In principle, you should know that being a lifeguard is a job where you will have to interact with hundreds of people. You will surely believe that this job is entertaining and enjoyable, however, as a lifeguard you will have a great responsibility on your shoulders with the people around you.
This means that you will have to act in critical moments where accidents happen, where you will have to exercise control. Among these accidents, there are Falls, drowning, slips, blows, and many others.
On the other hand, you can carry out your work as a lifeguard in public and private companies, which are dedicated to the prevention, surveillance and rescue. In this sense, you will be able to carry out your work in spaces, such as conventional swimming pools, natural aquatic spaces, rescue companies, tourism companies, hotels, sports and recreation clubs, rivers, reservoirs, and beaches, among others.
Requirements to be a lifeguard
If you want to work as a lifeguard, you will have to meet the following requirements:
- To be older than 16
- Have the authorization of your parents or representative
- Have completed the second grade of ESO, that is, have the school title
- Excellent level of swimming (front crawl and breaststroke)
Besides:
- Be physically fit. It should be noted that this requirement is fundamental since you will have to present both technical and physical resistance tests.
- have a good presentation
- Be sociable and emotionally intelligent. In this way, you can have the necessary empathy when an accident occurs.
- Have good reflexes in an emergency situation, as well as mental control to handle these situations.
- be very polite
- be highly professional
- Have knowledge of first aid, and also basic support or SVB. In that sense, you will have to have knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, spinal cord injuries, and others
- Have a mastery of aquatic rescue techniques, such as Victim control, towing and extractions (with and without spinal cord injury).
How to obtain the title of a lifeguard?
Through a specialized course at The American Lifeguard Association, you will obtain the title of a lifeguard. Next, you will know the details and educational modules for this purpose:
- Modality: blended: Here you can receive classes through 3 means: face-to-face classroom, professional practices (swimming pool) and also online (virtual classrooms).
- Study load: it is generally 130 hours in total
- Duration: 6 days a month (weekends). This includes the course load, the use of DEA, and the CPR course.
- Course contents: These are theoretical-practical, and in addition, they are taught both in the classroom and in the pool. In addition, this course is taught by qualified professionals, such as Nurses, emergency health technicians and firefighters, and swimming coaches, with a diploma in education.
- Title: Professional training in the field of rescue and water rescue
It is important to note that with this type of diploma you will have the opportunity to work as a lifeguard throughout the Spanish territory.
In addition, the lifeguard training modules or agenda to be lifeguards, contain the following:
- High-level swimming techniques
- Accident prevention techniques in unconventional and natural aquatic spaces.
- Rescue techniques in case of accidents, or emergency situations in the various aquatic spaces
- Assistance techniques (first responder), in case of emergencies or accidents.
To conclude this post, it is necessary to add that lifeguarding must be part of the Spanish educational system, since:
- It represents an educational activity, where you can transmit specialized knowledge and human values.
- In addition, it is a task of great responsibility, commitment and aesthetic beauty.
- Finally, you will be able to provide people with useful and necessary experiences to face current life conditions.
Also Find Out: ALA lifeguard classes near me
The American Lifeguard Association has its lifeguard training center all over the country in all major cities. If you have the passion and will to become a hero in the water then visit The American Lifeguard Association to find the lifeguard training near you.
