How Do You Become a Lifeguard? From Start To Finish!

Becoming a lifeguard can be an exciting career choice. If you enjoy spending time near the water, helping others, and being part of a team, lifeguarding could be the perfect job for you. But what exactly does it take to become a lifeguard? While it might seem like a straightforward path, there are key steps, qualifications, and responsibilities involved. So, how do you become a lifeguard? This blog will guide you through everything you need to know, from the essential skills to the necessary qualifications.

What Does a Lifeguard Do?

Lifeguards are responsible for ensuring the safety of swimmers in pools, lakes, or the ocean. They watch for any potential hazards, prevent accidents, and, if necessary, rescue people in distress. Moreover, they provide first aid and CPR when required, making quick decisions under pressure. Thus, being a lifeguard means being alert at all times and having strong communication skills.

How To Become a Lifeguard?

To become a lifeguard, there are several steps you need to follow. So, here is a breakdown of the key requirements:

Meet the Age Requirements

The first step to becoming a lifeguard is to meet the minimum age requirement. Most lifeguarding courses require candidates to be at least 16 years old. However, some places may accept applicants who are 15, so it’s essential to check with the organisation you plan to work for. Age requirements can also vary depending on whether you want to work at a pool or a beach.

Get the Right Qualifications

Once you meet the age requirements, the next step is to obtain the necessary qualifications. In the UK, the most common lifeguard qualification is the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ). To achieve this qualification, you need to pass a course that covers key skills like swimming, rescue techniques, and first aid.

The NPLQ course typically takes around 36 hours to complete, which can be spread over several days. During the course, you will be tested on your swimming ability, rescue techniques, and ability to stay calm under pressure. You’ll also learn how to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

For those interested in working at beaches, a different certification called the National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ) is required. Beach lifeguards need extra training due to the unique challenges posed by the ocean, such as currents and tides.

Complete a Lifeguard Course

Once you’ve chosen the right qualification, the next step is to enrol in a lifeguard training course. These courses are available across the UK at leisure centres, swimming pools, and specialised lifeguard training centres. Moreover, the courses cover both theoretical and practical elements, ensuring you are well-prepared for the job.

During the course, you’ll practice swimming long distances, diving to retrieve objects from the pool floor, and performing simulated rescues. You’ll also undergo training on how to handle medical emergencies, including administering first aid and performing CPR.

Pass the Assessments

At the end of the course, you will be required to pass several assessments. These tests will evaluate your ability to rescue people in various scenarios, such as saving a struggling swimmer or performing CPR on a person who has stopped breathing. Thus, passing these assessments is crucial to becoming a certified lifeguard.

Stay Fit and Maintain Your Skills

Lifeguarding is a physically demanding job, and therefore, you must stay in good physical shape. Regular exercise, especially swimming, is essential to maintain your strength and stamina. Additionally, most lifeguarding qualifications require you to renew your certification every two years. To renew your certificate, you may need to complete refresher courses and demonstrate that you still meet the physical requirements.

Lifeguard Responsibilities

As a lifeguard, your primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of everyone in the water. This includes monitoring the area for any hazards, enforcing safety rules, and, when necessary, performing rescues. Lifeguards also provide first aid, communicate with emergency services, and educate the public about water safety. Thus, a lifeguard plays a key role in preventing accidents and responding quickly when something does go wrong.

Key Skills Needed To Become a Lifeguard?

Beyond the qualifications, several essential skills are crucial for lifeguards. Here’s a list of key skills that every lifeguard should develop:

• Strong swimming ability: Lifeguards must be strong swimmers capable of rescuing people in the water. Therefore, you must practice swimming regularly.
• Quick decision-making: Lifeguards often have to make split-second decisions during emergencies. Hence, staying calm and making quick judgements is critical.
• Good communication: Whether communicating with fellow lifeguards, swimmers, or emergency services, clear communication is vital for ensuring everyone’s safety.
• Physical stamina: Lifeguarding can be physically demanding. So, good endurance is essential for handling the physical aspects of the job.
• Attention to detail: Lifeguards must remain alert and focused at all times, as they need to identify potential risks before they turn into accidents.

Lifeguard Work Environments

There are different types of lifeguard roles depending on the environment you choose to work in. Each has its own unique challenges and requirements.

Pool Lifeguard

Most lifeguards work in swimming pools, both indoors and outdoors. The job involves watching swimmers, enforcing safety rules, and responding to any incidents that occur in or around the pool. Moreover, pool lifeguards need to have strong first aid skills as many accidents, such as slips or falls, happen near the poolside.

Beach Lifeguard

Beach lifeguards work on beaches and need to deal with the added challenges posed by the ocean. They must be aware of changing tides, currents, and weather conditions. As a result, they undergo specialised training and have to be in excellent physical shape. Beach lifeguards also often work with large crowds, so they need good communication and crowd management skills.

Open Water Lifeguard

Open-water lifeguards work at lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. These environments have hazards, such as cold water, strong currents, or hidden debris. Therefore, open-water lifeguards need to be highly alert and have a strong understanding of water safety.

Conclusion

Becoming a lifeguard involves much more than simply being a good swimmer. It requires training, dedication, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. If you’re interested in how to become a lifeguard, you now know that the process involves meeting age requirements, obtaining certifications, completing a training course, and maintaining your physical fitness. Whether you choose to work at a pool, beach, or open water setting, lifeguarding is a rewarding job that offers plenty of opportunities to help others and ensure their safety.

Furthermore, lifeguarding can be both a summer job and a long-term career. For those looking to kickstart their lifeguarding journey with top-notch training, the Open Learning Academy offers a comprehensive and user-friendly course that’s perfect for beginners and experienced swimmers alike. Our expert-led program will equip you with all the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this vital role.

Therefore, if you’re ready to dive into this role, start by researching local lifeguard courses or enrolling in the Open Learning Academy’s program, taking the first step toward a rewarding profession that combines your love for water with the satisfaction of keeping others safe.