There are two main types of lifeguard training courses; the core lifeguard training course and the optional add-ons. Of course, the selection depends on where you stand at the moment. At the beginner’s level you will be required to take the core lifeguard training course first. As the time passes, you can enhance your skills by opting for the add-ons.
However, before you pick a course know that the lifeguard skills required at the beach differ from those required near a small pool. Swimming pools are not as deep as an ocean. Similarly, there are no rough currents or high tides. Due to the difference in safety requirements each course differs from the other.
The core lifeguarding course is further divided into two categories – the lifeguard training and the shallow water lifeguard. The lifeguard training course is the basic course that is to be attended by all lifeguards whether they are appointed at a beach or near a swimming pool. On the other hand, the shallow water attendant as the name suggests is only recommended for those supervising shallow waters i.e. below the depth of 5 feet. Since the courses differ in their nature the total time required or the number of hours to be completed vary as well.
In the optional add-on courses, you can pick any course according to the skill that you want to learn. While every lifeguard training course varies depending on where you are enrolled below is a sample of what you can expect.
The optional add-ons may include waterfront skills, waterpark skills, administering emergency oxygen, asthma, anaphylaxis & epinephrine auto-injectors and blood borne pathogens training.
The waterfront lifeguard training classes are for the non-surf, open water areas. These skills are suitable if you are appointed at a public park, resort, camp or campground. The total duration of this lifeguard training is five and a half hours.
The waterpark skills are apt for waterparks and facilities that have multi-attractions. The course duration is short and will be completed within three and a half hours.
One of the main purposes of lifeguard training is to prevent accidents, rescue patrons, deliver first aid and perform CPR. Therefore, your training will also comprise of such courses that will teach you emergency skills. For example, in the administering emergency oxygen course you will learn how to provide emergency oxygen and resuscitate. The asthma training will teach you how to administer an inhaler when a person is having asthma attack.
Some people are allergic to certain sea creatures such as jelly fish. On the beach you will encounter incidents where people develop allergic reaction to something. Through the epinephrine auto-injector course you will learn how to use the injector on a person experiencing severe allergic reaction. Lastly, pathogen training will teach you how to avoid exposure to pathogens spread around you.
All of these trainings are under two hours and they are extremely useful trainings. Giving appropriate time to your lifeguard training will enable you to make the best out of your profession and save lives.
