Why Recertify Your Lifeguarding Skills?
As a lifeguard, it is crucial to keep your skills sharp and certification up to date. Lives depend on you being prepared to act quickly and effectively in an emergency situation. The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) recommends lifeguards renew their certification every 2 years to remain qualified.
Letting your certification lapse could put swimmers at risk and leave you vulnerable should any legal issues arise. This article will outline the ALA's recertification requirements, available renewal courses, costs, and benefits of keeping your certification current through regular recertification.
Lifeguard Certification Requirements from ALA
The ALA requires lifeguards to renew their lifeguard certification every 2 years through successful completion of a recertification course. This refresher training ensures lifeguards maintain the high-level emergency response and rescue skills expected in their role.
At minimum, the recertification course addresses any updates to CPR, first aid, participant surveillance techniques, and rescue protocols. It also provides an important review of core lifeguarding knowledge and skills like scanning techniques, in-water rescues, spinal injuries management, and first response procedures.
Renewal Courses Offered
The ALA offers both in-person and online recertification courses at locations across the United States. In-person courses typically last 4-8 hours over 1-2 days and involve both knowledge reviews and practical skill assessments. These sessions allow lifeguards to practice skills like spinal rescues, first aid, and CPR in a supervised environment.
Alternatively, ALA lifeguards can complete an online recertification course in the comfort of their own home. While more independent, the online modules thoroughly cover key rescue topics through videos and interactive learning activities. Both in-person and online options fulfill the ALA's recertification training requirements.
The Recertification Process
To renew your lifeguard certification through the ALA, the recertification process is relatively straightforward. First, locate an upcoming in-person or online recertification course offered in your area from the ALA training calendar. Register and pay for the selected course at least two weeks prior for in-person classes.
Then complete all training modules, which may include pre-course reading. For in-person classes, be prepared to demonstrate rescues, first aid skills, and pass written exams on the scheduled date. Upon successful completion of all requirements, the ALA will mail you an updated certification card within two weeks, extending your credential for another two years.
Costs of Recertification
The cost to renew certification through the ALA varies depending on the recertification method selected. In-person recertification courses range from $100-150 per person. These sessions cover all instruction, skills practice, and assessment. Online recertification courses are more affordable at $75 per person.
Both certification renewal options last two full years from the completion date. Additional fees may apply if hands-on training is needed or certification has lapsed for multiple years. However, compared to the certification costs for a new lifeguard, ALA recertification remains a reasonable, cost-effective way to maintain credentials for experienced lifeguards.
Benefits of Maintaining Your Lifeguard Certification
There are many benefits for lifeguards to continuously renew their ALA certification every two years. It demonstrates an ongoing commitment to safety and high-quality patron care expected by public pools, waterparks, and beaches. Regular recertification ensures lifeguards preserve their critical emergency response skills and stay current on industry best practices.
It also protects the lifeguard legally should any incidents occur under their supervision and watch. Most importantly, updated lifeguard training every two years helps saves lives by keeping rescuers prepared to intervene quickly during aquatic emergencies. Renewing certification is an important part of being an effective lifeguard focused on guest and staff safety above all else.
The Importance of Renewing Before Certification Expires
The ALA recommends lifeguards renew their certification before it expires to avoid having to take additional courses or testing. If a certification has lapsed for more than 30 days past the two-year mark, lifeguards must retake the full certification course again - a much more time-intensive process.
By planning recertification for the month before expiration, lifeguards can stay continuously trained. It also ensures no gaps occur in being qualified to work, which is especially important for seasonal lifeguards switching locations or those taking time off between jobs. Proactive recertification every two years is the easiest way to maintain valid ALA credentials.
Maintaining Credentials Expands Career Opportunities
Lifeguarding credentials from the ALA are recognized nationally by various pools, waterparks, and beach safety organizations. Renewing certification allows guards to keep all their career opportunities available whether they stay at their current facility or seek new employment elsewhere.
Seasonal guards in particular rely on recertification every two years to return reliably to their summer positions. Maintaining an up-to-date ALA certification also meets requirements for lifeguarding abroad through exchange programs or international jobs. Recertification broadens career mobility both domestic and globally for lifeguards.
Flexible Recertification Schedule
The ALA offers convenient recertification scheduling year-round to fit any lifeguard's needs. By proactively planning renewal courses 3-6 months in advance, guards can sign up for classes on weekends, holidays or during personal travel. This helps avoid conflicts with school/work commitments that full re-certification courses may require.
The online recertification option especially provides flexibility to complete modules at any time without disrupting a busy schedule. Lifeguards can even renew certifications early if an unexpected gap in employment occurs - keeping their qualifications valid as they search for new jobs. Staying prepared with a recertified credential is key for professional lifeguards.
Preserving Lifesaving Skills and Qualifications
Regular recertification every two years is essential for lifeguards to protect swimmers and remain job-ready. By understanding the ALA's renewal requirements, costs involved, and available courses, guards can easily maintain their credentials on schedule.
Continuous training improves lifesaving skills while reducing liability risks. It also expands career mobility for both seasonal and full-time lifeguards. With recertification, both professional lifeguards and the public can feel assured Guardian safety monitors are well-prepared and qualified. Overall, the small investment of time and money into recertification every two years pays huge dividends for water safety.
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