There are different types of lifeguard training programs available for you at American Lifeguard Association. Some of these programs are approved by the state board, while some are not. There are also different levels of lifeguarding training programs that you can choose from. All of these programs have their own benefits and drawbacks. The first thing to consider when choosing a lifeguard training program is whether it is accredited or not. Accreditation means that the program has been recognized by an organization. The organization is responsible for ensuring that the program meets certain standards and qualifications.
The US Labor Department has determined that the American Lifeguard Association offers lifeguard training programs similar and equivalent to those being offered by the American Red Cross. The certification from ALA is recognized all over the world as equivalent to that of the Red Cross.
We have different lifeguard training programs that are for different types of water bodies. Some of the main programs include:
- Shallow Water lifeguard training program
- Basic First Aid/CPR
- Lifeguarding Certification Course
- Deep water Lifeguard Training Program
Let’s talk about these lifeguard training programs briefly.
Table of Contents
Shallow Water Lifeguard Training Program
In this program, students are trained in basic water safety, water rescue and swim stroke techniques. These techniques are taught in the classroom, and then students practise these skills in the pool. Deep Water Lifeguard Training Program In this program, students learn how to perform basic lifeguard tasks such as CPR and first aid, how to monitor a victim, and to respond the victime in the event of an emergency.
Basic First Aid/CPR
This program is designed for students who have completed the Shallow Water Lifeguard Training Program. In this program, students are taught how to recognize and treat common injuries and illnesses, how to perform CPR on a child, adult or dog, and how to use an AED. Students also learn about the importance of first aid and CPR, and how to make sure that all their friends and family know how to administer CPR and first aid.
Lifeguarding Certification Course
This course is designed for those individuals who wish to receive a lifeguard certification from the American Red Cross. Students will be required to complete 4 hours of classroom training and two hours of pool training. Classroom training will consist of lectures on water safety, lifeguard duties and responsibilities, and CPR. Pool training will consist of skills sessions such as rescue breathing and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), rescue board swimming, and floating skills.
Deep Water Lifeguard Training Program
The Deep Water Lifeguard Training Program (DWLTP) is a specialized form of scuba training that is intended for persons with no previous driving experience who are interested in working as lifeguards in deep water environments, such as oceans and lakes.
Deep Water Lifeguard Training Program instructors are specially trained to teach the skills required to train divers who will work as lifeguards at public beaches and recreational facilities in areas of deep water where surface swimming is not permitted.
This course is designed to provide a thorough knowledge of the skills necessary for the safe and effective performance of lifeguard duties, including CPR and first aid skills, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the basic principles of diving and its application to lifeguarding.
The course is divided into three parts:
Part I – Introduction to Diving
This part covers the physical and physiological requirements for safe and effective scuba diving, the equipment used for diving, and the skills needed for diving in cold water.
Part II – Scuba Diving
This part covers the basic theory and practice of diving using air as the breathing medium, diving with regulators, and decompression procedures. It also discusses various diving equipment, diving techniques, and diving hazards.
Part III -Lifeguarding
This part covers the basic theory and practice of lifeguarding, including first aid skills and rescue techniques. It also discusses the duties of a lifeguard, lifeguard equipment, and lifeguard safety.
Each course is taught by a certified instructor who has been specifically trained to teach this course. In order to be certified, an instructor must pass a rigorous examination covering all aspects of the course.
The American Lifeguard Association is a national association that is training certified lifeguards for more than 30 years now and has trained over 250,000 individuals all over the world. With ALA you can get lifeguard training individually and with a group anywhere in the world.
