Have you ever thought about becoming a lifeguard but weren't sure where to start? Taking a lifeguard course is one of the best decisions you can make for your personal development and career.
As the largest lifeguard organization in the country, the American Lifeguard Association offers top-quality courses all across the United States to train the next generation of lifeguards. In this article, we will explore the top benefits of taking a lifeguard course through the ALA.
Find a Convenient Lifeguard Course Near You
One of the great things about the ALA is their wide availability of lifeguard courses across the United States. This means no matter where you live, you should be able to find a lifeguard course near me through the American Lifeguard Association.
Using the ALA's online course catalog, you can search for lifeguard course offerings by simply typing in your zip code or city. The site will return a list of upcoming classes in your local area along with course dates, times, locations and instructors. This makes it easy to register for a class that fits within your schedule.
For example, if you live in or around Denver, CO you would find multiple class options just in your city. You could choose from a Saturday/Sunday course at the Denver Aquatic Center beginning next month or a Saturday only class hosted at a community pool just 10 minutes from your home. No matter your address, chances are high there is an ALA lifeguard course near you waiting to get you certified.
Not only are classes held in major cities, but also in smaller towns and suburbs nationwide. Rural communities also have access to training thanks to ALA's network of instructors. This ensures the opportunity for certification is within reasonable driving range no matter where you reside. And with many lifeguard coaches offering flexibility on start dates, there is a good chance you can find a course aligning with your availability.
Gain Valuable Lifesaving Skills
One of the primary reasons to enroll in a lifeguard course is to learn critical lifesaving skills. You will be trained in CPR, first aid, rescue techniques, and more. Skills like CPR certification can help you assist anyone needing medical aid, whether on duty as a lifeguard or out in the community.
You'll perform water rescues using tools like rescue tubes and spinal backboards. As a certified lifeguard, you'll have the training to act decisively in an emergency situation to save someone's life.
Job Opportunities as a Lifeguard
Obtaining lifeguard certification opens up many employment avenues. Most swimming pools, waterparks, beaches and summer camps hire lifeguards for protection. As per ALA placement data, over 90% of our lifeguard course graduates find work within 6 months.
You'll be ready for seasonal or year-round jobs with this qualification on your resume. Some graduates choose to become an lifeguard instructor to teach lifeguard courses after gaining working experience.
Learn Responsibility
Being responsible for an entire pool area or beach involves more than just watching for distresses. As a lifeguard, you must monitor patrons and anticipate risks. You'll also learn crowd control, emergency action plans, time management and record-keeping.
This builds essential soft skills applicable to many career paths. Employers value applicants who can demonstrate responsibility, quick-thinking under pressure and care for others safety. The lifeguard role nurtures these qualities through realistic training scenarios and practice.
Shape Your Physique
Part of the training requires performing rigorous physical assessments to the ALA fitness standards. This ensures you are truly ready to effect water rescues and administer first aid in emergency situations.
You'll gain strength, endurance and muscle through training exercises and course sessions in the water. Maintaining this level of fitness will benefit your health, confidence and serve you well in any job. Many certificate holders find they achieve their fitness goals or even discover new passions through regular practice.
Help Your Community
As part of the American Lifeguard Association mission, you'll be ready to serve your local community as a beach or pool lifeguard. Whether you maintain beaches safe for summer enjoyment or monitor facilities frequented by families, the work of a certified lifeguard directly contributes to community welfare.
You'll know you saved lives through vigilance and rapid emergency responses. For many, there is personal fulfillment in protecting others and aiding in times of crisis. This role benefits society as a whole while allowing you to help others directly.
Scholarships and Discounts
The ALA understands the costs of further study or certification may be a barrier for some. Each summer they offer eligible applicants financial aid to attend a lifeguard course near them. Scholarships are competitive but help those who truly want a career in aquatic safety gain certification despite temporary constraints.
Certificate holders also receive discounts on continuing training, apparel and partner gym memberships from the ALA. This helps you save money and continue your development as the seasoned professional you aim to be.
Final Words
From skills to jobs and community involvement, there are many advantages to taking a lifeguard certification program through the American Lifeguard Association. The course provides invaluable hands-on training to save lives and serve others through swimming pool or beach safety. Graduates leave ready for immediate work or future study.
The ALA has a strong track record connecting new certificate holders to local employers or scholarships for continued learning. For a career start or development chance, consider registering for a top-rated training program nearby today. You will be fully prepared for aquatic facility monitoring or as a hero to someone in distress.
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