Learn. Lead. Protect. Make Waves as a Lifeguard!

It is estimated that trained lifeguards make as many as 100,000 rescues across the United States each year and are a critical layer of protection to prevent and respond to emergencies at pools, waterparks, waterfronts and the ocean. And with post-COVID staffing shortages, lifeguard opportunities took center stage in many communities. Many job postings and conversations highlighting the great things lifeguarding offers including flexible hours, higher pay than ever before along with a unique blend of responsibility, leadership opportunities, and skill building in a work environment that serves a variety of communities. It’s easy to see why it can be an ideal job for youth, young adults and even seniors.

As any aquatic professional will tell you, lifeguarding is more than just a fun job with a great tan that works around the rest of your life. Well-trained, qualified lifeguards play a critical role in maintaining a safe swimming environment, preventing accidents, responding to emergencies, and ensuring a safer swim environment. And although the standard lifeguard certifications we’ve always known still exist front and center, there are many options for new lifeguard candidates.

Every year, social media groups created for aquatic facility and lifeguard managers are flooded with questions about certifications or stories about families who have spent hundreds of dollars on certifications that aren’t recognized or valid at the pool or water park where they want to work. Read on to learn more about selecting the right lifeguard certification for you or your child, things to consider when choosing a facility, and what ongoing training you might expect. 

What Should I Look For When Selecting a Lifeguard Training Program?

Lifeguard candidates should also be aware that there are different types or additional certifications which may be required for certain positions. An overnight camp with a waterfront may require waterfront certification, a facility with slides or a wave pool may require a waterpark certification, and some courses offer only shallow water certification which might not be sufficient for every facility. And oceanfront lifeguards require additional specialized training as well. 

There are a variety of certifications available for interested candidates. The Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP) recommends reaching out to potential employers in the area and asking which certification(s) they accept. Because most facilities require all lifeguards (sometimes referred to as “qualified staff”) to have certifications from the same agency, understanding what certification is accepted by your potential employer can potentially save you the time and money of having to recertify to get your dream job. 

You can also ask if the potential offers certification classes on-site. Some employers use classes as a way to recruit new talent (consider treating the class like an ongoing job interview), and some employers include certification training as part of the employment package at little to no cost.

Ultimately, when choosing a lifeguard certification course, AOAP also recommends that you keep in mind that the standard of care in aquatic operations is generally set by the Center for Disease Control's Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). The MAHC outlines a variety of standards around lifeguard certification including minimum course content, course documentation and more. Additionally the MAHC specifically states that all courses should include, "physical training of lifeguarding skills include in-water and out-of-water skill practices",  final written and practical exams, and that an instructor must be "physically present" for all in-person contact time, skills evaluation and testing. If the course you are considering does not include in-person skills training and testing prior to receiving your certification, be aware that the certification may not be accepted by a future employer and that you may be required to recertify at your own expense. 

How Can I Prepare for My Class?

When registering for a certification class, you’ll likely be given a list of prerequisite skills needed such as swimming, treading water or retrieving a heavy object from the bottom of the pool. If you don’t receive a list, it’s always a good idea to ask before signing up and to leave yourself time to practice before your class begins. If you’re unsure if your skills are up to par, inquire about lifeguard training readiness classes or one-on-one instruction so that you’re confident on the first day!

Although it seems like common sense, be aware that participation in the full course is required. That means that you’ll need to attend every session (or possibly do some learning online before the hands-on portion), you’ll be getting up and down from the floor for dry land skills practice and testing such as first aid and CPR, and you’ll spend time in the pool. Make sure you understand and are prepared for each class session!

What Should I Think About When Considering Where to Work?

When researching potential employers, the AOAP recommends that candidates not only go through the interview process but also interview their potential employers. 

One of the most important things to consider is to talk through schedule expectations. Although lifeguarding offers flexible hours, many organizations require minimum shifts worked per week or pay period, require initial training offered only on certain dates, require ongoing training, or - at some seasonal facilities - limit the amount of absences because the season is so short. 

We also recommend that candidates choose a facility where being safe is part of the culture. Although every manager  will tell you lifeguarding is a fun job where you’ll make lifelong friends and build great skills for your resume, the fact is that lifeguarding is a serious job where safety should always be the primary focus. As stated above, the MAHC outlines specifically what additional training should be offered. Some things candidates might consider discussing with their potential employe include: 

• What type of pre-service (before the first shift) is included? Understanding processes and procedures is important, and team members should also receive site-specific safety training before their first shift. 

• What is the requirement for ongoing training? Some states have specific requirements, and the MAHC also has guidelines recommending at least four (4) hours of ongoing training per month.  These trainings, paid for by the employer, should be clearly outlined to both adequately prepare qualified lifeguard candidates for their job and to keep them ready to prevent and respond to emergencies in their facility. 

• Talk to your potential employer about how they cultivate a safety-first environment. 

• Finally, AOAP strongly recommends that you discuss with your employer their guidelines around having lifeguards on duty during all events including water aerobics, swim team practice, lessons and other activities outside of open swim. Having qualified, dedicated lifeguards for these activities is an industry best practice and is paramount in keeping facilities safe. 

Becoming a lifeguard is not only a rewarding job; it is also a vital role that contributes to the safety and well-being of your community. With the right certification, preparation, and employer, lifeguarding offers more than just a paycheck—it provides leadership experience, skill development, and the chance to make a real difference. By choosing the right training program and understanding your future employer’s expectations, you’ll be ready to step into a role that is both challenging and deeply impactful to both you and your community!

Contact Information: Kirsten Barnes, Assistant Director

                                  kirsten@aquaticpros.org or 636-698-3898

Learn More About Association of Aquatic Professionals at www.aquaticpros.org