How to Become a Lifeguard
Lifeguarding can be a part-time summer job, a way to stay cool as you work your way through college, or even a lifelong career. Lifeguards are employed at beaches, swimming pools, waterfronts, and waterparks throughout the United States and around the world. You have to be more than a good swimmer to do this job; it requires dependability, maturity, consistency, and leadership. If you think you have what it takes, read on….
Lifeguard Qualifications
The following are minimum qualifications to work as a lifeguard. Information on different training programs and environments are included with links to get more information.
- Age. You must be old enough to work. In the U.S., this is 16 years of age (or 15 with a work permit). Even so, many hiring agencies require lifeguard candidates to be at least 18 years old. Call local aquatic agencies to find out the minimum hiring age. (Too young? Learn about Junior Lifeguarding.)
- Swimming Ability. You need good swimming ability, both to swim far and to swim fast. If you have a competitive swimming or water polo background, that will definitely help you.
- To work at a swimming pool or waterpark in the U.S., you may have to:
- Swim 300 to 550 yards (275 to 500 meters) using either the front crawl or breaststroke without stopping or needing a rest
- Sprint 50 yard/meters using the front crawl in under 30 seconds
- Tread water using kick only (and perhaps holding a weighted object). Learn eggbeater kick, the best kick for treading water.
- Surface dive and swim to a depth of at least 7 feet (2.1 meters), retrieve a 10- to 40-lb (4.5- to 18-kilo) weight, and carry the weight at least 20 yards/meters while kicking only (weight retrieval with feet-first surface dive and elementary backstroke kick). Use horizontal eggbeater on the back, the strongest kick for carrying the weight through the water.
- To work at a U.S. waterfront or beach, you may have to:
- Be able to do all of the above for swimming pool lifeguards.
- Swim underwater for about 15 yards/meters. (WARNING: Never practice swimming skills alone; avoid voluntary hyperventilation and swimming long distances underwater. For more information, review shallow water blackout.)
- To work at a swimming pool or waterpark in the U.S., you may have to:
- Health and Fitness. In all environments, you must possess adequate vision, strength/stamina, positive attitude, mental stability and toughness, and overall health and fitness so they can supervise and give directions to guests, recognize victims and hazards, lift and carry rescue and safety equipment, perform swimming rescues, move the victim to safety through the water or over land, and administer first aid.
- Pre-employment Training. Most hiring agencies require pre-employment training in lifeguarding, first aid, and CPR/AED.
- Training programs in the U.S. are provided by the following certification agencies:
- International Lifeguard Certification Programs
- Australia
- Brazil - SOBRASA
- Canada
- General International
- Ireland - Lifeguards Ireland
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom - Royal Life Saving Society
How to Find and Get that Lifeguard Job
Every year, lifeguards leave the field to pursue other jobs, making room for new individuals who want to give lifeguarding a try. If you have the minimum qualifications above and you are one of those thinking about becoming a seasonal or year-round lifeguard, here’s how you should proceed:
- Beginning in January or February, check for employment opportunities in your community. Call local swimming pools or other places where lifeguards work (beaches/waterfronts, waterparks, etc.). Questions to ask: Do you have openings? Am I old enough? What does the job pay? What qualifications do I need? Where can I take a lifeguard certification course? When are you having try-outs?
- Sign up for a Lifeguarding course. Check for lifeguard courses while you checking for jobs. Often hiring agencies hold courses or know where to send you.
- Be prepared for the try-out. This is usually an oral interview and a swim test.
- Find out about the swim test beforehand so you know exactly what you must do. If you are unsure about it, rehearse the swim test in advance.
- To prepare for the interview:
- Study so you know about the hiring agency and the job.
- Dress neatly.
- Shake hands as you meet the interviewer(s). Make eye contact. Smile.
- Come with documentation. Complete the job application and have your birth certificate/driver’s license, social security card, etc. Bring your certifications or letters of course completion. If you have only enrolled in Lifeguarding, bring your registration confirmation.
- Be confident but not arrogant. Answer questions directly. If you haven’t taken Lifeguarding yet, and they ask a technical question you don’t know, tell them you will come back after passing Lifeguarding with the answer.
- Be engaging and energetic. Do not ramble.
- Ask a few questions about the job to show interest.
- Shake hands before leaving. Thank the interviewer(s) for their time.
- Attend a couple of try-outs, if possible. This will increase your chances of being selected, while giving you more than one option to go for.
- Send a thank-you note. Use email or mail to thank each interviewer for giving you the opportunity to try out. Make sure the note is short and to-the-point.
- Follow through with the Lifeguarding course. Pay attention and apply yourself.
- Determine if other courses would help you. For example, a Water Safety Instructor (WSI) course will enable you to teach swimming lessons, making you more valuable to perspective employers.
- Send course certificates to prospective employers. This lets employers know that you are ready and able to work.
- Commit to the job if you get it. Every day, show reliability, maturity, consistency, and a positive attitude. Oh, and have fun!
Lifeguard Training/Employment Links
Here are a few links to help you search for training courses and employment in your area.
Training Course Links
In addition to the links above, you can get training information from the following links:
- California (Northern)
- California (Southern)
- District of Columbia
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- Ohio
- Texas
- U.S. in General
- American Pool Service/Guard for Life
- American Red Cross Take-A-Class - Enter zip code for classes in your area
- eLifeguardTraining
- US Aquatics
Employment
The following links can be used to find employment in your community.
- eLifeguard Job Board
- FlipDog for Lifeguard
- Guard for Life Job Board
- Indeed for Lifeguard - Enter your zip code or city and state.
- Job-Engine.net for Lifeguard
- Simply Hired for Lifeguard - Just Like Indeed.
- USLA Job Board
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