- You must be at least 15 years of age.
- You must be able to swim 300 yards (six laps in a 25-yard pool) continuously while demonstrating a rhythmic breathing technique.
- You must be able to tread water for two minutes using only your legs.
- You must complete a timed swim event that includes diving, surfacing, and retrieving a weighted object.
What does it take to get a lifeguard certification?
Lifeguard requirements typically include a high school diploma or its equivalent. The lifeguard certification process involves taking one of several programs available to verify that prospective lifeguards are strong swimmers, as well as trained in CPR and first aid.
How can I become a certified lifeguard?
To summarize, here are the steps to becoming a lifeguard:
- Enroll in a lifeguard training program locally.
- Complete the pre-test to move on to your training.
- Complete the training course and earn your lifeguard certification.
- Earn your CPR, First Aid, and AED certification.
How to prepare for lifeguard certification?
get ready for lifeguard training 1.Draw your knees up to your chest. 2.Keep your face forward and out of the water. 3.Hold your upper arms at your sides, and hold your lower arms against or across your chest.
Where can I get a lifeguard certification?
The American Red Cross offers three lifeguard certification and training programs, lifeguarding, aquatic attraction lifeguarding, and shallow water lifeguarding. Courses are available in a classroom or blended learning (online and classroom instruction) delivery option.
How do you prepare for a lifeguard test?
Preparing for Lifeguard ClassesSwim 300 yards continuously to demonstrate your breath control. ... Tread water without using your arms for 2 minutes; arms should be placed under armpits.Complete a timed event on the lifeguarding course in 1 minute and 40 seconds.Swim 20 yards with the starting point being in the pool.More items...
What is the lifeguard written test like?
2:404:17HOW 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.
Can you wear goggles during lifeguard swim test?
Swim goggles are not allowed. Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they can get a breath.
Is the lifeguard written test multiple choice?
The Red Cross certification tests are multiple-choice. 80% is passing.
Is a lifeguard course hard?
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 does face stand for in lifeguarding?
Face. Arm. Speech. Time. (Use to identify a stroke)
How long do lifeguards have to hold their breath?
Pass certification tests. Some require you to swim 300 yards, tread water in one place for 2 minutes without support, swim using various techniques, surface dive to a depth of 7 to 10 feet (2.1 to 3.0 m), and hold your breath for 1 to 2 minutes. Make sure all of your certifications stay up to date.
How long do you tread water in a lifeguard test?
Participants must complete the entire swim without stopping. Goggles may be used for this part of the test. The second part of the pre-requisite test is a 2-minute tread test. Participants must tread water for 2 minutes using only their legs.
How long does it take to swim 300 yards?
1 minute, 40 seconds300 yards = 12 lengths/6 laps. Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water.
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.
How many questions is the CPR test?
10-30The written exam will typically be 10-30 multiple choice questions testing a student's ability to recall facts and apply the things they learned to some basic scenarios. The skills test will, at a minimum, require the student to demonstrate high quality CPR on a manikin simulating an adult patient.
What does sample stand for in lifeguarding?
Last oral intakeThe questions that are asked to the patient include Signs & Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake, and Events leading up to present injury (SAMPLE).
What does sample stand for in lifeguarding?
Last oral intakeThe questions that are asked to the patient include Signs & Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake, and Events leading up to present injury (SAMPLE).
Which of the following should you do first when approaching the scene of an emergency?
Checking an Injured or Ill Person1 CHECK the scene for safety, form an initial impression, obtain consent, and use personal protective equipment (PPE)2 If the person appears unresponsive, CHECK for responsiveness, breathing, life-threatening bleeding or other life-threatening conditions using shout-tap-shout.More items...
What is the RID factor?
The four contributing factors that every parent and swimmer should be aware of are: External distractions – it's called the RID factor which stands for recognition, intrusion and distraction. If a person drowns while a lifeguard is on duty, it is likely due to this…
What is the first step you should take in caring for a victim with burns?
First Aid: COOL, COVER & CALLCooling all burns with tepid to cool water, regardless of degree. ... Cover affected areas with a clean dry cloth, towel or blanket to protect the burn and minimize pain.Seek medical attention if burn is larger than the victim's hand size, if the victim is a child or elderly person.
What is the American Red Cross Lifeguard test?
The American Red Cross lifeguard test offers a detailed examination of your knowledge and comprehension of both our written lifeguarding requirements and protocol as well as valuable hands-on skills and experience.
What is the Red Cross Lifeguard Manual?
The American Red Cross Lifeguard Manual contains skills sheets and references to help you understand the importance of water safety and arm you with all of the knowledge necessary to help save lives and avoid injury.
