What does a Lifeguard do?
Published 3 min read
A lifeguard is a person who is responsible for supervising the safety of swimmers, surfers, and other water activities. They are trained in first aid and CPR in case of an emergency.
Lifeguard job duties include:
- Maintain watch over assigned area of the pool, beach, or other body of water
- Scan the area for swimmers in distress and rescue them as necessary
- Perform CPR and first aid as needed
- Keep the assigned area clean and orderly
- Enforce rules and regulations governing use of the facility
- Give swimming instructions or lessons as needed
- Monitor weather conditions and take appropriate action
- Maintain equipment and perform light maintenance as needed
- Complete required paperwork and reports
Lifeguard Job Requirements
A lifeguard is a rescuer who supervises the safety and rescue of swimmers, surfers, and other water sports participants such as in a swimming pool, water park, or beach. In order to be a lifeguard, one must be trained in first aid and CPR/AED. Most lifeguards are also certified in water rescue. Many lifeguards have previous experience as a swimmer or swim instructor.
Lifeguard Skills
- First Aid
- CPR
- AED
- Water Rescue
- First Responder
- Lifeguard Training
- Emergency Management
- Customer Service
- Public Safety
- Risk Management
- Safety
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How to become a Lifeguard
In order to become a lifeguard, one must be at least 15 years old and pass a swimming test consisting of:
-Swimming 300 yards continuously
-Treading water for 2 minutes
-Retrieving a 10-pound object from a depth of 7 to 10 feet
Once these requirements are met, one must then attend a lifeguard training program. The length of the program varies, but it typically lasts around 30 hours. During the program, lifeguards will learn CPR, first aid, and how to use rescue equipment. They will also practice rescuing swimmers of all ages and sizes.
After successfully completing the training program, lifeguards will need to pass an oral and written exam. Once they have passed the exam, they will be certified and ready to work!
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