Lifeguard Requirements

Not so fast, there are numerous prerequisites needed to gain an official lifeguard certification. While sought after by many, this job poses many challenges, most of which involve the safety and well being of people’s lives, leaving no room for error or lackadaisical efforts. Below are various requirements needed before becoming a certified Ellis & Associates lifeguard. We’ll equip you with the knowledge on how to get lifeguard certified.

• Minimum age: 15 years (depending on state)
• Swim distance using front crawl (freestyle) or breaststroke without resting: 100 yards
• Feet-first surface dive, retrieve a 10-lb. brick, and bring it to the surface
• Tread water without using arms for 1 minute

The first step to become a certified Continental Pools lifeguard is to complete our Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Training. For starters, you must be at least 15 years of age. This training course will bring you through various rigorous tests both in and out of the pool, in order to assess your knowledge in different scenarios and test your skills in the water. From swimming a distance of 100 yards without resting to retrieving a 10-lb brick from a minimum depth of 8 feet, these tests have been carefully designed to ensure compatibility with aspiring lifeguards for commercial swimming pools.

A great way to start your journey of becoming a certified lifeguard is to understand the responsibilities of a lifeguard. The primary duty of a lifeguard is to supervise and monitor all activities within the pool deck. Surveillance of any ongoing aquatic activities in your designated area is crucial to ensure you are ready to respond to any potential emergencies. This is where lifeguard training comes in handy, as CPR will be necessary in a dire situation. Aside from the safety of pool patrons, you will also find yourself taking care of your respective facility. This involves conducting daily checks of the surrounding pool areas for any hazards and safety issues, ensuring complete cleanliness and protection.

Being a lifeguard calls for prolonged vigilance and situations that could require swimming quickly, so endurance and stamina may be considered requirements for the job. Adequate hand-eye coordination and a normal range of hearing and vision alike are required. During summer months, especially at large clubs and communities, you will often experience high capacity. No need to panic, just make sure you remain calm and alert, using your hearing and vision to supervise the scene at all times. Since rescuing pool patrons is also part of the job, make sure that you are able to carry, lift, and swim with objects up to 50 pounds and heavier.

With the right tools, anyone can become a lifeguard, and now that you are aware of everything needed to become a certified lifeguard, the opportunity is yours!