision. Courses emphasize record-keeping like incident documentation and weather condition logs vital for assisting investigators. Learning these responsibilities demonstrates maturity as a professional lifeguard.

Pool Lifeguard Training

Many lifeguards serve in community pools and waterparks. ALA courses prepare you for these environments by focusing on open-water surveillance and rescue efficiency. You’ll learn pool-specific protocols like checking user capacity, maintaining chemical levels, enforcing schedules and inspecting filtration systems. Rotating positions like lifeguard chair, roving patrol and entry scan teaches proactive observation. Mastering pool procedures demonstrates your suitability.

Beach Lifeguard Certification

ALA also certifies open-water professionals. Beach courses emphasize hazards like surf,rip currents and natural hazards. You’ll practice flag warning system operation, first aid tents and ICS incident command structures. Instruction includes ocean swimming rescues as well as boat,watercraft and aerial rescue integration. Understanding beach rescue environments sets you apart.

Lifeguard Instructor Certification

For those aspiring to teach, ALA offers Instructor certification. Courses provide experience writing lesson plans, evaluating participant skills and providing constructive feedback. You’ll learn principles of adult education,legal risk mitigation and methods for presenting material engagingly and safely. Certification proves ability to pass on critical lifesaving knowledge and mold new guardians of aquatic safety.

Lifelong Learning

ALA promotes a desire for ongoing education. Recommended electives help expand your skillset. Topics may include sudden cardiac arrest, seizure response, swim lesson safety, spinal injury mitigation techniques and aquatic risk management systems. Engaging in continuous enrichment reflects your dedication to prevention through training excellence.

Continued Excellence

Recertification through ALA updates your skills bi-annually. This ensures you stay abreast of evolving standards and techniques through supplemental practice, testing, course auditing and more. Maintaining certifications ensures both your proficiency and eligibility for coverage under the Association’s liability insurance program.

In conclusion, ALA lifeguard certification prepares candidates with an impressive repertoire of technical skills, fitness abilities and emergency knowledge. From rescue techniques and responsiveness to safety protocols and continued development, the well-rounded training instills confidence and competence for life’s most critical moments. Read more information click here.