How long is the Red Cross training course?
Course length: 18 hours in-person/7 hours and 30 minutes online Total - 25 hours, 30 minutes. Why Train with us? For over 100 years, the American Red Cross preparation courses and training have been regarded as the best available in the nation.
What is lifeguard training?
Through training, you will learn how quick response times and effective preparation are vital to being a lifeguard. You’ll also understand the crucial elements needed to help prevent drownings and injuries.
How to pass the swim test?
How to pass the pretest: 1 You must be 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of your course. 2 Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used. 3 Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits. 4 Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds.
How old do you have to be to take a scuba diving course?
You must be 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of your course.
How long is the American pool training course?
The traditional, in-person course format (27 hours, 25 minutes) Blended Learning course format (19.5 hours in person, 7.5 hours online). American Pool provides several training opportunities year-round, just find and register for a training course near you. Don’t forget to apply for a position today and work at a pool near you!
What do you need to know before you can take the stand?
Before you can take the stand, you must first pass the Lifeguard Training Course and Prerequisites and there are a few things you should know. The Red Cross Lifeguarding pretest is designed to evaluate physical competency- strength, endurance, and comfort in the water.
What Can You Expect From the Lifeguard Certification Test?
After passing the written exam, a swimming test is given to prove that you can meet the physical demands of being a lifeguard. Expect to tread water, demonstrate proper breathing techniques, and perform specific swim events that may or may not be timed.
How long is a lifeguard certificate valid?
Upon completion of the course, the YMCA will issue a certificate for lifeguarding, CPR, AED, and first aid, which is valid for two years. The YMCA also offers a blended, certified lifeguard training program that consists of seven hours of online lessons and 23 hours of in-person training. The prerequisites are the same for ...
What is lifeguard training?
Lifeguard training helps people gain lifesaving skills, along with personal and professional skills such as clear communication, dealing with emergencies in a calm manner, learning to work effectively as part of a team, and more. Generally speaking, professional lifeguards watch over pools, beaches, water parks, ...
How much does a lifeguard make an hour?
The average pay nationwide for a professional lifeguard is around $12 per hour. 2
Why do people want to be a lifeguard?
Lifeguarding is a skill that appeals to people for many reasons, including those who want a fun and active summer job as well as parents who would like to learn some water safety and lifesaving skills to keep their kids safe at the beach. Taking a certified lifeguard class is also helpful in keeping your loved ones safe in the backyard pool.
What is Teach America to Swim?
Like other certified lifeguard training programs, Teach America To Swim aims to provide top-notch training in recognizing, preventing, and responding to emergencies that can occur in and around the water. The organization is passionate about swimming safety and is committed to a high standard of teaching while making learning fun for students.
What training do you need to be a lifeguard?
Most lifeguard certification programs require CPR, first aid, and AED training as part of the completion requirements. If you’ve already taken CPR or first aid courses, you’ll still benefit from a refresher.
What is the pre-course skills test?
The test has 3 pieces. One to test swimming ability, one to test swimming with an object, and one to test your ability to keep your head above the surface.
How long does it take to do a tread test?
That brings us to the third part of the test: 2 minutes of treading. The 2 minutes of treading is simple. Participants must keep their heads above the surface and tread by kicking and not using their arms. Typically, participants cross their arms or have their hands slightly above the surface.
How to do a skills test?
Key things for participants to do prior to the skills test 1 Practice! Get in the water, practice swimming. Focus on relaxing while swimming to make sure you can make the distance without getting too tired. Leaning forward and practicing a breathing pattern often help participants with the initial 300-yard swim. 2 Practice!! Yes, it is necessary to say it again. This time, practice surface diving down 10-12 feet. Look up how to do an efficient head first AND feet first surface dive down to the bottom. Get in the pool and practice it. Get to the bottom and open your eyes. You are not able to use goggles during part 2 of the skills test. 3 Can you guess? Practice… Get in and start treading with just your legs. Keep your head up and start doing it longer and longer. You must do it for 2 minutes without using your hands or grabbing onto the side or lane line.
What is the bloodbourne pathogen test?
Bloodbourne Pathogens training. The Lifeguard Brick Test: In addition to your classroom training, which covers everything from CPR to respecting your patrons, a lifeguard training course may have a required prerequisite test. During this test, you will be required to continuously swim 300 yards, either front crawl or breast stroke.
Can you register as a lifeguard online?
Many lifeguard companies offer online registration, but you can also reserve a spot over the phone. This part is easy and not stressful at all! Just provide your information, make sure you understand the costs and you will be ready to begin training. Some companies offer discounted training to employees.
