When summer starts, the pool or beach season arrives with it and the qualified lifeguards need to be ready for large crowds. Is it you?? Whether you are a first-time lifeguard or a veteran, current certifications are a MUST. The American Lifeguard Association is always there to help you with all your lifeguard recertification and also with new certification needs. The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) offers training throughout the country throughout the year. Find a lifeguard certification course near you and get certified so you can start your lifeguard career ASAP!!
Are you a part-time lifeguard? No problem! ALA has you covered. ALA works on equal standards to the American Red Cross to train thousands of lifeguards nationwide each year. The purpose of the lifeguard certification Course is to provide entry-level lifeguards with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to care for respiratory and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until EMS).
To become a lifeguard with ALA, all new lifeguards must successfully complete lifeguard training, which includes a pre-test and CPR/AED training. Some lifeguard training courses require that the pre-test is carried out before the start day. Learn more about each Lifeguard certification class on our website.
After you pass the lifeguard course, you are officially a certified lifeguard! Nervous? Don’t be! You have that! Do the process step by step. The first step is to pass the pre-test. Here’s a little preview of the pretest and some tips to help you pass!
- How do I pass the Lifeguard Pretest?
- You must be at least 15 years old prior to the last scheduled session of your course.
- Swim 300 meters continuously, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both, but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swimming goggles can be used.
- Tread water for 2 minutes with just your legs. Candidates should put their hands under their armpits.
- There a timed event that you will have to complete within 1 minute and 40 seconds.
- You will have to swim 20 meters with your face in or out of the water. Swimming goggles are not allowed.
- Dive feet or head first to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to find a 10 pound object.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 meters on your back to return to the starting point, with both hands holding the object and keeping your face at or near the surface so you can breathe. Candidates should not swim the distance underwater. Exit the water without ladders or steps.
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Tips For Passing The Pre-Test!
- Don’t burn yourself! – There is no time limit for the 300-yard swim, so take your time! Don’t waste all your energy running through this first part of the test. You will be too tired to complete the other sections.
- Learn your best dive! – During the timed event portion, you can dive head-first or foot-first with the ALA. You will try to learn which dive suits your style and you are able to do it fastest and comfortably.
- Swim down! – During the timed event, some lifeguard candidates swim down just enough to grab the weight and then swim back up. However, it’s faster to swim all the way down, grab the weight, plant your feet on the floor, and then push yourself up with your legs.
- Hold the weight properly! – To pass this test, you must keep both hands on the weight. Don’t let it go and don’t let it fall!
- Wear a bathing cap! – Swimming caps keep hair out of your face and help you swim faster.
Have you ever been a lifeguard? Get recertified!
The American Lifeguard Association offers a lot of training programs throughout the year to make recertification easy!! The first time lifeguard certification is valid for 2 years. In the first 30 days after expiration, you have the option to take a shorter review course (13 hours). If your certification has expired more than 30 days, you must complete the entire training course, which takes approximately 28 hours and 35 minutes to complete.
How Can I Pass The Lifeguard Review Course?
- Attend and attend all classes.
- You will have to show your skill and ability in all required activities.
- Demonstrate competency in all required scenarios for ultimate rescue skills.
- Pass both the Section 1-CPR/AED Professional Rescuer and First Aid and Section 2-Lifeguarding Skills final written exams with a minimum grade of 80 percent.
Final Words:
If you are interested to become a lifeguard! Register for training and ensure your lifeguard certification is up to date so you can start lifeguarding with ALA. We have trained over quarter million lifeguards worldwide and are doing that for more than 30 years now. If you want your lifeguard certification, then please do not hesitate to contact us.