With summer fast approaching, there is an ever-increasing demand for lifeguarding positions. As the pools, beaches, and water parks get geared up for summer fun and the encroaching crowds, that’s when the demand for lifeguards-wait for it-hopelessly certified ones skyrockets. If you’re a student seeking summer employment or someone seriously considering a career in aquatic and lifeguarding constancy, now is the time to line up your dates for lifeguard courses and land a great paying job.
In this blog post, we’ll explain why lifeguarding jobs are so high in demand during summer, the perks of being a lifeguard, and how proper training (like the proper programs from the American Lifeguard Association) can help you become prepared for that job.
What Causes Summer Lifeguard Demand?
1. Seasonal Increase in Water Activity
Summer brings about a change in weather. People become active in the heat of summer and seek refuge in swimming pools, lakes, and beaches, which generates even more visitors to aquatic facilities. More foot traffic means more potential for water-related accidents, and lifeguards become an important part of the safety plan when there is more activity.
2. Lifeguard Certified Staff Shortage
Various aquatic facilities are not hiring a sufficient number of qualified lifeguards to fulfil their duties, and in many cases, facilities cannot fill positions in the summer. This shortage is allowing facilities to offer higher salaries, improve benefits, and bestow more job options to completing lifeguard courses.
3. Increased Safety Regulations
Regulation changes requiring a certain number of total lifeguards and lifeguards per capita have come about because of drownings and water-related injuries recently. For this reason, additional state and local regulations have resulted in a strong demand for lifeguards to be trained.
4. Water Parks and/or Pool Growth
Increasing numbers of water-oriented recreational facilities create more job openings. Resorts, hotels, public pools, etc., need qualified lifeguards to do their jobs.
Advantages of Working as a Lifeguard
Working as a lifeguard is not solely a source of income; it is a profession that benefits a person’s life in several ways on the personal and professional levels.
1. Competitive pay and flexibility
Lifeguarding positions usually pay above minimum wage and earn higher incomes for lifeguards with experience, other industry incentives are also available. Many lifeguarding positions provide flexibility in scheduling, making lifeguarding ideal for students and individuals working a second job.
2. Knowledge and skills to save lives
Lifeguarding courses typically provide training in CPR, first aid, and emergency response, these skills can be used in your profession and to save lives.
3. Career pathways
There are various career pathways for lifeguards, many continue to supervisory roles (as swimmers instructor or Lifeguard Supervisors), and many enter into emergency medical services (EMS) and become firefighters.
4. Physical activity in good environments
Lifeguards are always moving and working outside, as a result, they are more physically active than desk jobs and a healthier work environment.
Smartwatches can be useful for lifeguards to track fitness — check out the best budget smartwatches in Canada.
Why Training is Important: Lifeguard Courses
While the demand for lifeguard positions is high, employers value certifications and accreditation more than interests and skills. Attending and completing lifeguard courses necessary for an accredited and authorized certifying body training provides a level of skills that will prevent, protect and appropriately respond to emergencies if they should arise.
What Do Lifeguard Courses Entail?
The average lifeguard course will cover the following:
- Water rescue skills
- CPR and AED certification
- First aid for injury
- Surveillance and prevention of incidences
- Emergency action plans
Nationally recognized certifying bodies such as the American Lifeguard Association offer certification and lifeguard training that meet national industry standards and agenda. Their course intends to provide lifeguards with the necessary tools they need to address potential water emergencies quickly and efficiently. If you are properly trained, you will respond as quickly and as effectively as your training allows.
Getting Certified: Steps to Becoming a Lifeguard
If you are interested in this fast-growing industry, here are the steps to take:
1. Meet the Basic Requirements
Most lifeguard jobs have:
- A minimum age of 15 or 16
- Strong swimming skills. You will need to swim a minimum of 300 yards continuously, tread for 2 minutes without using your arms, and retrieve a 10-pound brick from the bottom of the pool.
- Completion of a certified lifeguard course.
2. Take a Certified Training Program
Look for a training program that promotes industry standards like the American Lifeguard Association. They have courses that combine online learning, such as videos with practical face-to-face training which makes it easier to get certified.
3. Take the Certification Exam
After course completion, there are written exams and practical exams to be able to earn a lifeguard certification.
4. Apply for Lifeguarding Positions
After earning your certification, you can start to apply for jobs at local pools, beaches, water parks, or summer camps. Most employers hire before summer, so do your best to earn your certification early.
The Future of Lifeguarding: A Growing Field
Lifeguarding is a great profession in today’s society, with increased awareness of water safety and a growing number of aquatic facilities to keep our communities safe and healthy. Lifeguarding is more than a summer job, it has the potential to become a long-term profession. The skills gained from lifeguard courses can lead number of career opportunities in public safety and recreation.
Final Word
The need for lifeguards continues to grow every summer and now is the best time for individuals to obtain a lifeguard certification. Lifeguard training programs (like the American Lifeguard Association) outside of saving lives, in the end, you will get a good job and ultimately a fun recreational job for the summer.
Now, get researching on lifeguard training courses and complete your education before new applicants’ school starts this summer!
