Information
Service
Certification implies that at the time of course completion, the individual met all educational objectives – both intellectual and practical.The minimum training expected for lifeguard personnel is the successful completion of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course or the equivalent (Note: This is also dependent upon the type of facility such as open water, swimming pool, etc.).Certification implies that at the time of course completion, the individual met all educational objectives – both intellectual and practical.
Lifeguard Certifications
Exactly what certifications lifeguards need to have varies across the country.The federal government does not issue any standard requirements, so you'll need to check your state's laws.Most every state will require lifeguards to have certifications in CPR and first aid as well as general lifeguard training.
Lifeguard Training
The American Red Cross and the United States Lifesaving Association advocate that additional pre-season training and continuous in-service training should be conducted for lifeguard personnel and that this training should be specific to the facility in which they will be working.
Certification in standard lifeguarding techniques and procedures
A comprehensive threat analysis should be conducted of the facility before allowing patrons to participate in swimming activities.
Rules and regulations for facility visitors
Certification in water rescue and emergency medical services (EMS), such as first aid and CPR
Use of specialized safety and rescue equipment
Emergency action, response, and operation plans
Procedures for emergency communication
Risk management, including hazard and risk identification
Orientation with the facility
Certification in standard lifeguarding techniques and procedures
A comprehensive threat analysis should be conducted of the facility before allowing patrons to participate in swimming activities.
Rules and regulations for facility visitors
Certification in water rescue and emergency medical services (EMS), such as first aid and CPR
Use of specialized safety and rescue equipment
Emergency action, response, and operation plans
Procedures for emergency communication
Risk management, including hazard and risk identification
Orientation with the facility
Lifeguard Duties
Our good lifeguard will constantly scan the pool to keep an eye on all swimmers and have a rescue tube in hand, ready to go.
30-Second Rule
The lifeguard surveys one extreme of his/her zone of responsibility to the other and back within a total of 30-seconds.
10/20 Rule
Once the lifeguard identifies a potential incident (i.e. victim, hazard, risk), he/she must determine within 10 seconds whether or not intervention is required. If required, the lifeguard must be positioned in order to intervene within 20 seconds.
10 x 10 Reaction Rule
The lifeguard must be able to survey his/her zone of responsibility within 10 seconds and, if required, must be able to intervene within 10 seconds.
A good lifeguard should not be distracted by conversations with swimmers or other guards.
Dedicated lifeguard and recognize a good Lifeguard.
30-Second Rule
The lifeguard surveys one extreme of his/her zone of responsibility to the other and back within a total of 30-seconds.
10/20 Rule
Once the lifeguard identifies a potential incident (i.e. victim, hazard, risk), he/she must determine within 10 seconds whether or not intervention is required. If required, the lifeguard must be positioned in order to intervene within 20 seconds.
10 x 10 Reaction Rule
The lifeguard must be able to survey his/her zone of responsibility within 10 seconds and, if required, must be able to intervene within 10 seconds.
A good lifeguard should not be distracted by conversations with swimmers or other guards.
Dedicated lifeguard and recognize a good Lifeguard.