How to Prepare for a Lifeguard Class

Becoming a lifeguard is extremely rewarding. You get to save lives and learn skills that you can use for the rest of your life. If you want to be a lifeguard, it’s important to prepare for the class so that you are ready physically and mentally. The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) provides extensive training courses where they teach you everything you need to know and do. Here is how to prepare for your lifeguard training course.

Know What Prerequisites Are Needed

It’s good practice to find out about prerequisites before signing up for any lifeguard class. Usually candidates have some things in common such as:

Age Requirements: Most programs require individuals who are at least 15 years old.

Basic Swimming Skills: You should feel comfortable in water and swim without stopping over certain distances.

Swimming Test: This generally involves swimming specific lengths, treading water, retrieving weighted items off the pool floor etc.

Being aware of these requirements will allow you time to see if they apply or what areas may need improvement on your part ahead of schedule.

Physical Preparation

Lifeguarding takes strength from all parts of your body which means getting fit isn’t enough! Here are more ideas:

Work on Your Swim Skills

To become stronger in swimming itself consider taking lessons or going frequently during summer months when local pools open up again after winter closures so that every day isn’t just spent preparing food but also building endurance by doing laps back-and-forth across the lengthwise span until exhaustion hits first then get used doing this several times before stopping entirely because later rounds always feel easier than initial tries anyways

Freestyle/Breaststroke Drills: These strokes commonly occur during rescues performed by trained personnel operating within designated facilities; thus being proficient at them could prove beneficial down-the-road should someone else ever need help around here!

Long distance swims should be included into daily routines too since they build stamina over time too especially if done consistently enough throughout each week/month/year etc., otherwise known as “ speed workouts”

Strength & Endurance Training

Another thing needed for success as a lifeguard is strength combined with endurance. Therefore try adding these exercises into workout regimes:

Running/cycling/rowing workouts will improve cardiovascular health while increasing overall fitness levels – this goes well beyond simple aerobic activities alone!

Core upper body legs push-ups pull-ups squats are among excellent choices for developing strength in those areas while enhancing overall fitness levels as well!

Flexibility exercises like stretching yoga can prevent injuries from occurring during workouts by improving range-of-motion around joints involved thereby decreasing chances muscle tears happening due lack proper warm-up prior exercise session start time too late afternoon hours only after dark outside instead

Mental Preparation

Physical ability isn’t sufficient; mental acuity and resilience are required too.

1.Familiarize Yourself With Basic First Aid And CPR

Although most lifeguarding classes include first aid/CPR training having some prior knowledge may come handy later on down line somewhere along journey towards becoming certified professional rescuer one day soon maybe even tomorrow? Various online materials community workshops instructional videos available helpful hints beginner level basics learn about different types things might encounter real world situations requiring intervention immediate attention right away without hesitation whatsoever!!!

2.Know What A Lifeguards Responsibilities Are

Study what responsibilities/tasks duties assigned positions entail specifically involving supervision aquatic environments ensuring safety patrons utilizing said facilities preventing accidents incidents occurring preventing people getting hurt badly causing further harm irreversible damage their precious lives forever lost eternity never found again anywhere else besides heaven above

3.Have A Positive Attitude

Stay calm under pressure practicing stress management techniques deep breathing meditation visualization building optimistic outlook focused concentrated high intensity stressful situations life saving heroic feats accomplished everyday heroes wear many capes

Whistle: An essential tool for signaling and communication during your training.

Notebook and Pen: Useful for jotting down notes during lectures.

Check with the American Lifeguard Association to see if there is any other gear needed for your specific course.

During the Class

When your class starts, here are ways you can improve learning and performance:

Be Attentive
Pay close attention to what your instructors say in both theoretical and practical parts of the class. During lectures write detailed notes and ask questions if you do not understand some concepts.

Practice Hard
Practical skills form an important part of lifeguard training. You should actively take part in all drills as well as practice sessions. The more you practice, the more proficient at it you will become which will also boost your confidence level.

Work Together with Your Classmates

Making friends with people taking classes alongside enhances learning experience since they might know different things from those taught by trainers thus broadening knowledge base on various topics related to lifeguarding such as teamwork that is crucial in this field among others such sharing advice or having discussions about experiences gained throughout our journey towards becoming professional life savers who work together every day protecting others’ lives while ensuring safety around water bodies where many people visit regularly especially during summer months when temperatures rise high enough making swimming attractive option but risky without trained personnel monitoring activities closely enough prevent accidents occurring leading drowning deaths happening too often because lack proper supervision due ignorance etc., so let’s support each other!

Post-Training Tips

After finishing up completing lessons within a course designed specifically teach individuals how become certified lifeguards capable saving lives through their actions taken upon noticing someone struggling stay afloat then following protocol established beforehand ensure safety both parties involved situation arises need intervention qualified professionals like ourselves who’ve undergone training programs offered accredited organizations recognized globally due quality assurance checks conducted regularly keeping standards high across board regardless location where services provided even though some may vary slightly based on cultural differences prevailing societies involved . There are still few more steps required after finishing lifeguard class.

Review What You Have Learned

Go over notes written down during lectures given by instructors plus any other material shared among students enrolled same program like textbooks used reference books recommended readings etcetera reflecting your understanding gained throughout lifetime including areas needing improvement further practice until mastery achieved .

Maintain Physical Fitness Levels

It’s important keep fit all year round not just when preparing apply different roles such as lifeguarding which requires regular exercise involving swimming strength training cardio workouts among others depending on personal preferences interests hobbies available resources time constraints individual circumstances surroundings climate weather conditions etc..

Lifeguarding Certification Renewal Process

Most certifications expire within a certain period hence require renewal through recertification courses taken periodically so stay updated requirements ensure completion timely manner avoiding lapses between expiry dates new ones issued otherwise risk losing eligibility serve again ever future lifetime protector anyone else’s life needs help particularly vulnerable populations children elderly disabled injured sick pregnant women etcetera who cannot swim well enough themselves without assistance therefore always keep watchful eye out potential hazards surrounding pools beaches.