Lifeguarding is a very important job, you must ensure that people stay safe in the water as well as have an enjoyable time doing so. with lifeguard certification, you must take the proper courses specific to where you are going to work, whether it is at a pool, in which case, you need to ensure people there are not using profanities or rough housing which can lead to injury; at a beach, you would need to be aware of not only the changing water levels, but also of dangerous creatures lurking in the waters; or at a waterpark, where you need to ensure people are ready for the slides, depending on the difficulty and height restrictions. The Red Cross and other venues offer various lifeguard certification courses, depending on where you plan to work.
Who can become a lifeguard?
Securing a job as a lifeguard is a goal for many teenagers looking to work just for the summer, then focus on studies throughout the school year. Teenagers 15 years of age and older are qualified to take courses supplied through the Red Cross. For those between the ages of 11-14, they can go through a pre-qualification course called “Guard Start,” this is a great way for teenagers to get their foot in the door to start their lifeguarding career.
Requirements
In order to become a lifeguard, you must take the courses necessary to perform the required duties, such as first aid, rescue and CPR. This will not only help you in your lifeguard duties, but everyday life as well, since it well prepares you to handle many emergencies. It is also an important factor that the aspiring lifeguard is in excellent physical condition, this is because they must be able to swim fast to a person who needs rescued, when time is of the essence. A routine gym workout is a good idea for all lifeguards.
Different types of lifeguards
Lifeguards at a pool are similar to those at a waterpark, however; those wanting to obtain employment at a beach must be aware of much more than in a pool. While working in a pool, the lifeguard’s duties include keeping an eye out for those who may be causing trouble, those who are in need of assistance in the pool area and the basic water quality of the pool, such as PH levels. The lifeguard at a beach must always be on the lookout for those who are causing trouble as well as those who are attempting to go outside the swimming boundaries. In addition, they also must be on the lookout for various fish that may be harmful to swimmers, such as sharks or jellyfish.
