Certification And Training Necessary To Be A Lifeguard

Lifeguards are in high demand during the summer when the pools and bathing on the beach are in full swing. However, more and more lifeguard services are requested throughout the year to work in indoor swimming pools of sports facilities, both public (municipal sports centres) and private (gyms, sports clubs, etc.).

In order to work as a lifeguard, it is necessary to have accredited specific training as a lifeguard in aquatic facilities and natural spaces, and this is achieved by taking an approved course for this purpose.

There is a wide range of courses for lifeguards on the market, but not all offer the necessary quality. That is why we advise you that if you are thinking of being a lifeguard, you put yourself in the hands of a solvent and experienced company that guarantees you the best training.

What aspects should a lifeguard course cover?

A lifeguard fulfills the function of acting in three aspects that are: prevention, surveillance and rescue in aquatic environments.

Prevention is a basic point for any lifeguard: avoiding and anticipating situations that could cause an accident or emergency in the water.

Surveillance: a lifeguard must be alert and aware of the bathers and the facilities during their work shift.

The rescue: in the event of an accident or emergency, the life of the victim may initially depend on the good work of the lifeguard and his knowledge of first aid. Therefore, the performance of a lifeguard must be determined, have clear procedures, and accurately execute them.

Lifeguard certification near me is focused on these three aspects that we have mentioned (prevention, surveillance and rescue) through theoretical and practical classes (in the water) that must be taught by qualified professionals in each field (health personnel and sports instructors).

The minimum certification to be able to access a lifeguard course are: knowing how to swim optimally with crawl and breaststroke; be over 16 years old; and have completed at least 2nd ESO.

Other complementary courses for lifeguards

The more certification and professional qualification are accredited, the more options to get a job as a lifeguard. In addition to the basic lifeguard course, it is important that we retrain and update our knowledge as well as broaden our training with complementary courses.

Some of the most demanded by sports centres, gyms, municipal swimming pools, water parks, etc. are the following:

• Basic CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and use of defibrillator (AED).
• Swimming instructor and water activities.
• Recycling aquatic lifesaving and first aid.