Welcome! If you're interested in becoming a certified lifeguard, you've come to the right place. The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) has been providing top-notch lifeguard training for over 20 years. In this article, we'll give you an overview of what to expect from an ALA lifeguard class so you know how long it will take to become certified.
Lifeguard Class Schedule and Time Commitment
Most ALA lifeguard classes meet 2-3 times per week and last between 30-45 hours total. This includes both in-water skills practice and classroom lecture sessions. The schedule is designed to prepare you for certification in a timely manner while also allowing plenty of hands-on practice. Classes are typically offered on weekday evenings and some weekends to accommodate varying schedules.
You should plan to commit 8-12 hours per week to your lifeguard training if taking a multi-week evening/weekend course. Full-time intensive courses lasting 5 days are also available for those who want to complete training in one concentrated week. No matter the schedule, be prepared for an energetic, interactive learning experience.
What is Covered in Lifeguard Training?
ALA lifeguard class cover all the skills and knowledge needed to pass certification exams and be prepared for real-life guarding. Here are some of the key topics:
Lifeguarding Skills and Techniques
You will spend a significant portion of class time practicing in-water rescue and response skills. This includes entering the water in or out of uniform, surface dives, escape techniques, victim towing and carries, spinal injury management, and CPR.
Manikins and fellow students are used to simulate real emergency scenarios and ensure you are prepared to act quickly when seconds count. Comfort and proficiency in the water is a must for any guard.
Preventative Lifeguarding Strategies
Another important part of training focuses on preventative strategies. You will learn how to properly scan zones of responsibility, identify risks and hazards, enforce policies and rules, and make sound decisions in regards to weather conditions or other environmental factors.
First Aid and Oxygen Administration
Any medical issues or injuries that arise at an aquatic facility require lifeguards to have first responder level first aid and AED skills. Classroom sessions cover injury assessment, bleeding control, seizure management, and providing oxygen with various devices like pocket masks or bag valve masks.
Aquatic Facility Management
To work as a professional guard, you will need to understand basic facility operations, documentation, emergency action plans, and staff roles. This includes maintaining records for things like chemical readings and incident reports.
Completing Certification Exams
No ALA class is complete without challenge exams modeled on the national certification exams from agencies like the American Lifeguard Association. Instructors use practice tests throughout the course to ensure you are retaining the skills and information necessary to successfully pass official certification exams at the end of the class.
With dedication to the full training schedule, most students complete classroom and water skill requirements to sit for their certification exam within 2-3 weeks of an evening/weekend class or 1 week in an intensive format. From there, certified guards are eligible for employment and can recertify every 1-3 years depending on provider standards.
Launch Your Lifeguard Career
Does this give you an idea of what to expect from an American Lifeguard Association training class? Their thorough, engaging courses provide all the tools needed to launch a successful career in aquatic safety. Most guards find the commitment is more than worth it to help others enjoy water activities while gaining valuable experience and job opportunities. Don't wait - register for a class today and get started on your journey to become a certified lifeguard!
Attend an Information Session
If you're ready to sign up for lifeguard training, I highly recommend attending one of our informative orientation sessions first. These are offered online and at our headquarters each month.
At an info session, one of our highly experienced instructors will go into even more detail about the course content and requirements. They'll also discuss what makes a great lifeguard and answer any other questions you may have. Things like class schedules, tuition costs, and certification exam logistics are also covered.
It's a great chance to get to know our training program and staff better before committing to a class. We find students who attend an info session are much better prepared to hit the ground running on day one of their chosen course. They also report feeling more confident in their decision to pursue lifeguarding as a career path.
Scholarship and Financial Aid Opportunities
We here at the ALA strive to make lifeguard training accessible to all motivated individuals, regardless of financial situation. A number of scholarship and payment plan options can help cover some or all of the tuition costs.
Our Lifeguard Assistance Fund provides need-based scholarships to help cover tuition for those who may otherwise not be able to afford the training. A brief application is required detailing your career goals and financial need. These merit-based awards are granted on a rolling basis as funds allow.
Veterans and active military personnel are also eligible for a 20% tuition reduction on all classes in appreciation of their service. Contact an enrollment counselor for the application form.
For students requiring a payment arrangement, we offer flexible monthly payment plans split over 3-6 months at 0% interest. This allows the cost of training to be more manageable for budgets. Please ask an enrollment counselor for details on these options as well.
Our goal is to never have tuition be a barrier that prevents someone with a strong work ethic and passion for water safety from joining our ranks of dedicated lifeguards. Let an advisor help you explore all financial resources available.
Give Lifeguarding a Try Through a Try-It Session
The most effective way to know if lifeguarding is the right career path is to get hands-on experience. Through our Try-It program, you can do exactly that before committing to a full course.
On selected Saturdays, we open our indoor training pool and have essential equipment on hand for a mini practice session. You'll rotate through skill drill stations led by our instructors, just like in a real class. This includes things like in-water rescues, CPR demonstrations, and first aid scenarios to introduce you to the physical and mental demands.
It's a completely low-pressure way to see if you feel comfortable and confident in the lifeguard role. And as a bonus, any student who subsequently enrolls in a full class within 30 days will receive a $50 credit towards their tuition.
So check our online calendar for the next Try-It date and sign up today. We look forward to helping you "try on" lifeguarding and take the first step towards a fun, rewarding aquatic career.
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