How to Become a Lifeguard: Steps to Getting Lifeguard Certified

A lifeguard monitors a swimming area to ensure all visitors follow area safety rules. They also stay on the lookout for any safety emergencies, prepared to respond immediately if an issue arises.

A lifeguard generally has the following duties:

• Monitoring for safety risks or emergencies
• Responding to emergencies
• Using rescue equipment
• Providing first aid
• Enforcing safety protocol
• Delivering public safety information

Why a lifeguard’s job is so important

The sad reality is that thousands of people drown in the United States each year, and drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1–4 years old. As such, a lifeguard’s job is incredibly important for protecting public safety near water and water attractions.

Given the inherent seriousness of the job, lifeguarding is best suited to those who understand the gravity of the role, as well as those who are most physically and mentally fit for the responsibilities that come with protecting the public.

At what age can you be a lifeguard?

How old you have to be to become a lifeguard depends on the type of lifeguard certification you plan to get and where you plan to work. Most lifeguard certification programs have a minimum age requirement of 15 or 16 years old.

Employers may have their own separate requirements. For high-risk lifeguarding jobs, you may need to be at least 18 years old. This means it’s possible to have a lifeguard certification but not be old enough to get a job as a lifeguard.

How long does it take to get lifeguard certified?

While it depends on the individual certification, many courses take place over just a few days to a little over a week. You’ll often be expected to show up for in-person courses at set days and times but complete any online coursework ahead of time.

The exact requirements you’ll need to meet to become a lifeguard depend on where you work. For example, local governments have their own set of requirements and even training and testing programs for lifeguards working at government-run parks.

Likewise, sports and fitness centers can have a wide range of requirements. Regardless of where you plan to work, there are a few core requirements you’ll likely need to meet. Here’s an overview of what you need to start your lifeguarding career.

Swimming skills

It’s a given that you’ll need strong swimming skills to become a lifeguard. Different environments require different skill sets and swimming ability levels.

For example, you’ll need very strong swimming skills to lifeguard at a beach with rough ocean water. On the other hand, lifeguarding at a wading pool doesn’t require strong swimming schools, and the emphasis is more on other lifeguarding skills.

Certifying agencies and employers have strict requirements when it comes to your swimming skills. Usually, candidates must pass a series of tests to demonstrate their swimming capabilities.

If you’re wondering whether you’re a good enough swimmer to become a lifeguard, put your skills to the test by trying to meet the certification prerequisites. Generally speaking, you should have no problem swimming multiple laps without stopping, treading water without your hands, and diving to the bottom of a pool.

Observational skills

Lifeguards need to be excellent swimmers, but that’s not all—they also need to be able to predict and prevent potential emergencies as well as communicate effectively with both other lifeguards and the people under their protection.

Observational skills are among the most important skills for a lifeguard to have. Depending on the situation, you may need to observe large crowds across a large area. You also need to be able to spot potential hazards before they give rise to an emergency situation.

Knowledge of relevant safety protocol

To get lifeguard certified and become a lifeguard, you need to undergo specialized training. By completing a lifeguard course, you’ll acquire important foundational knowledge on how to respond to different types of emergencies.

While safety protocol will differ according to the environment, a lifeguard should be knowledgeable about water safety in general as well as safety protocol for their particular setting, whether that’s a beach, water park, community pool, or other aquatic environment.

Understanding of environmental factors

Whenever lifeguarding outdoors, environmental factors such as currents and weather can greatly impact swimmers’ safety. A lifeguard should understand all applicable environmental factors at play and how they could pose a potential danger to the public.

Good cardiovascular fitness

Lifeguarding is a profession that has certain physical requirements. Strong swimming requires a high level of cardiovascular fitness. When you’re lifeguarding, there’s no time to take a break during an emergency.

You’ll want to be in tip-top cardiovascular shape before pursuing a gig as a lifeguard to ensure you can achieve a fast response time in the event a swimmer needs to be rescued. While the physical requirements for lifeguarding do exclude some people from pursuing this line of work, don’t be discouraged if you’re still building up your fitness.

Large lung capacity

A large lung capacity isn’t just necessary for being able to hold your breath while swimming. Increased lung capacity can also help you run and swim faster, allowing you to reach those in need more quickly.

Lifeguarding and CPR certifications

It’s up to your employer to decide what you need to become a lifeguard. Generally speaking, you’ll need a lifeguard certification as well as certifications in CPR, first aid, and AED.

