Pool lifeguards must be certified in CPR.
Being a pool lifeguard can be fun, but it is serious and challenging work. It involves the alluring prospect of getting close to the water every day, but the lifeguards are there to protect others. They need to be able to focus on what is going on in the pool and other skills are also needed so that they can take appropriate action if someone is put in harm’s way in the water. There are several things that are required to become a pool lifeguard and these include having a CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification, strong swimming skills, and usually lifeguard training. Since lifeguards may do more than protect the pool, each pool may also require a different experience.
Lifeguard accessories may include whistles.
Without a doubt, training in CPR is essential to becoming a pool lifeguard. Even if a lifeguard never needs to use it, in the event of drowning, resuscitation becomes the best chance of survival. People can get CPR training at many places. The Red Cross offers regular classes on the subject. CPR courses can also be offered at community colleges, parks and recreation centers, or many other locations. Some pools also have defibrillators on hand, and if a person wants to become a lifeguard in one of these pools, they may also need this training.
Understanding how to test the chemical balance of swimming pools can give you a head start on becoming a lifeguard.
It would be difficult to rescue someone without knowing how to swim very well. Most people must show certification of passing swimming lessons or take a test to demonstrate swimming strength. Once people reach a certain level of swimming ability, they may need to take lifesaving or swimming safety lessons so they can demonstrate ability not only to swim but also to rescue someone. It’s very different from having to swim and carry someone at the same time, and there are techniques to do it safely. A person who wants to become a pool lifeguard needs to learn these skills and can find training courses in places like community or private pools, or sometimes at community colleges.
After mastering the basic skills to become a pool lifeguard, people need to think about where to apply. Most public and private pools require lifeguards to be a minimum of 16 years old and some cannot hire anyone under the age of 18. People should consider adding other skills to their profile to increase their chances of getting a job. Pool care can be something some lifeguards do. Understanding how to add chemicals and test groups for chemical balance can give you a competitive advantage during job applications.
Other things that can be helpful for those who want to become a pool lifeguard are basic first aid classes, because they give lifeguards other ways to help out in a pool. Some lifeguards also give swimming lessons for beginners or more advanced, and learning how to be a good teacher can be very valuable. When applying for a job, list all related skills or knowledge on a resume for the best chance of getting hired. When all the basic requirements are met, all swimming tests are passed, and additional skills are part of a person’s curriculum, it may not be too difficult to become a pool lifeguard, provided jobs are available.