Lifeguarding is not a simple and easy job as shown by the fancy and glamorous TV shows. It is a far more important job than you have made perception of in your mind. Most of the people who become lifeguards have some sort of goal they want to achieve or a job they want to get so they can save lives. Lifeguarding is a job you take for a few years so you can say you did it, then move on to something else.
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What Are The Essential Skills Of A Lifeguard?
You will be in training at your local lifeguard station for four weeks. The first week of lifeguard training is spent learning how to do CPR. You must be able to do it correctly and you must be able to demonstrate this to the trainer. The trainer will teach you how to do CPR. Then, the rest of the week is spent learning how to swim. At the end of this training, you will be given a card that says “Lifeguard” and a red shirt that says “Lifeguard” on it.
What is CPR?
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a technique used to help people who are not breathing and/or have no pulse. The American Heart Association (AHA) says that CPR is used by rescuers to help people who suddenly stop breathing or who stop breathing and have no pulse. The AHA also says that CPR can be performed on adults, children and babies. The AHA says that it is recommended for everyone, but that you should know how to do it before you need to use it.
CPR is a Must for a Lifeguard
CPR is a must for lifeguards to learn before starting their job as a lifeguard. CPR includes chest compression, breathing and also mouth to mouth breathing. Lifeguards need to learn how to perform CPR in order to save lives in emergency situations. How To Become A Lifeguard Lifeguards are required to be certified by the National Association of EMTs (NAEMT). The NAEMTs require that the lifeguards have a high school diploma or GED, certification from the American Red Cross, and CPR/AED training. If you plan on becoming a lifeguard, it’s imperative to do your research and look into all the requirements for certification.
A Lifeguard Must be a Good Swimmer
After CPR, the other basic requirement for a lifeguard is to be a good swimmer. This is one of the most important requirements in any profession as it is essential to know how to swim and have the skills to save lives. This is not a requirement that should be overlooked but is easily overlooked because it is not taught in school. It takes a lot of training and practice to become a good swimmer. Some people may find it hard to learn how to swim at first, but with practice, they can quickly become competent swimmers.
Some Other Responsibilities Of A Lifeguard
A Lifeguard should be able to imply rules and regulations at the beach or at a beach. The rules are there for safety reasons, not just to make the lifeguard look important. The Lifeguard should be able to handle an emergency situation when it occurs, without having to call another person over to help. The lifeguard should be able to read the water conditions. A lifeguard should be able to spot a surfer if they are out in the water. The lifeguard should be able to teach people about the dangers of surfing. The lifeguard should be able to help surfers learn to surf.
Final Thoughts:
Lifeguarding is an important job and lifeguard training is a must for a lifeguard. Lifeguard training makes you equipped with the basics and essentials that are necessary for a lifeguard. The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is a national institution that is providing lifeguard training for more than 30 years now and has produced over a quarter a million lifeguards all over the world. If you are looking for lifeguard training near you, contact American Lifeguard Association.