What qualifications do you need to become a lifeguard?

What qualifications do you need to become a lifeguard?

To take a pool lifeguard qualification you’ll need to be able to:

• jump or dive into deep water.
• swim 50 metres in less than 60 seconds.
• swim 100 metres continuously on front and back in deep water.
• tread water for 30 seconds.
• surface dive to the floor of the pool.
• climb out of the pool unaided without using ladders or steps.

How long does it take to become a lifeguard?

Lifeguarding: Full Course – This course is available in traditional, in-person course format (25 hours, 20 minutes) and the Blended Learning course format (19.5 hours in person, 7.5 hours online). The pre-requisites for this course include being 15 years of age and having passed the pre-course swimming skills test.

Is lifeguard training hard?

Lifeguard training is underrated in how difficult it is. Of course, you will need to gain a lifeguarding qualification –the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ). The truth is, the test you need to pass to gain your NPLQ is intensive. It requires specialist training in order to be successful.

Is it fun to be a lifeguard?

Making friends by the pool and working on your swimming skills doesn’t quite sound like work, but for some people that is the premise of their job. Becoming a lifeguard can be a fun part-time summer job or develop into a lifelong career.

Can lifeguards wear goggles?

You will not be allowed to wear goggles for any skills training or final testing during the lifeguard course. The Red Cross warns: Goggles “are not made for underwater swimming. (Also, a lifeguard would not have the time to put on goggles just before they do a rescue, and would not wear them all the time to guard.)

How hard is it to be a lifeguard?

Being a good lifeguard is physically challenging. You will want to be in good shape. Lifeguards follow the 10/20 rule. Once a lifeguard notices a potential problem, they must respond in 10 seconds and be able to reach the person in 20 seconds, so it is absolutely necessary to be in shape and to be a strong swimmer.

Is it hard to be a lifeguard?

What can I do to become a lifeguard?

With lifeguarding and water safety programs from the Red Cross, you can learn basic skills and train to be a lifeguard. Stay safe around water. With lifeguarding and water safety programs from the Red Cross, you can learn basic skills and train to be a lifeguard.

Can you take CPR outside of lifeguard training?

CPR is another valuable certification that only takes a few hours to complete. It can be taken outside of your lifeguard training but is often offered as part of a comprehensive lifeguard certification course. 4.

How old do you have to be to be a Red Cross lifeguard?

American Red Cross lifeguarding and water safety students must be at least 15 years old by the last day of class, and pass a pre-course swimming skills test prior to taking our courses. Once students are enrolled, they’ll receive the latest science-based training from experienced instructors, and develop skills they’ll use for a lifetime.

Do you have to swim with your arms to be a lifeguard?

Some people swim primarily with their upper body, pulling themselves through the water with their arms. To be a lifeguard, however, you have to be able to propel yourself with your legs, as your arms may be holding a victim. Several of the prerequisite tests require that you swim without the use of your arms while holding a weighted item.