Lifeguarding provides an important public safety role at beaches, pools and water parks across America each summer. However, becoming a certified lifeguard requires completing a rigorous training program. American Lifeguard Events is one of the largest providers of lifeguard certification courses in the United States.
Through their classes, thousands of students each year are prepared for careers as lifeguards. However, different people enroll in these lifeguard course for varying reasons. Here is a look at how some individuals are reacting to the lifeguard training process.
High School and College Students
For many teenagers and young adults, being a lifeguard course is an attractive summer job opportunity. It allows them to work outdoors at a local pool or waterfront, earn decent pay, and gain important responsibility. However, the certification courses aren’t easy. One 18-year-old college freshman taking an American Lifeguard Events class commented, “The physical fitness components have been a real challenge after sitting through classes all year.
But I’m pushing myself and feeling myself get in better shape each practice.” For students eager to land a stable summer gig, the workouts and rigorous exams provide motivation to prepare responsibly for a safety-focused role.
Parents and Guardians
More parents are also choosing to complete lifeguard training through American Lifeguard Events in order to ensure water safety for their families. One mother of three said, “Now that my kids are older and we spend more time at the lake, I wanted the confidence of being trained for any emergency. Some of the rescue techniques have been an eye-opener of how fast accidents can happen.
I’m glad I made this investment in our safety.” Other guardians view lifeguard certification as providing peace of mind when supervising children around water. While the course requires diligent study, parents feel it worthwhile for responsible recreation.
Experienced Swimmers
Many recreational and competitive swimmers pursue lifeguarding as a natural next step. Having years of experience in the water prepares them well physically for the rigors of lifeguard course practice and testing. However, even seasoned athletes admit there is far more to learn beyond strong swimming abilities.
One triathlete taking her second American Lifeguard Events class said, “The first-aid and spinal injury protocols took real focus to master. It’s not enough to just keep people safe in the water – as a guard, you’re the first medical responder too.” Developing these critical thinking skills challenges swimmers new to water safety roles.
Fitness Enthusiasts
An increasing number of gym-goers and personal trainers are also enrolling in lifeguard certification programs. Many view a career as a lifeguard an engaging way to stay active while gaining work experience in the health and wellness field. After completing an American Lifeguard Events course, a former basketball player commented, “I was already fit, but they take guard training to another level.
The physical tests really push your limits. Now I have an even greater appreciation for what lifeguards do after seeing how demanding the job responsibilities are.” For fitness buffs, the challenge of lifeguard preparation grows their respect for the important work.
Reactions from Trainees
To really understand how different personalities are responding to the challenge, I spoke with several current students enrolled in an American Lifeguard Events course.
A 19-year-old freshman at the local community college. As someone who was never really an athlete, this has really pushed me out of my comfort zone physically. There have been days where I wasn’t sure I’d make it through the whole practice. But the instructors are so supportive and keep finding ways to motivate us.”
A married couple, Bob and Megan, both 30, decided to get certified after welcoming their first child last year. Megan noted, “In the parent/child rescue session, practicing pulls and carries in the water with ‘victims’ really drove home how unsafe it could be if we didn’t know what to do in an emergency. You don’t really think about water safety until you have a kid of your own.”
Seasoned swim coach Lisa, 45, has brought several of her high school athletes to skills sessions. “My students have handled the stroke mechanics parts easily, but even for very fit teens, practicing full-body contact CPR on mannequins can induce some nerves. It’s good experience for them to work through that,” she said.
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Final Opinion
In summary, whether pursuing a summer job, ensuring family safety or developing skills in health and rescue fields, people are drawn to lifeguard training for diverse reasons. Through rigorous practice and diligent study, American Lifeguard Events prepares participants to serve as first responders in aquatic environments. For those willing to meet the physical and mental demands, becoming a certified lifeguard rewards with an impactful public service career where no two days are alike.