If you want to become a lifeguard, you have to first get yourself a lifeguard certification. To get this certification, you need to know swimming, and be ready to spend a few hundred dollars. Then, you have to decide where you intend to work; in a pool, as a beach lifeguard or in a water park as there are different age and requirements to be met for each job.
You have to be able to swim at least 50 laps, swim to the bottom of the pool and retrieve a brick and be able to swim the length and back of the pool carrying a brick. Once you have proven that you are strong enough to do all this, and have paid your class fees, you can start learning CPR.
Easiest part of lifeguard certification
This is an easy part of the lifeguard certification process which most people end up passing. In fact, if anyone does fail in lifeguard certification, it is during the pre-requisite swimming tests and not during the CPR part. On passing CPR training, you are taught life rescue techniques through quizzes, videos and practice in the water. You will also be taught rescue techniques in case of neck injury.
If you are not sure if the victim has a neck injury or not, its better to always assume the worst and carry their neck and back carefully. You are also taught how to use a backboard so that you can secure the victim's head and neck in an emergency.
Expect to make at least a minor rescue
Besides lifesaving techniques, strength and endurance, you are also taught your duties and responsibilities of a lifeguard. Any failure on your part in executing whatever you learn during your lifeguard certification course is considered negligence on your part and can lead to a lawsuit.
After learning all this, you have to prove you can save a life when required, to become a certified lifeguard. This is very important because as a lifeguard, you have to expect to carry out at least a minor rescue in your career. This can be a difficult test to pass, depending on the company holding the test. Make sure you go through all your notes and books to ensure you pass this final test in lifeguard certification.
You are bound to duty as a lifeguard
On passing these tests, you will be a trained lifeguard, who is obliged to save a struggling victim if you come across one. You have to thus look for a job, if you don't have one already. Sometimes, you may have to answer physical and written tests before you are chosen and considered for a job. Most people prefer finding a job as a lifeguard first, and then opt for lifeguard certification as the company is usually ready to pay for the certification test.
Besides acquiring all these skills, to pass your lifeguard certification, you will have to also improve your people skills. This is to ensure you know and will be able to easily and efficiently interact with other staff members, children and adults when on the job.
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