As summer nears, so does the excitement for hot sunny days spent lazing around by the pool and frolicking at the beach. To lifeguards, however, the season signals the busiest point of the calendar. Among the many responsibilities included in the job are the safety of swimmers, emergencies, and watchful eye over water.
Importance of Lifeguard Recertification
Before everything consolidates, however, at this time of the year, it is important for lifeguards to take stock of their skills: Lifeguard recertification is not just a formality; it is just a process by which a lifeguard is prepared to handle any eventuality.
This article explores why lifeguard recertification matters, what it has to offer, and how the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) can help keep you at the top of your game.
Why Lifeguard recertification Matters
Being a lifeguard is an exacting profession that demands a combination of physical fitness, technical knowledge, and quick decision-making abilities. No matter how experienced a lifeguard may become, there is always a chance that they will begin to “rust” over time as they are not trained in the current safety protocols.
The recertification process is that of renewing your lifeguard certification and typically consists of refreshing some skills and learning new techniques along with being able to demonstrate those under stress.
Here are some of the main reasons why lifeguard recertification is necessary:
1. Up-To-Date with Safety Protocols: Water safety guidelines and rescue techniques evolve at some point. Recertification guarantees that you know the latest best practices and protocols.
2. Keep Up the Physical Ability: Lifeguarding demands that strength, endurance, and agility be present. Again, recertification takes account of your physical abilities to prove that you are still able to do first aid and rescue work.
3. Confidence Enhancement: Knowing that your skills are up to date and that you’ve done recertification successfully can provide the confidence necessary to handle emergencies effectively.
4. Meets Legal and Employer Requirements: Most states and employers require lifeguards to maintain current certification. Recertification keeps your record up to date with such regulations.
5. Better Professionalism: Certification is a show of how committed you are to your role as a lifeguard and keeping the public safe.
What is involved in rehiring a lifeguard for recertification?
Most likely, lifeguard recertification from ALA is both theory and practical oriented which may change according to the certifying agency; yet, most programs have common areas covered as follows:
1. CPR and First Aid Skills: CPR and first aid skills must ideally be in place with the lifeguard. The recertification classes normally include a hands-on component and testing to assure that you can delivery life saving techniques in the right manner.
2. Water Rescue Skills: From active victim rescues to pool side passive victim recoveries, there are several lifeguard rescue methods. Most recertification courses review these techniques and provide practice opportunities in a controlled environment.
3. Emergency Action Plans: Most of the emergencies that lifeguards need to learn to deal with include spinal injury incidents, drowning incidents and extreme weather. It will make sure that you know all the appropriate steps that have to be taken in such cases.
4. Monitoring and Prevention: The lifeguarding role essentially consists of preventing an emergency before it has occurred. Therefore, the course for recertification will be centered on how effective a guard has been in using effective surveillance, assaying risks, and showing communication.
5. Fitness Tests: Lifeguard must pass the tests of physical fitness which includes timed swims and rescue simulations, to show their readiness for the job.
American Lifeguard Association in Lifeguard recertification
The American Lifeguard Association is the most reputed organization regarding lifeguard training and recertification. With the ALA having so many decades of experience in this matter and ensuring excellence at all levels, it naturally comes up with a program that is complete, practical, and very specific in equipping lifeguards with the abilities to save lives.
The following points show why ALA is a trusted name in lifeguard recertification:
1. National Recognition of Certification: Under ALA, certificates are issued across the United States, therefore making possible for state and employer requirement compliance by lifeguards.
2. Options for Training: The ALA offers both in-person and online training options, allowing lifeguards to choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning preferences.
3. Experienced Instructors: ALA courses are taught by experienced instructors, whose real-world knowledge and expertise carry over into the teaching process.
4. Curriculum that is All-Embracing: The ALA guarantees all recertification courses provide all generic skills and areas of knowledge that will equip lifeguards in preparation for the challenges of the job.
5. Avenues for Prevention: Prevention and proactive surveillance is important, so the ALA helps lifeguards understand how to reduce emergency incidences.
6. Ongoing Support: The ALA further offers resourceful avenues and tips to lifeguards even after the end of certification, helping them stay informed and prepared throughout the season.
Overview: Lifeguard Certification Renewal as a Lifelong Commitment
Complex beyond just fulfilling obligations, lifeguard recertification means one’s lifelong commitment to safety and professionalism. While maintaining an active status as a certified lifeguard, I am safeguarding myself and my career, as well as the safety and well-being of the people whose safety I oversee. It is in the community pool, waterparks, and beaches where I am able to channel all of my abilities and vigilance to a greater cause.
Summarizing
Lifeguarding is an incredibly fulfilling, yet demanding, profession that requires being vigilance at all times, quick decision making, and constant development. So when going through the process of lifeguard recertification, I recognize that it is a formal process toward ensuring you are ready and prepared to save a life. As an American Lifeguard Association partner, you will benefit from our world-class lifeguard training, and have the best information to succeed.
Therefore, before the summer really gets rolling, take some time to evaluate your skills, recertify, and recommit to water safety. After all, the people you save will at least be someone’s loved ones, and that is the greatest responsibility!
