What Do You Need To Know To Become A Lifeguard?

Being a lifeguard is not a job, where you need to sit on a comfy tall chair. But it’s a job, where you might need to sit on a tool for hours, not even moving your eyes for a minute. A Lifeguard’s job is not as easy-breezy as it seems to be. It is a job to safeguard and rescue people from the danger they are in. You might think at first- because you are a good swimmer and have great stamina, you can be a lifeguard. But mind you, in aquatic jobs, being a lifeguard is one of the most nerve-wracking and stressful jobs.

So, if you ought to rescue someone out of the danger, you need to be professionally trained in the same. To get the batch of lifeguards, you need to go through, though underrated, but tough training - National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ). And that is inescapable!

Thus, you can register yourself in a course, complete the same, and you can be a lifeguard.

Well… Well, if you think that is it, it is not. To be a lifeguard there are many more things you need to know prior to the time you give it a burl.

However, if you want to give it a try, here are the things you need to know. Keep reading along to unleash all the information on the lifeguard job.

Things You Need To Consider Before Becoming A Lifeguard

• You’ll be dealing with LIVES of people. You need to be conscious before taking up the responsibility because you can’t slack off on it. When you are in a situation, you will have to do everything rightly, or your carelessness can cost someone’s life.

• To become a lifeguard you need the certification. Taking the class will cost money and at least five weeks, which normally is course duration.

• When you are in lifeguard services you can’t be late. Punctuality will have to be your thumb rule.

• You will have to understand people’s psychics. As there can be times when people will act as they do not need your help, but in reality, they do. So, you will have to be there for help, even if people pretend they do not need you.

• Preventing people from drawing is not your only job. To be a lifeguard, you will have to learn first aid giving and memorize many rules and signals that are used to communicate.

• You will not always have fun in the sun, so stay prepared to work under the harsh sun. 

Things You Need, To Start The Lifeguard Training

• Your age has to be 16+.

• You need to learn every active way to get into the water, whether in deep water or in a pool. Learn diving, jumping, and other methods to get in the water to be a lifeguard. 

• You have to swim 50 meters in 60 seconds. Twice the length of an average pool. It is not very challenging unless you are in regular swimming practice.

• You should be comfortable swimming for around 100 meters in deep water - front-and-back at your own pace. It is to see if you are comfortable and friendly with being in the water or not.

• You need to tread water for 30 seconds consecutively.

• You should be able to climb out of the pool without any assistance.

Tests You’ll Have To Perform, At The End Of Your Lifeguard Course

• Verbal Exam - To every question, you should have an answer. It is fine if the answer is not a copy of what you noted in the class but should make real sense.

• Bring Two People Out Of The Pool - In this, you have to assist two drowning people with differently thrust in the situations, having different sizes and weights.

• First Aid Test - This will be a test of your first aid and CPR knowledge. Apart from this, your approach to choking and wounds will be tested too.

Your KRA’s As A Lifeguard

Finding the lifeguard Jobs near me and getting the job is not an achievement solely. The main exam to be a lifeguard starts when you take charge of your key responsibility areas sustainably. So, before you crack the interview or start your job, see what will be your responsibilities as a lifeguard.

• Invigilate the aquatic areas carefully.

• Rescuing distressed people from dangerous situations.

• You need to keep a first aid kit handy, examine wounds, and provide the necessary aid.

• Keep the check on water premises, or report any danger or damage you see.

• Keep a check on the safety equipment. Inform management if you notice any damaged equipment.

• Stay active and let not the situation escalate and lead to casualty.

• Educate users on how to use any equipment kept there, to avoid injuries.

• Put up safety flags, if you see weather, sea, pool conditions not appropriate.

You will, Have To…

• To be in the lifeguard services, have strong and competitive swimming skills.

• Be responsible for every situation caused on the premises.

• Stay attentive at all costs. Because even in a blink of an eye, a tragedy can happen.

• Stay proactive instead of reactive. Avoid any situation to intensify, where you will have to intervene. As a good lifeguard, create a safe atmosphere.

• Be patient and deal with every situation and individual calmly.

• Be energetic. Words like, lifeguard and non-energetic will never go hand-in-hand.

• Be physically and mentally fit to be a lifeguard. But that does not mean you will compare your body to others. You need to stay fit, and that is it, be it in any shape or size.

• Be focused. In your working hours, you can't lose your focus from any direction.

• Stay calm and but act promptly as per the situation.

• Be friendly and cooperative with the customer, to extend the best customer service.

• Own interactive communication skills to have effective interaction.

So, if you are looking up your career as a lifeguard in aquatic jobs, then you have the idea of what all things you have to cover up. Stay committed, enjoy the learning, and become a cool life savior and a hand of help in need.