Your Role as a Lifeguard
A lifeguard's job is precisely related to guarding and protecting lives in case there is a life threatening situation on beachside or poolside. A lifeguard needs to be prepared always as they never know when a dangerous situation may arise. You need to be on the beach side or pool side all the time. They can be spotted on beach sides sitting on a tall chair. Their main job is to stay alert and rescue anyone that is in danger and provide first aid. They also need to clean the pool and bathrooms at times. Lifeguards also add chlorine or any other chemicals in the water as required. They stop people from going into deep waters and warn them about the dangers.
Requirements to Be a Life Guard
The minimum requirement to qualify as a lifeguard is the Lifesaving Certificate, preferably from the Red Cross that is a proof of one's training in the field. No candidate is eligible without proper training to be a lifeguard. You must have a certification in Lifeguard Training, CPR and First Aid. Most importantly you need to be an excellent swimmer with knowledge about water safety.
A lifeguard needs to be someone with a quick response ability as this is a job that leaves no room for delay and slack. Lives are at stake and a person's fate can change in an instant if action is not taken immediately. These skills are not restricted to lifeguards at beaches but for lifeguards employed at any place where swimming is open to the public, like pools, youth associations, athletic associations, municipal recreational departments, schools, hotels and private swim clubs as well. Knowledge of first aid like CPR, which is artificial respiration, is of utmost importance. A keen observant eye to notice rough play or other dangerous objects in the waters is also highly important.
A lifeguard is not required to go in alone in case of trouble but also is required to watch and warn those who might be getting themselves into a dangerous situation that could lead to an accident. Lifeguards are required to be physically fit. During training for this summer employment, every lifeguard goes through the exact training at that particular level as anyone from other age groups as well. CPR and first aid is given along with other water safety training that includes rule enforcement and water surveillance. In case of pool lifeguards, the primary duty that they are trained for is water surveillance along with rule enforcement. They, however, have some secondary duties like chemical testing of the swimming pool water, cleaning and vacuuming the pool, cleaning bathrooms, in-service training to practice lifeguard skills learned, daily reports of daily duties and ensuring clean and safe facilities are provided to the patrons.
As a lifeguard, it is quite obvious that one cannot be a beginner in swimming. You need to have at least a few years experience of intense swimming even if for recreation. If you have participated in swim meets for high school and college then that adds to your resume. You need to be a frequent swimmer and constantly in touch with swimming.
Finding Lifeguard Jobs
Qualified lifeguards can become swimming instructors with a little experience in the field. Those who have experience in this regard and have learned the techniques involved in running a swimming pool can then advance to become pool operators. In many states, pool operators need to have a pool operator's card, which is a certification that they are well aware of the basic principles involved in pool sanitation. With the expansion in recreational and tourist facilities, there are now many openings available for lifeguards. However, at resorts, the low payment per hour basis has made it difficult for them to fill the lifeguard positions available. But at establishments that pay highly, the competition for these jobs have become keen. And with experience comes the power to negotiate for higher payments.
For a part time job, a lifeguard's earning potential is limited. Also, based on the location, salary varies. Indoor pools in clubs and big hotels usually pay much higher wages as compared to beaches as they are open only during the summer. Experienced lifeguards, of course, earn a little more than those fresh out of training. Average salary of a lifeguard is about $25,000 per year. Teenagers might be paid little less.
The ability to save lives is paramount in life guarding. They are responsible for preventing life threatening situations from occurring. This job is definitely exciting and if you enjoy the water you will not find yourself complaining at any point.
