Category: Lifeguard Trainer

Choosing the right lifeguard training course can be a daunting task. If you’re looking to become a lifeguard, you need to be sure you’re getting the best training. But how do you identify which course is right for you?

Lifeguard courses are essential to being a lifeguard but can also be pretty overwhelming. First, you must know what you’re doing and how to do it, but you must also learn everything you can do if something goes wrong.

Things To Consider While Choosing A Lifeguard Training Course

When it comes to choosing a lifeguard training course, there are a few things you need to consider.

First, ensure that the Red Cross accredits the lifeguard course you chose. This means that the American Red Cross has approved them and their programs are up-to-date with current standards.

Second, ensure that the lifeguard course is designed specifically for lifeguards. The training will vary depending on where you want to work as a lifeguard, so make sure your program has been tailored to your specific location.

Third, look at the cost of the program. Some programs may be expensive, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re better or worse than cheaper options on a similar platform or system.

Finally, make sure that you feel comfortable with the instructor(s) teaching these classes because they need to be able to answer any questions you might have about any part of what is covered during class time or during lab time (if applicable).

The cost of the training: Most lifeguard training courses tend to be affordable, but some out there can cost hundreds of dollars. However, you don’t have to spend a fortune on your initial training—the price of your initial course will probably be higher than subsequent courses if you continue your education in this field.

The length of the course: Some courses are just one day long, and others may last several weeks or months! These comprehensive courses generally offer more hands-on experience and better opportunities for networking with other students and professionals in the field. If you’re looking for an entry-level position at a pool or beach resort. In that case, these longer courses may not be necessary.

Updated To-Date: You’ll also want to ensure that the course has been updated recently. Lifeguarding standards change over time, so it’s essential for your training to reflect those changes. An up-to-date course will help you keep up with the latest trends and best practices in lifeguarding, which will help you be more effective when on duty at pools and beaches.

Final Word

n addition to basic water safety, our West Coast Water Safety Training Course will teach you how to conduct water rescues and safety inspections. This course will take 14 hours to complete (the requalification course is 4 hours). Face-to-face delivery requires no prior knowledge. A group of at least eight people is required for a reservation. This lifeguard course requires students to be at least 14 years old. There are no restrictions on where the course can be held. There is no better time than the present. Now is the time to enroll in the course!

A lifeguard’s role is to maintain law and order in marine areas such as swimming pools, beaches, and amusement parks to ensure people’s safety. They are active in initiatives that teach people about water safety and detect hazards, as well as rescue swimmers who are caught in danger.

Lifeguards at pools employ water testing equipment, cleaning equipment, and lane ropes, whereas ocean lifeguards use specific vehicles such as All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), small powerboats, and surf-skis to do their tasks. We at West Coast Water Safety (WCWS) offer a variety of lifeguard training courses as well as education on why it is necessary to complete training.

Key responsibilities of lifeguard’s training course

• Aquatic safety training should ensure that those learning to swim or even merely having fun at the beach are safe. Particularly during peak times, lifeguards assume full responsibility for the public’s safety. Lifeguards should go through some training to guide or rescue individuals.

This training prepares them to become certified trainers while also providing them with the necessary information on what to do in a crisis. Red and yellow flags, for example, are used in the ocean or on beaches to indicate a safe swimming area. This training aids lifeguards in recognising unsafe places on the beach and educating the public about the marked areas.

• A lifeguard course program includes practical applications, techniques, drills, supervision, and educational information. The training develops the lifeguards’ physical abilities and swimming competencies and incorporates experience and knowledge of managing people at the beaches and the pools.

Most people involved in aquatic activities tend to be vulnerable to some water incidents. The training provided to the lifeguards helps them to perform certain basic operations like CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or CPR Courses, administering oxygen, and first aid. These training programs help them manage and safeguard people at community events and private pool parties.

• The majority of water accidents involve youngsters drowning at both beaches and pools. The training aids lifeguards in informing children and parents about key topics such as:

1. Drinking alcohol increases the chances of drowning.
2. Equipment like a shepherd’s hook and a life preserve should always be available.
3. Infants should never be left alone in the pool or near the pool.
4. Pool toys should not be left near the pools, as they are the main reason for drowning in the case of infants.

