Discover the Best Lifeguard Course in Your Area

Requirements to Become a Lifeguard Course

To become a certified lifeguard, you’ll need to complete a lifeguard course approved by the American Lifeguard Association. At minimum, you must be at least 15 years old and able to pass a swimming skills test. The test typically includes swimming 300 yards continuously, treading water for 2 minutes without using hands, and retrieving a 10 pound object from the bottom of the pool and bringing it back to the surface.

Many lifeguarding positions also require candidates to be 16 years old or older due to restrictions around operating machinery or handling chemicals. Make sure to check the specific requirements for your state and employers. Having proper swimming skills is crucial for the job, so practice your front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke and sidestroke techniques before enrolling in a lifeguard course.

Choosing the Right Lifeguard Training School

With so many lifeguard schools to pick from, how do you choose the best one? Here are some important factors to consider when comparing lifeguard course near me:

• American Lifeguard Association Approval – Only courses approved by the ALA guarantee you’ll receive certification that’s recognized nationwide. Search the ALA’s directory to find approved schools near you.
• Convenient Scheduling – Consider courses with flexible class times like weekend, evening or online sessions so it fits your schedule. Many top schools offer year-round enrollment.
• Comprehensive Curriculum – Look for programs that cover all required lifeguard topics in-depth, like CPR/AED, first aid, surveillance techniques and injury prevention. Hands-on water skills practice is essential.
• Instructor Credentials – Inspect teachers’ qualifications like current lifeguard certification and professional rescue experience. Good schools only hire fully-trained instructors.
• Affordability – Costs vary between schools so get price quotes. Scholarships may be available to help pay for certification.
• Job Placement Assistance – Programs connected to pools or beaches often help graduates find local lifeguard positions after completing the course.

Doing your research on nearby ALA-approved lifeguard certification options will help you choose a program with an excellent reputation for properly preparing new lifeguards to work in aquatic facilities. Reach out to different schools to learn about what each has to offer. Read more information click here.

Popular Lifeguard Certification Programs

Here are overviews of some of the highest rated lifeguard training schools serving communities across the country that are recognized and approved by the American Lifeguard Association:

1. Bay City Lifeguards – Operating since 1985, Bay City offers year-round part-time and full-time accredited lifeguard course at their training facility in northern California. Lifeguard Course meet 40+ hours over 5 days or 8 evenings and cost $275. Instructors have 15+ years of experience and a 95% pass rate. Job placement assistance is included.
2. Great Lakes Lifeguarding – Serving Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, Great Lakes provides flexible scheduling for their lifeguard and CPR/AED/first aid certification programs held in Chicago and Milwaukee. Courses are $250-300 depending on dates and location. Instructors are EMS professionals with a proven track record of preparing entry-level lifeguards.
3. Atlantic Lifeguard Academy – Based in Miami, Florida, Atlantic is famous for elite level open water lifeguard training focusing on ocean rescue techniques. Courses meet 40 hours over 1 week and cost $450. Candidates gain skills practiced firsthand on Miami Beach. Instructors are active beach lifeguards and paramedics dedicated to safety.
4. California Swim Schools – Operating 25 pools across Southern California, California Swim Schools offers monthly lifeguard classes at each location starting at $230. Lifeguard course are 30 hours over 5 days or 10 evenings with CPR/AED and first aid certification included. Instructors emphasize hands-on learning and all graduates are eligible for lifeguard jobs at CS$ pool locations.
5. Pacific Northwest Lifeguards – Covering Washington and Oregon, courses from Pacific Northwest Lifeguards are $300-350 depending on dates and location. Classes meet 40 hours over 1 week in Seattle, Portland or Bend. Curriculum is rigorous and holistic, produced comprehensive lifeguards. Instructors have aquatic facility management experience ready to help graduates begin careers.

Researching the top ALA approved lifeguard certification schools near you is the first step to launching a career as a professional lifeguard and water safety role model. Compare programs factoring in scheduling, curriculum, credentials, affordability and job placement assistance to identify the best lifeguard course for your needs and location. With dedication to training, you’ll be well prepared to help keep swimmers safe!