Some lifeguard training programs include CPR, first aid, and AED training in their curriculum. In other cases, you may need to acquire these certifications separately. Thankfully, it’s pretty quick, easy, and cheap to get CPR certified.

In addition to CPR training, you also need lifeguarding-specific training. Some employers provide their own lifeguard training and certification programs, whereas others will require you to get certified with a lifeguard organization.

If you think lifeguarding is a good fit for you, here’s how to get certified so you can land your first lifeguarding job.

1. Decide where you want to work

There are several different types of lifeguard certifications out there, and which one you should get depends on where you want to work. For example, you’ll need very different training to work in an open-water setting than at a pool or at a water park.

Here are a few examples of places you can work as a lifeguard:

• Public swimming pools
• Beaches
• Water parks
• Resorts
• Private country clubs or athletic clubs
• Summer camps
• Cruise ships
• University or school pools
• Military bases
• Rehabilitation or therapy pools

If you have a particular employer in mind, start by finding out what their preferred certification is. Some employers offer their own training programs. This is common if you want to work for your local government.

On the other hand, if you’re not quite sure yet where you want to work or you want a certification that will allow you to do lots of different types of jobs, then a safe bet is going for an American Red Cross lifeguarding certification. This is the most common lifeguard certification in the US.

2. Choose a lifeguard training program

Training courses may take place in person or as a mix of in-person and online classes. More course hours are expected for more comprehensive certifications, but expect about 25 to 40 hours of coursework covering lifeguarding skills, first aid, CPR, AED, and more.

Top Lifeguard Certification Programs

3. Get physically prepared

Many lifeguard certification programs recommend you check with your healthcare provider before pursuing certification, as they can determine whether or not you’re currently physically fit enough to be a lifeguard. If your health care provider determines you aren’t currently fit to work as a lifeguard, adjust your fitness regimen to meet the appropriate standards later.

After getting approval from your doctor, ensure you can meet your chosen certification program’s initial swimming requirements. We’ll cover these prerequisites in greater detail below.

4. Complete a qualifying pre-test

Once you feel physically prepared and capable of pursuing your chosen certification, sign up for that certification’s pre-test or qualifying test (if required). If you pass the pre-test, you will then be able to continue on to lifeguard training courses.

Prerequisites for Different Lifeguard Certifications

Sources: Red Cross, Ellis & Associates, YMCA.

5. Pass a written test and practical test

Many courses include a written test at the end of your program. You must meet the minimum score required to pass the written test. If you do not receive a qualifying score, you may be permitted to take the test again.

For example, the Red Cross requires you to take one final written exam consisting of 50 questions and score a minimum of 80%.

After you pass the written test, you’ll take a practical test, which usually requires reacting to a series of staged scenarios, in the water, proving you have the necessary skills to carry out a rescue within the real world.

Some certification programs may also require you to take a CPR and/or AED test. If you pass all of the required tests, you will receive the program’s certification.

Working as a lifeguard can be a fun, fulfilling side hustle or seasonal gig, but it’s also a very serious job. Additionally, if you’re not in peak physical form and don’t already have strong swimming skills, you might find that the time required to prepare for even just the certification pre-entrance exam is not worth it.

However, if you’re looking for an important job where you get to be by the water and around others, often in a fun environment, you may love lifeguarding. If you’re a strong swimmer and have strong leadership and communication skills as well, you may just find lifeguarding is your perfect fit.

Pros and cons of becoming a lifeguard

Before enrolling in a lifeguard course, weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of a lifeguarding career.

Alternative side hustles

If becoming a lifeguard seems like too much pressure and responsibility, or if you just want to explore other fun summer side hustles or similar jobs, there are a few other professions you might want to consider:

• Swim teacher: If you already have strong swimming skills, then another way to profit from them is to provide swimming lessons. You can teach swim classes or offer private tutoring.
• CPR instructor: Teaching CPR is another way to play a role in safeguarding the lives of the public. One benefit of this side hustle is that you can actually get certified as a CPR instructor very quickly, and it’s a lot less pressure than lifeguarding.
• Camp counselor: There aren’t many requirements for becoming a camp counselor, and it’s another fun way to get paid to spend time outdoors. You could even work at a swim camp and get to supervise and take part in aquatic activities.

These jobs all share some of the benefits of lifeguarding, minus some of the drawbacks. Which side hustle is best for you ultimately depends on your ideal work environment as well as how much time and money you’re willing to sacrifice to get qualified.