Want to Guard in the Aquatic World?

To tweak a well-known saying: With lifeguarding comes great responsibility. Just as the surface of the water may look deceiving, so too can the job of a guard. There is a false stereotype out there framing lifeguarding as an easy job for lazy teens looking to get their tan on. Not only have many guards graduated from their teen years, but many others work at indoor pools where the sun certainly doesn’t shine. Addressing the most significant assumption, lifeguarding is not a job for the idle.

In order to become a lifeguard, certain qualifications must be met. Though it may vary from one location to the next, most lifeguarding certification classes require participants to be at least 15 years of age (although a junior lifeguarding certificate can be obtained for those as young as 14) and you must be physically fit (the standard is being able to swim 300 meters). To give you an idea of the commitment involved, the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Class requires anywhere from 30-37 hours and is valid for three years.

In addition to possessing a lifeguarding certification, successful completion of classes in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and First Aid will likely be the minimum requirements. Other possible certifications include AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and WSI (Water Safety Instructor). Specialized certifications could also be involved, for instance if you wanted to guard at an open water location or at a water park.

If you are a responsible and observant individual who would like to find certification classes in your area, your best bet is to contact your local branch of the Red Cross, YMCAs, Recreation Centers, and the like!

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