Lifeguards and former lifeguards...answer please!!?

Question

I am thinking about being a lifeguard this summer but Im not so sure if I can pass the test. Im in excellent physical shape (I run, exercise regularly etc) but Ive never been a GREAT swimmer - I'm just an okay swimmer. I don't know all the strokes (like butterfly) and Im sure my form isn't very good either. Does that matter? What exactly would I have do for certification?

Answer 1

you don't have to be a perfect swimmer or have perfect techniquw. the only thing lap wise is that you have to be able to swim 200 yds non-stop in either the crawl which is similar to the breast stroke, or you can do backstroke. you will also have to learn lifeguard techniques, cpr, and first aid, you will also have to be able to tred water. it would be a good idea to contact your local red cross chapter for more information. if you have any other questions you can e-mail me at [e-mail]

Answer 2

Take the class. whether or not you have a great butterfly doesn't matter, unless you are going to teach or coach. I have guarded, taught lifeguarding and hired lifeguards. You need to be strong in the water and confident in your ability. A lot of lifeguarding isn't necessarily done in the water. Depending on which certifying agency you go through, the requirements will vary slightly. If you want to work at a specific facility, call them and find out which certifications they accept. If it is an Ellis managed facility, they will only hire Ellis trained lifeguards. Most places will take American Red Cross, Ellis, or YMCA certifications. You'll need to also pass CPR, First Aid, AED certification tests as well. If you're an okay swimmer you'll pass, You'll just need to work a little harder than someone who is a good or excellent swimmer. If you are smart and have good common sense and people skills you'll be a good lifeguard. If you live in South Florida, let me know and I'll tell you to apply at the City I work for and when we will be having classes. If not check your local Red Cross chapter. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Try it. If you find you cannot pass the preliminary test then you know you should not be guarding.

However, you should be confident in your ability to rescue someone if you plan on beocming a lifeguard. I recommend you take you the course and give it a shot, you never know uintil you try. Also you only have to know how to do front crawl (free) and sidestroke to pass the ARC test so don't freak abou the fly. I know some people who became lifeguards and learned fly just from hanging out with their buddies at the pool or lake.

Answer 4

If the course is certified thru the American Red Cross, take it. Your preliminary's consist of a 500 yard swim using four different strokes. The most common is the crawl, If you can swim with any consistancy, using the crawl, backstrike, freestyle and breaststroke, you will be fine. They will instruct you on may aspects of recovery and rescue. LISTEN AND LEARN. Probably your biggest challange of all will be the retrieval of a 10 pound diving brick, from a depth of anywhere from 9ft to 12 ft. What I instruct lifeguard trainees is to practice diving down to the bottom and surface, just to get use to the depth. You will be O.K. Just Practice, Listen and Execute.

Answer 5

TYR had the best answer.

not sure what the one person was talking about specific certifications for the Y...not one where i lived.....i got trained through the RedCross then had to get my WSI and some other certifications then i was able to put in applications ANYWHERE except the beach of course.

Answer 6

the thing i hate most is that you have to rescue a 10-pound weight from the bottom of the 12-foot end of the pool. It's easier said than done.

Answer 7

If you can't swim well how do you expect to pull a 200lb man from the bottom of the pool?