Month: April 2021

3 Important Skills To Get Hired As A Lifeguard

All over the world, lifeguards work to keep people safe and secure in and anywhere around water bodies. Not only is it a challenging job, but it also requires lifeguard training and professionalism. It takes a certain type of person to take up a job with such particular responsibilities. Here are three important skills you must have if you are planning to join lifeguard training:

You need to be focused and active all the time

One moment of distraction can be costly for a lifeguard. Snoozing is not an option. It is crucial that you are being observant and focused when in a lifeguarding position. There many people depending on you to keep them safe and secure in pools, around lakes, rivers, and beaches.

Many places organize several activities and sports around water bodies to engage people. Sports like kayaking, jet-skiing, paddle-boarders, camping, obstacle courses, etc., might be happening all around at the same time. You need to be focused and agile, ready to jump into action at any given moment. You cannot let yourself be distracted by the number of people and activities happening around you. The ability to focus amid distractions is an important skill. During lifeguard training, you will be taught how to scan the water, observe and follow protocols.

You need to be a good communicator

As a lifeguard, you are around people all the time. People who are enjoying their time and having fun. It is required that you bond with people; they will see you as their older sibling. You need to be a people person and have the ability to communicate easily in any given scenario. They might call your name, ask you to watch them do a handstand or front-flip off the water trampoline. As a lifeguard, it is required that you have excellent communication skills.

With numerous activities happening, it is very important that you are communicating with your team to ensure that someone at all times watches all areas and that everyone in the water is safe. Lifeguards regularly switch between their posts throughout the day. You must be able to efficiently communicate and pass over your duty to the next lifeguard. Communication can be crucial when carrying out a rescue. Not only between fellow lifeguards and medical staff but with anyone involved, communication is the key. Effective communication can prevent many unfortunate incidents from happening.

You need to be an amazing swimmer

For a lifeguard, you need to be an amazing swimmer. Strength and durability are also important. During lifeguard training, you will be formally assessed on your swim test and your ability to tread water. Being naturally a strong swimmer will work in your favor during your training. You also need to be physically strong and robust to carry out rescues easily and efficiently.

Being strong and confident in your skill will allow you to adjust to various lifeguarding positions with ease. Lifeguarding comes with great responsibilities. To top off your skill sets, you also need to know first aid protocols and emergency contact numbers.

Want to Advance Your Lifeguard Career? Learn How to Become a Certified Lifeguard Trainer

Everywhere you find a recreational or therapeutic facility around a water body, you will most definitely spot a lifeguard within watching distance. They are there to keep you and your loved ones safe and secure. They play an important role in ensuring that everyone is watched and covered. They enforce rules and protocols in swimming facilities, water parks, and water bodies like lakes, rivers, and beaches. Here is everything you need to know about advancing your lifeguard course in Perth to become a certified lifeguard trainer.

Requirements for lifeguard course Perth for certified lifeguard trainer

  • It would be best if you were above the age of 16 years or more.
  • You must be a good swimmer. Strong and agile so that you can jump and dive into deep water. You must be comfortable in and around the water bodies.
  • You should be able to swim 50 meters which is almost twice the length of an average pool, in 60 seconds. This isn’t too challenging for an average swimmer.
  • You should be able to swim 100 meters continuously on the front and back in deep water. It can be at your own pace. This will show how comfortable you are in the water.
  • You should be able to tread water for 30 consecutive seconds.
  • You should be able to surface dive to the bottom of the pool. Such requirements can vary from course to course. Different institutes have different requirements.
  • You should know how to climb out of the pool with ease and without any help.
  • However, it is recommended to join swimming training if you haven’t swum in a long time.

The following four steps will help you become a lifeguard

Developing or improving your swimming skills

As a lifeguard, you must have strong swimming skills and the physical capacity to carry a load while swimming to some distance. You should think about joining a swim team to keep up the practice and improve your skills. Join a gym or swimming facility in case you don’t have access to a pool at your home. You need to develop strong swimming skills.

During the lifeguard course Perth, they will ask you to demonstrate your swimming skills and physical capacity before hiring you as a lifeguard.

Complete your lifeguard course Perth and have yourself certified

Many institutes like The American Red Cross provide Lifeguard training. You need to enroll yourself in a suitable lifeguard training program. You can do that through their website or by inquiring on call. You also need to get yourself certified in First Aid and CPR. You can easily find such training courses at the same institute. Beyond training and certifications, there is no formal education requirement for lifeguards.

Apply for lifeguard jobs and final interviews

Different jobs require different skill sets. You must ensure your training programs cover all aspects of the job you are planning to apply for. The last step to this is the interview. Once you have cleared the interview, the job is yours to take.

Different people pursue this position for different reasons. It is a difficult job that requires a lot of concentration and effort. You must know for sure that this is the job you want. You need to understand why you want this job before you start working and setting goals and expectations.