Lifeguard Certification: A Step Toward a Safe and Fulfilling Career

At the American Lifeguard Association® (ALA), we believe that lifeguards are the backbone of water safety, playing an essential role in safeguarding swimmers, beachgoers, and recreational water enthusiasts. Lifeguard certification is not only a professional milestone but a vital step toward protecting lives. Whether you’re starting your lifeguarding career or looking to recertify, our courses equip you with the skills and knowledge to excel in various aquatic environments.

Why Become a Certified Lifeguard?

The role of a lifeguard is crucial. From pools to beaches, lakes, and water parks, lifeguards are the first line of defense against drowning, injuries, and emergencies. Becoming a certified lifeguard opens the door to a rewarding career that provides both personal satisfaction and community service. Lifeguards are not only responsible for maintaining safety but are also empowered with the authority to act in emergency situations, including performing rescues and administering first aid.

Obtaining your certification through the ALA reflects your commitment to water safety and professionalism. Whether you’re planning to work at a community pool, a resort, a water park, or a beach, this certification is recognized nationwide and prepares you for a wide range of emergency scenarios.

First-Time Lifeguard Certification & Training with First Aid and CPR/AED

The American Lifeguard Association is pleased to announce a national grant to reduce lifeguard and safety training fees. These funds will be available until they are exhausted. Our current price reflects a special $100 discount due to the grant we received. The funds are limited, so register today to ensure you can take advantage of the grant.

Our video instructor-led course allows individuals to become trained and certified in lifeguarding without waiting for a group class. Upon completing the online components of the program, you will receive a two-year certification in lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and first aid. If you need assistance during your training, we are available 24/7 in real-time at [email protected]. After finishing the course, your certification records will be uploaded to the National Verification System, enabling employers and health department officials to verify your credentials easily.

Our lifeguard training and certification program requires that employers adhere to the standards outlined by the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). In accordance with these national standards, employers must conduct both pre-service and in-service training evaluations. This rigorous approach ensures that our training not only meets national benchmarks but also provides candidates with top-tier education, preparing them for effective prevention and response to aquatic emergencies.

The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is proudly supported by Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. These associations play a critical role in overseeing and enhancing safety standards at beaches, pools, and aquatic facilities worldwide. ALA collaborates with employers across the country to provide comprehensive lifeguard training, ensuring that lifeguards are equipped to protect public safety. ALA’s core mission is to reduce drowning incidents and contribute to the safety and enjoyment of swimming pools, beaches, and waterways everywhere.

Our lifeguard course incorporates the latest ECC science and guidelines from the United States Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition.

Benefits of Lifeguard Certification Through the American Lifeguard Association

Choosing the American Lifeguard Association for your lifeguard certification provides numerous benefits:

1. National Recognition: The ALA certification is recognized by employers nationwide, ensuring that you are qualified to work in a variety of environments, from pools to beaches to water parks and beyond.
2. Quality Training: Our courses are designed and dedicated to ensuring that you are well-prepared for any situation.
3. Affordable and Accessible: We offer competitive pricing and flexible training options to make it easy for you to achieve your certification and recertification.
4. Career Opportunities: Certified lifeguards are in demand, and the ALA helps connect you with potential employers, providing you with a network of opportunities.
5. Confidence in Your Skills: After completing an ALA certification course, you will feel confident in your ability to handle a variety of emergency situations and to make a positive impact on water safety in your community.

How to Get Certified

Getting certified through the American Lifeguard Association is simple. To get started, follow these steps:

1. Choose the Right Course: Whether you’re new to lifeguarding or looking to recertify, select the course that best fits your needs.
2. Register for a Course: Register for your lifeguard certification or recertification course online.
3. Take the Training: Take our lifeguard course which covers all the topics you need to know to become a certified lifeguard.
4. Receive Your Certification: Once you pass the exam and successfully complete all course requirements, you’ll receive your lifeguard certification, which is valid for two years. Our program mandates both pre-service and in-service training evaluations by employers in line with the CDC Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). This ensures our program meets national standards, providing candidates with top-tier education and preparation for aquatic emergency prevention and response.

Entry-Level Lifeguard Certification Prerequisites

To enroll in the lifeguard certification course, you must meet the following prerequisites:

• Age Requirement: You must be at least 15 years of age to take the lifeguarding course.
• Swimming Skills: You need to be able to complete the swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:
  1. Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface, and swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both (swimming on the back or side is not permitted; swim goggles are allowed).
  2. Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs (no arms).
  3. Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both.
• Brick Test: Complete the brick test in 1 minute, 40 seconds. Swim 20 yards, perform a surface dive to 7 feet, retrieve a 10-pound brick at the bottom of the pool, swim back to the starting position holding the brick, and exit the water. Swim goggles are not allowed during this test.

30-Day Price Match Guarantee

We know that price is an important factor when choosing a lifeguard certification program, which is why we offer a 30-day price match guarantee. If you find a lower price within 30 days of your registration for any comparable training in your area, we’ll match it. This guarantee applies to any course conducted within 30 days of your registration at your local park authority, community pool, school, or university, provided the class is open for registration.

30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee

At the American Lifeguard Association, your satisfaction is our priority. If our training doesn’t meet your expectations, simply email us within 30 days of your registration, and we’ll process your refund on the same day.

Lifeguard Training You Can Do at Your Own Pace

With our self-paced, lifeguard training program, you can start and complete your certification on your own schedule, without the need to wait for a group class. The American Lifeguard Association offers this program as an easy and flexible way for individuals, schools, universities, and community pools to get certified, whether you’re located in the U.S. or abroad.

Conclusion: Lifeguard Certification for a Safer Future

Becoming a certified lifeguard is a rewarding achievement that not only prepares you for a career in water safety but also helps save lives. Whether you’re just starting your career, seeking to advance your skills, or maintaining your certification, the American Lifeguard Association is here to support you every step of the way.

With our comprehensive courses and nationally recognized certification, you will gain the skills and confidence you need to perform effectively in any aquatic environment. Join the ranks of skilled lifeguards who are committed to making our pools, beaches, and waterways safer for everyone.

For more information on our lifeguard certification courses, upcoming classes, or to get started today, visit www.americanlifeguard.com.