In many places, the security of swimmers is ensured by lifeguards. These people coach others and step in when conditions are risky, using their training and athletic prowess. Finding out more about the duties lifeguards perform might help you decide whether you’d like to pursue this career if you have good swimming ability and love helping others. Whether you’re looking for lifeguard jobs near you for 15 year old, you will find this post helpful.
What is the job of a lifeguard?
To ensure safety at all times, lifeguards watch over swimming pools, beaches, waterparks, and other places where people can go swimming. They receive instruction in water safety and may assist swimmers who are ill, injured, or otherwise in need of assistance. Moreover, a lifeguard might
- Keep a beach, pool, or another place clean and clutter-free.
- Open and shut the building to guests
- to perform simple administrative tasks
- Keep an eye on weather reports and, if necessary, warn swimmers to leave the area.
- Apply the necessary chemicals to the pool regularly.
- Inform beachgoers about riptides and point them toward safe swimming places
Qualifications for lifeguards
The following education and qualifications are frequently necessary for lifeguarding:
Education
Lifeguards hardly ever need to have a formal education. Many are in high school and working on their General Educational Development (GED) or high school diplomas. Pool management staff at colleges and institutions often hire lifeguards with bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Professional lifeguards may be employed by some beaches.
See also: How To Find Occupational Therapy Jobs Near Me
Training
Being trained is crucial to becoming a lifeguard. Before hiring seasonal workers, most pools require all lifeguards to complete rigorous training courses. This is not a job you can get if you’re not experienced or trained. Training could consist of:
- Water security
- Aquatic rescue
- Initial care
- Artificial breathing
Some lifeguards also take swimming classes and pool maintenance courses.
Certifications
Certain credentials are necessary for many lifeguard professions. A resume can benefit from having these before you start looking for work. Before the summer season, several pools and recreation departments offer certification courses, or they let staff members enroll in them after the employment process.
Consider the following specific certifications:
All lifeguards must possess a valid, up-to-date certification in both first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). First aid and CPR are provided by the American Red Cross and other similar groups.
Numerous lifeguarding jobs call for certification obtained through an American Red Cross Lifeguarding & Water Safety course. It results in a certificate for lifeguards. These courses cover first aid, CPR, first aid methods, and automated external defibrillators (AED).
Dual certification in CPR and lifeguarding
Some lifeguards decide to get their certifications in first aid, CPR, and lifeguarding all at the same time. Most of these courses require that you know how to swim and that you are at least 15 years old.
Related: How To Find Social Worker Jobs Near Me
Skills as a lifeguard
Work on gaining the following abilities to be an effective lifeguard job applicant:
Physical fitness and swimming
Lifeguards must have strong swimming skills to keep others safe. This requires:
- Swimming with assurance and speed
- Walking in water for a long time
- Swiftly dove into the water
In an emergency, lifeguards may aid persons in need by pulling them out of the water, diving to save swimmers who are drowning, or in other ways.
Working conditions for lifeguards
Lifeguards are employed in a variety of settings. Some work for local pools, while others are employed by huge water parks, aquatic centers, or beaches. The majority of lifeguards labor outdoors, occasionally spending extended periods in the sun.
They may be protected from the effects of the sun by wearing sunscreen, hats, and other protective clothing. Lifeguards may find other employment during the off-season, even though the majority of their positions are seasonal.
Lifeguard Salaries
Lifeguards get an annual income of $34,611 on average across the country. Since most outdoor swimming pools and water parks are only open in the summer, most lifeguards work only during that time. Lifeguards may work all year on some beaches. According to Indeed data, the top cities for this occupation are New York City, Charlotte, Houston, Colorado Springs, and Las Vegas.
How to become a lifeguard and get employed.
1. Gain swimming proficiency and physical fitness
It’s crucial to be physically capable of aiding to efficiently and effectively keep swimmers safe. Joining a diving or swimming team will help you improve your swimming abilities. Physical examinations that evaluate your swimming ability are required for several lifeguard positions. You can prepare ready to apply for lifeguard employment by combining swimming workouts with cross-training.
2. Enroll in a course to become a certified lifeguard.
Certification may be advantageous for certified lifeguards. Find a class at the community college, aquatic facility, or American Red Cross in your area. You might be eligible to take a certification exam and skip the training session if you already possess the required skills.
3. Look for a job
Search for lifeguard positions at:
- Pools close by
- Aquatic parks
- Beaches
- Aquatic facilities
- departments of recreation
- Online
Include any training and credentials while writing your CV and cover letter. You may also include involvement in a swim team and any more relevant work experience.
Summary
A lifeguard’s duty is to keep a watchful eye on the pool and to be awake, aware, and prepared to respond quickly if necessary. Some lifeguards work closely with kids and teenagers to teach swimming and coach swim teams. On weekends, holidays, and evenings, the majority of beaches and pools are crowded. Lifeguards have flexible schedules that can change based on the weather, special events, and the number of people who need to work.