The Benefits of Earning Your Lifeguard Certificate

As a member of the American Lifeguard Association, there are countless perks and advantages that come with earning your lifeguard certification. Not only will you develop valuable lifesaving skills, but you’ll also open the door to many exciting career opportunities.

Develop Useful Lifesaving Skills

Through the ALA lifeguard training program, you’ll gain hands-on experience in CPR, first aid, rescue techniques, surveillance skills and more. Masterting water rescue procedures and learning to effectively respond during medical emergencies are critical skills that can help save lives both in and out of your professional roles. The certification process ensures you’ll be well prepared to act swiftly and skillfully in any aquatic emergency situation.

Enjoy Career Prospects at Pools, Beaches and More

With a lifeguard certificate from the ALA, you’ll be eligible for important public safety positions at swimming pools, water parks, beaches and community recreational centers. Lifeguarding is an in-demand job that provides valuable experience for those interested in careers in health, safety or emergency response. Many lifeguards also use their training and skills to progress into other aquatic positions like swim instructor, aquatic director or even positions in camp counseling or wilderness medicine.

Build Confidence Through Training

The combination of physical training, first aid practice sessions and mastery of surveillance techniques helps build confidence both in and out of the water. Lifeguards learn to remain calm under pressure and trust their training during stressful scenarios. This confidence translates well to leadership positions or jobs involving customer service, teamwork and quick-thinking such as emergency dispatch roles.

Gain Experience Loved by Colleges and Employers

Lifeguard certification demonstrates initiative, work ethic and a history of safely supervising others. These valued qualities stand out to college admissions boards and future employers. Not only do you develop skills related to safety, but also responsibility, multi-tasking, teamwork and decisive problem-solving – all experiences that are sought after.

Earn Competitive Pay and Perks

While lifeguarding itself provides an opportunity to make a positive impact, it’s also a well-compensated role. Hourly rates averaged $13-15/hour according to a recent ALA salary survey and most positions include generous perks like on-site staff accommodations, training allowances or educational incentives. Many facilities and camps hire seasonal lifeguards full-time throughout peak seasons, providing ideal income potential for students.

Lead as an Advanced Lifeguard

For those seeking additional responsibility and leadership, advanced certifications like lifeguard instructor allow you to train and mentor new guards. Other options include becoming a head lifeguard, assistant manager or facility director where salary growth potential greatly increases with experience. Leadership roles foster administrative and supervisory abilities valued across many job sectors.

Network for Referral Opportunities

The community within the ALA connects lifeguards across organizations and regions. By getting involved through online training groups or association events, you’ll develop professional contacts to assist with referrals for other career opportunities or advancements. Beyond basic job skills, becoming a certified lifeguard builds an extensive safety-focused network that lasts a lifetime.

Give Back Through Volunteer Service

As a public safety certification, being a lifeguard allows you to serve the community in times of need. The ALA supports guards who volunteer for charity swims, water safety demonstration days or disaster relief efforts to help those in danger of drowning. For many, this sense of civic duty through lifesaving work is one of the most rewarding benefits.

Remain Fit and Active

To maintain a lifeguarding position, ongoing physical training is required to keep rescue skills sharp. This builds habits of health, exercise and wellness. Many lifeguards continue to value fitness long into their careers outside of the pool, thanks to their certification experience instilling the importance of activity for life. The training keeps guards physically prepared, mentally focused and medically knowledgeable to handle emergencies of any kind with composure. Read more informative article click here.

In Summary

Lifeguard certification provides immense value for personal and professional growth through hands-on aquatic emergency response skills, career opportunities in public safety, leadership potential, networking connections, competitive pay and perks, fitness habits and the satisfaction of using your training to directly assist others in need. For those seeking a flexible role to gain practical experience, develop confidence and make a meaningful impact – lifeguard certification through the American Lifeguard Association is an excellent choice.