• Without any training, the lifeguard will be ineligible to comprehend the gravity of the situation and will be unable to respond appropriately. Training classes will ensure that lifeguards are assessed on particular abilities and given real-world experience to help them comprehend the severity of the problem and be attentive.

Conclusion

Most people feel that rescuing people from aquatic catastrophes is simple, but it is not since various dangers are involved. Compared to other beachgoers and pool-goers, a lifeguard can be highly qualified to do so by always keeping an eye on the swimmers and responding quickly to any mishaps. They are trained not just to save other people in danger during a rescue mission but also to save themselves in the most catastrophic of situations.

If you wish to master these competencies and become a professional lifeguard. In that case, training courses like Ocean Lifeguard Training Course Perth, WA, and Pool Lifeguard Training Course Perth are viable options at WCWS. Contact to learn more about other courses to become an accomplished lifeguard.

The profession of a lifeguard is considered one of the most rewarding jobs out there. However, being a lifeguard comes with a definite set of responsibilities. 

A lifeguard constantly has to keep an eye on the swimmers, and upon any sign of emergencies, they need to rush to the affected and offer their assistance. Therefore, to prepare lifeguards for their future responsibilities and challenges, they have to undergo intense training. 

If you are someone who is considering becoming a lifeguard, you will have to undergo a lifeguard training course to prepare yourself for the upcoming duties, and you might be curious to know what to expect from your training. If that is the case, keep on reading the article.

What to expect from your training sessions? 

A lifeguard at any aquatic safety training academy has to respond to medical emergencies, injuries, or any potential drowning cases. They also need to enforce the safety rules and maintain law and order. 

Therefore, the basic aspects that comprise the training sessions are:

• Water rescue training
• Injury stabilization
• First aid and CPR

It is also important to note that the lifeguard certifications need to be renewed annually before they expire. 

According to the Red Cross, the minimum age to apply for a lifeguard position is 15 years. Before starting the training sessions, a trainee needs to perform a swimming pretest set by their lifeguard instructor. 

A trainee has to:

• Swim 100 yards continuously using breaststroke and front crawl
• Tread through the water for a minute using only their feet
• Needs to dive feet first into the deepest part of the pool and retrieve a 10-pound brick

The requisites vary according to your shallow water or deep water lifeguarding application. 

Once the trainee qualifies the pretest set by the lifeguard instructor, they move on to the actual training sessions. 

Water rescue training

Each rescue technique is different from the other. Depending upon the emergency and the availability of resources, training is given to the aspiring lifeguards to deal with any situation. 

Water rescuing training generally covers:

• Using pieces of equipment to make rescuing easier
• Providing effective help to the distressed swimmers
• Determining the best approaches to assist in any emergency
• Techniques to carry one or multiple swimmers to dry land

Injury stabilization

A lifeguard instructor provides basic training to aid neck and back injuries. It has been observed the injuries to the neck and back need to be stabilized first before the distressed swimmer can be moved elsewhere. 

These techniques usually consist of:

• Using the backboard, head, or chin support for victim found face up or face down
• Special deep water spinal stabilization techniques

First aid and CPR

Incidents of drowning while swimming is not uncommon, and therefore, lifeguards always need to be well prepared to combat such situations. 

CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation becomes an integral part of the training sessions. The sessions usually consist of training one-person or two-person CPR courses in Perth for both adults and children and learning how to use cardiac defibrillators. 

It has been observed that performing CPR along with the cardiac has increased the positive outcome tremendously. On the other hand, the first aid training for lifeguards includes breathing valves, controlling bleeding, and applying splints and slings. 

Once a lifeguard trainee finishes the full course, they have to demonstrate their skills through tests set for them. A written and first aid lifeguard certification test needs to be completed before the person is awarded a lifeguard certificate. 

And, there you go! Hopefully, our article could shed some light on what to expect from your lifeguard training sessions.  

Do you know what is better than saving lives? Teaching others what you know and training them to save lives! As the pools reopen after the pandemic with the latest safety standards and protocols, we need pool lifeguards more than ever. That means we are in desperate need of lifeguard instructors as well! There is no talent shortage, but somebody needs to mould the given resources and upgrade your career from lifeguard chair to instructor.

An instructor is in charge of teaching safety protocols and training swimmers. Their lessons cover everything from supervising first-aid activities to avoiding water injuries. It’s also a job that can take you all over Australia and the world if you have the necessary qualifications. 

