Become A Summer Lifeguard
Become A Summer Lifeguard
This summer, you will learn to save lives!
Are you ready for the opportunity of a lifetime? Are you excited about the potential that summer lifeguarding has to offer? If your answer is yes, read on and learn how to get started on this exciting career path.
Here are some fun facts about what we do:
-In 2018 there were over 20 million people registered with one of the 18 recognized national lifeguard systems in North America. -Lifeguards have 2 major missions: prevent accidents and promote health and safety.
-There are over 4 million reported water related injuries per year in United States alone. -In the United States, the average loss per claim for water recreation injuries is 74% higher than for other types of accidents.
-The fatality rate for water-related accidents is almost 4 times that of other recreational activities.
-Lifeguards save people in distress every day. Usually they're doing this as part of a group effort involving emergency medical personnel, police, and other lifeguards. We also spend a lot of time working with children and adults practicing swimming skills and teaching water safety principles. We usually do this during organized swim lessons and swim team practice sessions.
-We work within a recognized national lifeguard system. This means that we have the same rights and privileges, and the same responsibilities as any other federal or state employee.
-You won't find much information about us on TV or in movies. That's because we don't start with heroics, but with training and education. We're not rescues waiting to happen; rather, we're calm, prepared professionals helping people learn to enjoy the water safely.
WHAT TO WEAR
The first question is what to wear for your swim test. The is a wide variety of approved lifeguard clothing. Many lifeguards wear wetsuits which keep them warm and dry. You can also wear a T-shirt, rash guard or tank top, long pants and flip flops. Remember that you need to be smart about what you wear for your work. Wear the same clothing everyday so everyone knows you're a lifeguard.
A SUMMER OF LEARNING
Every summer, thousands of teenagers sign up to become lifeguards. This training is offered through accredited courses at community colleges and state parks across the country. The entry level course is free, but course costs vary by area and types of programs offered. Lifeguarding courses can be taken at community colleges and in state park districts.
The actual course work varies from area to area, but usually it is about 80 hours over a two week period. The course is usually divided into two primary sections: theory and practical skills. Lifeguard training includes CPR certification, aquatic injury prevention and rescue skills, legal responsibilities of lifeguards, rescue breathing and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
A summer-long commitment is required if you wish to become a lifeguard. Most regions require that you pass a swim test before the start the class. You will also need to show that you can swim 300 meters in under 8 minutes and tread water for 2 minutes.
The lifeguard training class is a lot of fun and a great way to meet new people. You'll learn how to save lives, prepare you for CPR certification, provide assistance with medical emergencies, perform rescues and much more. Be ready though; the class can be challenging mentally and physically.
A NEW CAREER OPPORTUNITY
Once the course is completed you are eligible for employment as a lifeguard at local pools and beaches. This is a great place to start your career as a lifeguard because it offers many different types of activities that you may not have experienced in school or in other leisure activities. You can save lives, teach swimming lessons and perform other types of lifeguard duties.
Lifeguarding is interesting, challenging and fun. It also offers a lot of benefits that are hard to find with any other job. For example, you will have the opportunity to travel since many cities and towns have water activities like surfing, swimming, paddle boarding and scuba diving. You will get the chance to meet new people who share your interests or goals in life.
You will learn how to help those who are injured or hurt when they are in the water or require assistance on land. You will also be expected to provide directions to help others who need help finding the right area, or if there's an emergency.
Lifeguarding is a career path that offers education, training and work experience that are perfect for you. This can be a perfect opportunity for a college student looking to get experience in the real world while they are still in school.
DEVELOP A CAREER THAT CAN LAST A LIFETIME
Lifeguarding can last a lifetime! After graduation many stay with the lifeguard groups and handle different roles such as working as trainers or management staff. Some even start their own agencies which covers the entire region. Others go on to become lifeguards at private agencies. If you have the desire and the ambition you can have a long, successful future as a lifeguard.
Sources:
-http://www.seniorplanet.org/learn/articles/9-great-jobs
-http://www.myfuturenet.com/careers/learn_about_a_career_in_the_safety_field
-https://www.safetyspecialistdirectory.com/safety-careers/specialist-safety-field.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw6O7NBRBvEiwAlfs8DwoM0UtyV7kfR0W_m6UQa6zmaUNncYlHXq3l8gVLUBRa1bhcFv1EALw_wcB
-https://www.inc.com/guides/20-best-jobs-2012/.
Teaching is a very rewarding job and it can be a great source of income as well.
Conclusion:
If you have already decided to study at a HEG, be careful not to choose a school with insufficient training. Some schools are very good in teaching, but do not provide enough practical skills for the year and job market you can find later. So it is important that you take into consideration your future career choice and the employers you will deal with. Try to choose a school which has adequate practical training and that can help both in university itself and afterwards in the job market. If you want to work abroad after graduation, a HEG is probably the best choice for you.