For those interested in becoming a lifeguard, the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) offers certification courses throughout the United States and abroad. Through rigorous training both in and out of the water, the ALA equips future lifeguards with the skills needed to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. In this article, we will explore how long lifeguard training typically takes and what is involved in the certification process.
Prerequisites for Training
Before enrolling in a lifeguard certification course through the ALA, there are a few prerequisites that must be met. Applicants must be at least 15 years old and be able to pass a swimming screening that demonstrates strong swimming ability. This screening includes swimming 300 yards continuously while demonstrating breaths taken and keeping your face in or above the water. You must also be able to tread water for 2 minutes using your legs only and complete a timed event within 1 minute and 40 seconds.
Length of Training
Once accepted into an ALA lifeguard training program, the total training time varies depending on the courses selected but on average takes between 2-4 weeks to complete. For those only pursuing lifeguard certification, the core course itself is typically 2 weeks or 40 hours in length. The schedule is full time with classes meeting daily either in the morning, afternoon or evenings based on the hosting facility’s schedule.
Some trainees elect to also pursue additional certifications in CPR/AED and first aid, which will extend the total training period. CPR/AED certification requires an additional 16 hours of instruction while first aid certification is 24 hours more. So a full certification package that includes lifeguarding, CPR/AED and first aid would be around 3-4 weeks or 80-100 hours to complete from start to finish.
Course Components
During the ALA lifeguard certification training course, participants receive instruction through a blended approach of classroom lessons, in-water skills sessions, simulations and practical assessments. Classroom time covers topics like accident prevention strategies, legal considerations, first aid protocols, spinal injury management, drowning detection and more. In-water instruction teaches lifeguarding surveillance techniques as well as fitness and rescue skills like swimming rescues, spinal extrication and first aid.
Participants must demonstrate proficiency in a variety of water rescue scenarios during practical skills assessments. This includes rescuing simulated conscious and unconscious victims of various ages from both shallow and deep water areas. Students are also evaluate on their use of rescue equipment like rescue tubes, backboards and first aid supplies.
In addition to skills training, ALA certification requires completion of a strenuous physical fitness pre-test prior to certification. This ensures lifeguards have the strength, speed and stamina needed for demanding rescues. The test includes 500 yard continuous swim, timed event of rescuing a 10 pound brick from 7 feet while swimming 20 yards within 1 minute and 40 seconds, and performing an exercise circuit within a maximum time.
Continuing Education
Once certified, the ALA requires current lifeguards to maintain their skills through annual continuing education and in-service practice. As advances are made in safety techniques and regulations, lifeguards need ongoing training to perform effectively. Many aquatic facilities mandate a minimum number of in-service practice hours each month. Additionally, ALA certified lifeguards must complete 20-24 hours every 2 years to stay current. This may involve recertifying in CPR/AED and first aid as well as participation in drills, scenario practice and continuing education seminars.
In Summary
Lifeguard training through a credentialing program like the American Lifeguard Association typically ranges from 2-4 weeks total depending on additional certifications pursued. Courses blend classroom instruction, water skills sessions, practice scenarios and physical assessments to properly equip future lifeguards with the knowledge and abilities needed to protect aquatic facility users. Ongoing training helps lifeguards sharpen their skills over time to best fulfill their critical water safety role.
