If you're interested in becoming a certified lifeguard, one of the first questions that comes to mind is how long the lifeguard training course takes to complete. As the leading lifeguard certifying organization in the United States, the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) wants to provide all the details on the length and requirements of our lifeguard certification courses.
The ALA Lifeguard Certification Process
The ALA offers two main routes to becoming a certified lifeguard - our Basic Lifeguard course for new lifeguards, and our Recertification course for lifeguards renewing their certification. Let's take a closer look at each:
Basic Lifeguard Course
The ALA Basic Lifeguard course is designed for individuals with no prior lifeguard experience. The course includes both online and in-water training to prepare you with all the knowledge and skills needed to work as a professional lifeguard.
The online portion involves online modules covering topics like surveillance techniques, injury prevention, patron surveillance, accident prevention, and first aid/CPR/AED training. This can generally be completed on your own time at your own pace.
The in-water skills sessions are where you will learn and demonstrate practical water rescue skills like spinal injury management techniques, rescues involving conscious and unconscious victims of various types, use of rescue equipment, and first aid procedures.
Between the online and in-water sessions, our Basic Lifeguard course usually takes between 32-40 hours total to complete depending on individual pace and skills. The in-water sessions are typically 2-4 days of full skills sessions in the pool.
Upon successful completion of all in-water skills evaluations and the final online exam, you will be certified as an ALA Basic Lifeguard for 2 years.
Lifeguard Recertification Course
For lifeguards wishing to renew their certification before it expires, the ALA offers a streamlined Recertification course. This course focuses on reviewing important lifeguarding concepts and skills through online modules and a 1-day skills session.
The online review involves modules covering any policy or procedural updates, as well as reviewing topics like surveillance, injury prevention strategies, first aid, and more.
The key full-day session involves practicing water rescues, first aid responses, spine boarding a victim, and demonstrating other skills through practical scenarios and skills testing.
Our Recertification course typically takes 12-16 hours total to complete successfully. Once finished, it will renew your ALA lifeguard certification for another 2 years.
Key Factors Affecting Course Length
While the core ALA training programs aim to take the average individual the above estimated times, there are some factors that can affect the actual length of your certification course:
- Experience Level - First-time lifeguard course participants generally require more time than those with some experience or skills. Recertifications are faster since it's a review.
- Individual Skill Level - Stronger swimmers and those with above average fitness levels may complete skills sessions more quickly than others of lower ability.
- Class Size - Larger class sizes mean less individual practice time and skills testing in the water for each person in a session.
- Instructor Discretion - Instructors may allow a student to retake or practice a skill if not demonstrated competently the first time, lengthening the course slightly.
So in summary, while the ALA aims to deliver lifeguard certification in 32-40 hours for basic courses and 12-16 hours for recertifications, it's wise to allow some flexibility in your schedule for potential variances. Committing sufficient time is important for competency in lifeguarding skills that save lives.
Benefits of Choosing the ALA
When weighing your options for lifeguard certification providers, consider these advantages of selecting the nationally-recognized ALA program
- Consistent, up-to-date curriculum based on the latest rescues guidelines and procedures
- Nationwide recognition by aquatic facilities, camps, and resorts that hire lifeguards
- Flexible scheduling with ALA instructors available across the U.S.
- Renewable 2-year certification provides long-term career stability
- Affordable group courses and single-registrant pricing
- Online training allows progress at your own convenient pace
- Lifelong access to continuing education and policy updates
Whether pursuing lifeguarding as a career or summer job, trust your safety training to the ALA, the American standard in lifeguard certification for over 50 years. Help protect swimmers nationwide through our lifeguard courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience to take the basic course?
No previous experience is required, just the ability to pass screenings for swimming skills and physical stamina.
How long is the certification valid?
ALA lifeguard certifications are valid for 2 years from the date of successful course completion.
Can I challenge just the written test?
No, to be certified candidates must complete all modules of both online and in-water training to ensure competency in real-world lifesaving skills.
What's included in tuition?
Tuition covers all training materials, online access, pool rental, instructor fees and certification ID card upon completion. It does not include transportation or lodging for multi-day courses.
How do I enroll?
Visit https://americanlifeguard.com/ to see upcoming course dates and locations. You can also contact an ALA representative to schedule group or customized training.
In The End
The ALA's lifeguard certification courses offer a balanced blend of online learning and in-water skills training to fully prepare you to successfully pass certification within a time commitment of typically 32-40 hours or 12-16 hours for recertification. Protecting the aquatic safety of the public requires competency that ensures your readiness for real-life rescues in your jurisdiction as a certified lifeguard. Trust your lifeguard training needs to the ALA, the US lifeguard standard-bearer.
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