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.
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.
Is it hard to get a lifeguard certification?
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 steps to become a 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 become a lifeguard?
How to become a lifeguard. If you want to become a lifeguard, you can do so in four simple steps: Develop physical swimming skills. Complete lifeguard training and certification. Set the right expectations. Apply for lifeguard jobs. Develop physical swimming skills
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...
How heavy is the lifeguard brick?
10 lbsMore. American Red Cross Official Dive Brick™ for Lifeguard Training. The Exclusive New Standard American Red Cross Official Dive Brick™ weighs 10 lbs and is a water safety / rescue training tool for lifeguards and other water safety personnel.
Is the lifeguard written test multiple choice?
The Red Cross certification tests are multiple-choice. 80% is passing.
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.
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 do you survive the brick test?
The test best breaks down into four steps:Locate the Brick. Start preparing for the brick test by practicing the 20-yard swim without goggles. ... Retrieve the Brick. ... Swim the Brick Back to the Start. ... Exit the Water Without Using the Ladder. ... Take Your Time. ... Keep the Brick in Front. ... Get to the Surface Quickly. ... Swim on Your Back.More items...•
Is the 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.
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.
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.
What do you wear to a lifeguard swim test?
BRING to swim test: Completed job application swimsuit, towel, warm clothes, clothes for interview, food, water. NOTE: Wetsuits, swim caps & goggles ARE allowed for try out swim, but are NOT allowed during the Seasonal Lifeguard Training program.
How long should it take to swim 300 yards?
Fitness Pace Chart1002003001:152:303:451:202:404:001:252:504:151:303:004:3017 more rows
What should I 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.
Is the CPR test multiple choice?
The 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.
How do I pass NPLQ?
How do I become a lifeguard?Jump/dive into deep water.Swim 50 metres in less than 60 seconds.Swim 100 metres continuously on front and back in deep water.Tread water for 30 seconds.Surface dive to the floor of the pool.Climb out unaided without ladder/steps and where the pool design permits.
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 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 is the certification test for lifeguards?
The Certification Test is the final step towards becoming a fully qualified lifeguard and is made up of a number of assessments. The whole process can be quite challenging, and it needs to be. Lifeguards have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders, so it's important that their lifeguard training is fully tested to check whether they have the necessary knowledge
How to pass the lifeguard test?
To make sure that you pass the final lifeguard exam the first time, it's important that you are fully prepared and know exactly what you need to do. This means practicing your maneuvers for the swimming test, for example building up to be able to tread water for 2 minutes, and working on your breathing whilst swimming.
How do you become a certified Lifeguard?
To become a certified lifeguard, you've got to pass the Certification Test. Once you've passed, you can then apply for lifeguarding jobs and opportunities.
What is the CPR test?
This is run by the American Aquatics and Safety Training Lifeguarding team and is used to check that a potential lifeguard is capable of providing life support in an emergency situation.
What is the final part of the First Aid process?
The final part of the process is the First Aid test. This checks that you know what to do if someone requires medical assistance, and ensures that you'll be able to provide an effective response.
Is the swim test important?
The swim test is an important part of the testing process, but you shouldn't get too worried about it. With a little dedication to the training process, you'll be able to complete the assessment with ease.
Can you take lifeguard classes online?
The courses are available everywhere, and you can even take an online lifeguard training class if you have a busy schedule.
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.
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.
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 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.
What skills do you need to be a lifeguard?
Appropriate skill training in the environment in which the lifeguard will be operating is also recommended including how to enter the water, wading techniques, surf swimming skills, use of rips , etc. Research by Tipton et al concluded that pool swim times and other land-based tests do not strongly predict surf swimming performance. Therefore, it is recommended that tests for surf lifeguards be conducted in the surf environment.
What is the International Life Saving Federation's recommendation for fitness testing?
Statement. The International Life Saving Federation recommends that prospective research is recommended to provide data on this issue. The minimum standards of fitness testing for lifeguards are recommended as follows, until there is data to confirm, refute or modify these consensus expert opinion recommendations.
How long should a pool be for a swim test?
If the swim test is being conducted in a pool, that pool should be a minimum of 25 meters in length. Training organisations should ensure candidates are safe in the environment in which they will be participating in their lifeguard training. At all times the safety of lifeguards undertaking a fitness test is paramount.
What is a swimming test?
A swimming test is an appropriate way of demonstrating fitness in a lifeguard.
Does ILS require a pre-test?
For clarification, ILS has not recommended a minimum entry (pre-test) assessment. Each organisation undertaking training should have an entry level pre-test based on their particular circumstances. In the absence of a pre-test being undertaken, appropriate risk mitigant strategies need to be put in place.
Do lifeguards need fitness tests?
At all times the safety of lifeguards undertaking a fitness test is paramount. Organisations conducting fitness tests for lifeguards should ensure their safety through the provision of adequate water coverage including the use of surveillance and rescue craft where appropriate. Assess the level of swimming ability in a safe environment, ...
Is there evidence of success in lifeguard training?
Many national lifeguard training organisations have been using similar fitness testing standards for many years. There is a lack of evidence of success and a lack of evidence of risk or injury to victims or rescuers. Retrospective and prospective research is recommended to provide further data on this issue. The recommendations that follow are based on consensus expert opinion of the ILS Rescue Committee.