Is being a lifeguard difficult?
Being a good lifeguard is physically challenging. You will want to be in good shape. Lifeguards follow the 10/20 rule. Once a lifeguard notices a potential problem, they must respond in 10 seconds and be able to reach the person in 20 seconds, so it is absolutely necessary to be in shape and to be a strong swimmer.
What is the hardest part of being a lifeguard?
“Having to watch a lot of kids when there are so many people in the water.” “Probably dealing with unhappy or dissatisfied parents. We have a lot of rules they're not aware of; they are posted, but they don't always read them. So sometimes they get upset when we are just trying to keep everyone safe.”
Is the lifeguard written test multiple choice?
The Red Cross certification tests are multiple-choice. 80% is passing.
How fast should a lifeguard get to a victim?
Lifeguards should be able to recognize and respond to a drowning victim within 30 seconds.
How long is a typical lifeguard shift?
Lifeguards usually work forty hours a week. A short rest period is usually allowed each hour. Because pools are open to serve the public, many lifeguards work evenings and weekends. A good deal of lifeguard work is seasonal; those who work at outdoor facilities may have to find other jobs for the rest of the year.
Is being a lifeguard worth it?
If you're looking for a job with an opportunity to learn, take ownership in your work, and assume more responsibility as you go, lifeguarding is an excellent fit. Remember: lifeguards protect the safety and well-being of anyone who comes to the pool. Few summer jobs can top that in responsibility.
How do I prepare for a lifeguard test?
2:234:17HOW TO SURVIVE THE LIFEGUARD WRITTEN TEST! (PASS 100%)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo when you think of written test a lot of it is going to be about CPR. And stuff like that if you'MoreSo when you think of written test a lot of it is going to be about CPR. And stuff like that if you're in a different type of course for example if you're being tested. Online for CPR and AED.
What do you wear to lifeguard training?
A swimsuit (women: modest one piece is recommended, men: trunks or jammers), a towel, goggles are recommended, pen or pencil, notebook for notes, water bottle, and a lunch/snacks.
What is the final lifeguard test?
The final part of the pre-requisite test is a timed 10 lb. brick tow. Each participant must swim out 20 yards using either approach stroke, dive down 7-10 feet and retrieve the 10 lb. brick, surface, tow the brick back 20 yards, and exit the pool without assistance.
How many swimmers can one lifeguard watch?
A minimum of one lifeguard must be on deck for every 25 swimmers.
What are the 5 steps of water rescue?
They should be attempted in the order shown below.Reach. Try to reach the victim with your arm or leg. If a pole or sturdy stick is available, try to use that to reach out to the victim and pull him to safety. ... Throw. Throw something to the victim. ... Row. Get a boat out to the victim. ... Go. Swim out to the victim to rescue him.
What is passive drowning?
- A passive drowning victim is motionless and floating face down on the bottom or near the surface of the water. • Do not assume that a swimmer in distress is joking or playing around.
How do I make my lifeguard not boring?
0:204:30HOW TO SURVIVE LONG LIFEGUARDING SHIFTS ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you rotate every like 20 minutes 10 minutes doesn't matter what it is that's a lot better changeMoreAnd you rotate every like 20 minutes 10 minutes doesn't matter what it is that's a lot better change of scenery definitely keeps you your minds straight and you won't really get bored.
Do lifeguards get tan?
However, with tanning come tan lines which no one is going to envy you for. As a lifeguard, you don't get to walk around in a bikini or board shorts. A lifeguard's uniform usually consists of wearing either a shirt and pants or a full one-piece swimsuit.
What is it like working as a lifeguard?
Lifeguards monitor pools, beaches, water parks and other aquatic areas to maintain safety at all times. They are trained in water safety and are called on to rescue swimmers who are hurt, sick or distressed. A lifeguard might also have the following duties: Keep the pool, beach or other areas clean and free of debris.
How long is a lifeguard course?
36 hoursThe National Pool Lifeguard Qualification course is a minimum of 36 hours, followed by a practical assessment on swimming pool theory, water safety and how to spot potential hazards. The course will teach you the practical skills of lifeguarding, such as water rescue, casualty recovery, CPR and first aid.
How old do you have to be to be a lifeguard?
Prerequisites for lifeguard training include: Students must be at least 15 years old by the last day of class. Students must pass a pre-course swimming skills test prior to taking lifeguarding courses.
Do you have to pass a swimming test to become a lifeguard?
Students must pass a pre-course swimming skills test prior to taking lifeguarding courses. The American Red Cross offers the following course options for Lifeguard training: Lifeguarding: Full Course –. This option is for those training for the first time or for those whose certifications have expired.
How long does it take to become a lifeguard?
Generally, lifeguard training takes 25 hours to complete with weekend, accelerated, and written online training options available. Over the course of training, you’ll become comfortable with: – Preventing, recognizing, and responding to emergencies in the water. – Providing care for breathing and cardiac injury. – Applying proper first-aid.
Why do you need a lifeguard?
Whether it’s a summer outdoor position or working indoors during the colder months, being a lifeguard offers flexibility, plenty of time poolside, and valuable skills. You’ll combine your love of swimming with the benefits of altruism by keeping the pool safe for all.
How to get a Red Cross certificate?
To demonstrate your understanding you’ll need to attend all classes , pass a written test ( with a score of 80% or better), and successfully complete 3 skill scenarios. After you’ve passed — with flying colors– you ’ll receive an American Red Cross certificate. Valid for two years, you can show off your lifesaving abilities and apply to any lifeguard position with confidence.
How many laps do you need to swim to pass the brick test?
