Being a pool lifeguard can be a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of hard work. It does offer the appealing prospect of spending every day near the water, but lifeguards are present to protect others. They must be able to stay focused on what is going on in the pool, as well as possess other skills that will allow them to respond appropriately if someone is in danger in the water. To work as a pool lifeguard, you must have CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) certification, strong swimming skills, and typically lifeguard training. Because lifeguards may be required to do more than just guard the pool, each pool may have its own set of requirements.
CPR certification is unquestionably required to work as a pool lifeguard. Even if a lifeguard never has to use it, resuscitation becomes the best chance for survival in the event of a drowning. CPR training is available in a variety of locations. Regular classes in the subject are offered the Red Cross. CPR classes are also available at community colleges, parks and recreation centers, and a variety of other places. Some pools have defibrillators on hand, and if a person wants to work as a lifeguard at one of these pools, they may need to complete this training as well.
Without being able to swim well, rescuing someone would be difficult. Most people must either show proof of passing swimming classes or take a test to demonstrate their swimming ability. When people reach a certain level of swimming ability, they may need to take swimming safety or lifeguard classes so that they can demonstrate their ability not only to swim but also to rescue someone. It’s a completely different situation to have to swim while carrying someone, but there are techniques for doing so safely. A person interested in becoming a pool lifeguard should learn these techniques, which can be found in places like community or private pools, as well as community colleges.
When people have mastered the fundamental skills required to become a pool lifeguard, they must consider where they will apply. Most private and public pools require lifeguards to be at least 16 years old, and some may refuse to hire anyone under the age of 18. People should consider adding additional skills to their resumes to improve their chances of landing a job. Some lifeguards may be responsible for pool maintenance. Knowing how to add chemicals and test pools for chemical balance could give you a leg up on the competition when applying for jobs.
Basic first aid classes may also be beneficial to those interested in becoming pool lifeguards because they provide lifeguards with additional ways to assist in and around the pool. Some lifeguards also teach beginner or advanced swimming classes, and learning how to be an effective teacher can be beneficial. List all relevant skills or knowledge on a resume when applying for jobs to increase your chances of being hired. If all of the basic requirements are met, any swimming tests are passed, and additional skills are listed on a person’s resume, becoming a pool lifeguard may not be difficult at all, assuming there are jobs available.