You must be a strong swimmer, and the job necessitates a particular level of fitness, strength, and stamina to react fast in an emergency. You must have recognised first-aid and resuscitation qualifications, which must be evaluated and updated regularly.

Reasons why you should upgrade to a lifeguard instructor from a lifeguard chair

It takes great courage and determination to navigate through dangerous water to save lives at a critical juncture. It is also essential to teach these skills with utmost care. A pool instructor’s field of work is applicable because of their capacity to teach such skills. 

Here are a few reasons why you should upgrade your career and become a lifeguard instructor:

• You help in saving lives

As a lifeguard or pool instructor, your primary responsibility will be to teach people how to save lives in the event of an aquatic emergency. These incidents can take place in recreational swimming pools or natural water bodies. Your guidance will help the learner understand how to ensure safety during this stressful time. 

Therefore, you will be entrusted with the responsibility of imparting critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Not only will these skills help save lives in water, but they will also be useful off the field. 

• An unusual professional choice

A lifeguard instructor’s duty entails more than just teaching the basics of water safety. These professionals cover a wide range of issues pertaining to water-related emergencies. This profession demands as much credibility as any other profession involving life-saving. One advantage is that you don’t have to sit in an office for 8 hours while pursuing this profession. Teach while having fun in the water!

• Personal responsibility

There are plenty of physical and mental benefits to becoming an instructor. For instance, you must ascertain your own physical and psychological fitness. You will have to work on your body to ensure 100% fitness. Furthermore, while teaching team building and alertness, your sense of discipline and responsibility will improve. These skills will help you immensely in your professional life as well. Finally, this profession teaches you to think on your feet and make quick decisions. 

• Make the most of your knowledge for the greater good

While discussing difficult hypothetical situations with the learners, you can use your theoretical and practical knowledge to help them find realistic solutions. Additionally, you can make use of your expertise by making sure local man-made water bodies are being taken care of. 

As a lifeguard instructor or pool instructor, you can educate the local community about do’s and don’ts around water bodies. Your knowledge can greatly help humankind. 

These are just a handful of reasons why you might choose to upgrade your career to a lifeguard instructor. As pointed out many times, this profession requires a lot of responsibility and immense leadership skills. In addition, this is a noble profession that helps in saving lives. 

If you want to upgrade your career from lifeguard chair to lifeguard instructor, contact West Coast Water Safety. West Coast Water Safety has some of Australia’s most experienced first-aid, water-safety, and event-safety personnel. Professional lifeguards, pool instructors, beach inspectors, helicopter rescue crews, paramedics, firefighters, nurses, and even a former Bondi lifeguard make up their team.

Also Read: Want To Be A Lifeguard? Certification And Testing

A lifeguard has to supervise, monitor, and rescue in the event of an emergency. They have to look after and ensure that the people follow the safety measures and rules to avoid injuries and water accidents. Lifeguards are mostly hired by hotels, resorts, pool and beach administrators, and other community or recreational establishments with water activities. 

All lifeguards pay attention and are trained to observe the water, perform rescue missions and organize first aid and CPR course in Perth when required. But, how the special training for lifeguards differs is determined by where they work. A pool lifeguard and an ocean lifeguard work in two very distinct environments, signifying that you must meet different requirements to become a certified lifeguard for both environments.

Pool lifeguards

Pool lifeguards are responsible for managing the use of water slides and diving boards, as well as pool maintenance, like checking the chlorine and pH level of swimming pools. They are also responsible for draining and cleaning the pool occasionally and scanning some amenities placed at the poolside. They also give swimming lessons and are there to keep you safe. 

Pool lifeguards inspect the water and look out for swimmers who might be facing a problem. The lifeguards are trained to scan everything in the pool area. They have to change their position, sitting posture, and pattern from time to time to stay alert. They have to look for signs that might result in an emergency and provide emergency care services such as CPR, AED administration, and first aid when it is required.

Beach lifeguards

Beach lifeguards should be experienced in using dual-track radios for contact and coordinating with other lifeguards about activities happening among the emergency rescue teams. Beach lifeguards also have to maintain a record of daily weather and the beach environment. Beach lifeguards will alert people about rip currents and inform parents to keep their kids within their reach.