The required swim test will check your swimming abilities. To complete this test you’ll need to: Swim 300 yards (or about 6 laps) Tread water (for 2 minutes, legs only) Complete a timed event ( see how to pass the brick test)
How many days of training is required for a lifeguard?
lifeguard training Course details: Intensive: 5 days of one week 9-5 with the test on the final day. Weekly: 9-5 once a week, usually Sunday, with a test on the last day. Picking a course type is personal and dependent on how you learn and your schedule. It is advisable, however, to do the intensive.
What are the downsides of being a lifeguard?
Downsides to becoming a lifeguard is that the training required to become one takes time and money.
What is the NPLQ for lifeguards?
Lifeguard training is underrated in how difficult it is. Of course, you will need to gain a lifeguarding qualification –the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ). The truth is, the test you need to pass to gain your NPLQ is intensive. It requires specialist training in order to be successful.
What are the three sections of a lifeguard test?
It requires specialist training in order to be successful. You’ll find it’s devised into three sections: First Aid training, a pool test, and a verbal test. All three assess different skills and test the potential lifeguard in their physical and mental capabilities.
What to bring to lifeguard training?
What to bring to the lifeguard training course: Change of clothes. Towel, two if you can afford the space. Swimming trunks (preferably skin-tight ones and worn under clothing at the start of the day) Spare clothes to jump in with again the tighter the better as there will be less drag.
How long does it take to swim in a pool?
Swim 50 meters, two lengths of an average pool, in 60 seconds.
How long does it take to swim 50 meters?
Swim 50 meters, two lengths of an average pool, in 60 seconds. This sounds the most challenging but for the average swimmer this isn’t too challenging. However if you haven’t swam in a while going for a small training swim is recommended. Swim 100 meters continuously, at your own pace, on front and back in deep water.
How old do you have to be to be a lifeguard?
American Red Cross lifeguarding and water safety students must be at least 15 years old by the last day of class, and pass a pre-course swimming skills test prior to taking our courses.
What is the Red Cross's lifeguarding course?
At the American Red Cross, our water safety and lifeguarding courses are designed and taught by industry-lea ding professionals who can help you not only help others stay safe in, on, and around the water, but can help you learn the latest safety and rescue techniques, and deliver critical care, like CPR, first aid, and AED administration, when it's needed most . And although every class varies, each will cover a variety of important skills that can not only help you stay safe and help others enjoy the water safely, but can help you begin, or advance, your career.
Is there a lifeguard course at the Red Cross?
At the American Red Cross, lifeguarding and water safety courses are available year round – from trained professionals who can help you gain the skills and confidence necessary for providing care and instruction when it's needed most .
How to be a good lifeguard?
See, to be a good lifeguard, you must sit in one spot (sometimes for hours) without taking your eyes off of the pool. You can’t have a conversation that consists of more than, “hi! Welcome to the pool.” You can’t listen to music. You can’t usually get up and walk around more than a couple steps.
How often do lifeguards scan the pool?
Then far to close. Then occasionally they will look behind the stand and around them to make sure no one has injured themselves in one of those places. It depends of course on the facility but most places emphasize scanning the water portion and some say every 2 or 3 scans (~15 seconds each) take a look behind you just to make sure you are aware of what else is going on. All scans include making eye contact w
How many lengths of pool do you need to swim in bronze cross?
In Bronze Cross, you need to swim 450 m (or did back in the ‘80’s) while the NLS only requires you to swim one or two lengths of the pool. As a comp swimmer and especially as a breaststroker, I had power to spare. That won’t mean it is easy, though.
How to dive without bricks?
If you have a week to practice you can do this without the brick first. Swim the distance, make the dive, stay under for the needed few seconds, and surface. If diving is the issue, a front or head first surface dive is the best choice. Simply do 1/2 a flip turn, raise your legs in the a. Continue Reading.
How to dive faster?
Simply do 1/2 a flip turn, raise your legs in the air as you aim your head to the bottom. The weight of your legs will take you down quickly.
How many written tests are there in the Red Cross?
But, everything else comes with demonstration and practice. The actual tests consist of 2 written test, and one mock test where you must rescue someone, use a backboard to extract them, then tend to them depending on their medical emergencies. Bradley Matthews. , former Instructor Trainer at American Red Cross.
Do you have to fight with anyone?
You rarely have to fight with anyone. If they have the energy to stay afloat and to wrestle with you, back off and let them settle down or get tired enough to let you help. They may just need encouragement and you do not have to be the hero that drags them in when you can be the hero that coached them to safety.
What does it mean to be a lifeguard?
Alright, having lifeguarding qualifications means you can work - which fulfills the financial aspect of ‘worth it’. It means you have been entrusted with saving others so you (probably) have a sense of responsibility which helps when applying for other jobs. It opens up baby sitting or other supervision jobs because of your skills. It also opens up a range of instruction positions in recreation. Fitness and aerobic instructors usually need first aid training and you already have those as part of your lifeguard skills. Aquatics managers need to be able to fill in for absent employees and evaluate their skills so they need to be lifeguards.
Is it easy to look at water all day?
It won’t be easy (after all you are looking at water ALL day long and there is a lot of training to with it), but it will be a great experience for you for sure!
Do you need to sign up for a lifeguard course?
That being said, when you know you want to be a lifeguard, you will need to sign up for a training course.
Is lifeguarding for everyone?
I will say that the job simply isn’t for everyone. There were a lot of coworkers I had that either didn’t take the job seriously and/or didn’t treat guests (and the facility) with the respect they deserve. Most of lifeguarding (more than you might think) is clea
