Completing a lifeguard course and obtaining lifeguard certification provides numerous benefits both personally and professionally. As the largest certifying body for lifeguards in the United States, the American Lifeguard Association’s lifeguard certification program trains over 100,000 new lifeguards each year. Through this article, we will explore the top reasons someone should consider taking an American Lifeguard Association lifeguard course.
Safety Skills for Life
One of the primary benefits of becoming a certified lifeguard is gaining highly valuable safety skills that can be used for a lifetime. The ALA lifeguard course teaches water safety, first aid, CPR, and injury prevention strategies that are not only useful as a lifeguard but in everyday life as well.
Skills like CPR and first aid can help save lives outside of just the pool or waterpark. Being able to spot early warning signs for drowning or medical issues gives certified lifeguards a critical eye that benefits themselves and loved ones at beaches, lakes and other aquatic areas for years to come.
Job and Career Opportunities
With the lifeguard shortage facing the nation’s pools and waterparks, obtaining lifeguard certification opens up numerous job opportunities both seasonally and year-round. Thousands of facilities nationwide rely on ALA certified guards each summer.
Many lifeguards choose to use seasonal lifeguard work as a launching point to gain work experience, build a resume and develop skills that help advance careers in health, safety, education and more down the line. Facilities also continue hiring lifeguards to work during the school year to ensure adequate safety coverage. The certification remains valid for 2 years, allowing flexibility to find work.
Leadership and Responsibility
For many young people, being a lifeguard serves as one of their first taste of leadership roles and responsibilities. Certified lifeguards train to supervise pools, enforce policies and respond appropriately in emergencies. They learn to think critically in stressful situations and make tough judgement calls.
These types of soft skills help foster traits like dependability, accountability and teamwork. Many past lifeguards say holding a guarding position built character and gave them confidence to take on high-level roles later in college like Resident Advisors or campus sports team captains.
Physical Fitness and Wellness
The lifeguard training itself is physically demanding and tests strength, endurance and stamina. Candidates that pass the certification process know they achieved a high level of fitness. Many continue a healthy lifestyle as lifeguards through constant on-deck activity like surveillance rotations that keep the heart rate elevated and calories burned.
Even after certification expires, the water safety knowledge gained inspires many to continue safe aquatics recreation for fitness. Overall, lifeguard training and on-the-job activity helps develop lifelong healthy habits and awareness of the importance of fitness.
Academic and Scholarship Benefits
Taking the ALA lifeguard class and earning certification looks great on college applications and transcripts. It shows leadership, responsibility and a dedication to serve the community. Some colleges even offer academic credit or test prep benefits for completing certification with the American Lifeguard Association.
In addition, many pools and affiliate organizations provide scholarship opportunities specifically for certified lifeguards pursuing higher education. Thousands of dollars in scholarships are awarded annually through the ALA to help lifeguards offset college tuition.
Marketable Multitasking Skills
The multitasking and adaptable nature of being an on-duty lifeguard cultivates an array of “soft” skills attractive to employers. Constant scanning surveillance teaches vigilance while social interaction with patrons and staff fosters communication talents.
Dealing with emergencies of all types on a moment’s notice trains composure under pressure. Documentation responsibilities build organization. The combination makes for well-rounded individuals equipped to handle busy and unpredictable work environments successfully. These are highly valuable transferable skills for entering any career path. Read more informative article click here.
Final Opinion
As this article outlines, the American Lifeguard Association’s lifeguard certification program delivers plentiful long-term advantages for those pursing the training. From physical and mental development to safety expertise, career options and beyond – there are countless ways completing a lifeguard course pays dividends for life.
Those interested in gaining these substantial benefits should consider registering for the next available lifeguard class today. To enroll or learn more about courses, contact the American Lifeguard Association or check for local course schedules now.