Beach lifeguards are continuously examining the water exactly like a pool lifeguard, but they have to keep an eye on a much bigger area, and it is difficult for them to see beneath the water, so it is necessary to make sure that the beach lifeguard is attentive. Most facilities routinely move beach lifeguards from one section to another section so that they can stay alert and provide breaks from monitoring duties. Beach lifeguards and pool lifeguards have to stay alert and not get distracted throughout their whole shift.

 Lifeguard certification

Be it a pool lifeguard or a beach lifeguard job, it just does not revolve around saving people’s lives. There is more to it; these professionals have to observe, avoid and respond quickly to aquatic emergencies.

If you want to get a certification for lifeguard training, there are certain requirements that should be met to become a lifeguard. You must take some courses to get trained for becoming a lifeguard. There are courses that are created for certain tasks such as group 3 pools, hydrotherapy courses, play leaders, and aquatic rescue training, etc. Either you want to become a pool lifeguard or a beach lifeguard, your certification will be valid for two years. You need to do a pool lifeguard course for certification. 

At the West Coast Water Safety, we offer a wide range of courses throughout the year for you to get certified. Our courses are developed on a professional level and give you an idea of different techniques and first-aid tips so that you get a sound knowledge of water safety.

For more information on either our Professional Lifeguard Services or Training & Courses on Water Safety & First Aid, please visit our courses or give us a call at 0418 909 935.

Saving lives and imparting knowledge are often looked at as two noble career choices. One of the many professions, which mandatorily puts together saving lives and teaching is that of a lifeguard instructor. A professional lifeguard instructor is in charge of teaching safety protocols when water-based activities are concerned. These teachings range from supervising first-aid protocols to preventing mishaps in water. Like any other profession, it is mandatory to fulfill some requirements to fit into this profession. But before that, it is necessary to understand why one should become a lifeguard instructor.

Reasons why you should become a lifeguard instructor

Treading deep or dangerous waters at a critical time to save others requires courage and commitment. Teaching these skills with the utmost care, therefore, is not only crucial but also necessary. Having the ability to impart such knowledge makes a lifeguard instructor’s line of work applause-worthy. Here are some reasons why you should consider it as your career choice:

You help save lives

As a lifeguard instructor, you will primarily teach others how to save lives during aquatic emergencies. These emergencies can take place in recreational swimming pools or natural water bodies. Your teachings will help the learner understand how they will ensure safety during this stressful situation. You will, therefore, provide knowledge related to critical thinking and quick problem-solving. Teaching these skills will not only help save lives but also be serviceable off the field. 

A unique choice of profession 

A lifeguard instructor’s job does not simply focus on teaching the basics of safety in the water. These professionals teach a diverse set of topics revolving around emergencies that can arise in the water. For instance, a course on Hydrotherapy will require teaching skills to students pursuing physiotherapy. This course, therefore, will require quickly analyzing medical emergencies in water and finding solutions. Alternatively, you can also teach about safety in shallow waters. Imparting such knowledge requires a grounded understanding of human psychology, strong communication skills, and logical reasoning. The profession, therefore, requires as much credibility as any other job involved with life-saving. A plus point is that you get to teach while enjoying your time in the water. 

Personal responsibility

Becoming a lifeguard instructor comes with its own set of physical and mental benefits. For instance, you have to ascertain your fitness at all times. Inadvertently, you will have to take care of your body to ensure your health. Moreover, you get to practice team building and alertness, which help develop qualities like responsibility and discipline. These skills tend to prove to be handy outside your professional life as well. Lastly, this choice of profession ensures the utilization of critical thinking, which helps you think on your feet and make quick decisions during a stressful time. 

Utilize your knowledge for the greater good

You could utilize your empirical and theoretical knowledge to help your students construct realistic solutions while discussing hypothetical stressful situations. Your expertise could also be used to scrutinize local natural and artificial water bodies to make sure that they are being taken care of. If not, you could always persuade the necessary committee members to take efficient measures. As a credible, professional lifeguard instructor you can also strengthen the presence of the lifeguard community by talking to locals about the necessary dos and don’ts around water bodies. Your knowledge can help humans and the environment coexist peacefully.  
These are only a few reasons to help explain why one can choose to become a professional lifeguard instructor. As seen above, this position comes with a lot of responsibility and will require you to take charge. Ultimately, it is a noble profession, which involves using your life skills to potentially save lives.