Showing posts with label AED. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AED. Show all posts
Friday, March 5, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Monetary Side of Lifeguarding
As I’ve said before—lifeguarding is more than a typical full-time summer or part-time school year job. The fact is that guarding requires certification beyond that involved as a Starbucks barista or restaurant waitress. Therefore, lifeguards can and honestly should require above minimum wage—currently set at an average of $7.50 across the United States (in the year 2010).
At a bare minimum, your employer should require all lifeguards to hold a valid lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and first aid certification. Valid refers to confirmation from a recognized source which can vouch for your proficiency at the required skills (i.e. Red Cross, YMCA, etc.). As certification in these areas often requires you to pay a fee for the class, you should be deserving of a wage above that of the typical non-professional job.
Be aware that if you are employed by a private company (from country clubs to private swim clubs), they do reserve the right to pay you what they deem fit. However, you should undoubtedly attempt to negotiate any pay wage which may fall below minimum wage, at the very least—due to the fact that your job does require outside certification and demonstrated expertise at expected skill levels.
If you find yourself in need of an argument as to why you deserve a paycheck above that of the typical employee, remind your company that the sole responsibility of your position is to protect patrons’ lives in an aquatic environment. False assumptions surrounding the job of a lifeguard (for example, that you just sit around all day) regrettably surrounds your chosen position. Therefore, it is up to you to prove to your employer that your job is to literally protect lives.
At a bare minimum, your employer should require all lifeguards to hold a valid lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and first aid certification. Valid refers to confirmation from a recognized source which can vouch for your proficiency at the required skills (i.e. Red Cross, YMCA, etc.). As certification in these areas often requires you to pay a fee for the class, you should be deserving of a wage above that of the typical non-professional job.
Be aware that if you are employed by a private company (from country clubs to private swim clubs), they do reserve the right to pay you what they deem fit. However, you should undoubtedly attempt to negotiate any pay wage which may fall below minimum wage, at the very least—due to the fact that your job does require outside certification and demonstrated expertise at expected skill levels.
If you find yourself in need of an argument as to why you deserve a paycheck above that of the typical employee, remind your company that the sole responsibility of your position is to protect patrons’ lives in an aquatic environment. False assumptions surrounding the job of a lifeguard (for example, that you just sit around all day) regrettably surrounds your chosen position. Therefore, it is up to you to prove to your employer that your job is to literally protect lives.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
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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