Becoming a beach lifeguard requires meeting the standards set by the USLA, including swimming ability, physical stamina, and first aid and CPR training. Aspiring lifeguards can improve their chances by practicing swimming and improving their physical fitness.
When people go to the beach to enjoy the sun and surf, a lifeguard is responsible for keeping them safe. The ocean can be a dangerous place, with rough tides, dangerous marine life and crashing waves. A beach lifeguard’s job is to make sure people enjoy their time safely in and out of the water. As this type of work is demanding, the candidate must meet certain standards before he can become a beach lifeguard.
Anyone wishing to become a beach lifeguard must meet the requirements set forth by the USLA (United States Lifesaving Association). This organization was created to ensure the well-being of those who work and play in and around water. One of the first requirements candidates must meet is the ability to swim quickly over short distances. For example, people who want to become lifeguards on the beach must first have the ability to swim 500 meters in 500 minutes in no more than ten minutes.
A potential beach lifeguard must not only be a strong swimmer, but must also have the physical stamina to perform this important job. Physical responsibilities include the ability to travel long distances quickly and lift, drag, or pull heavy objects. Beach lifeguards must also possess excellent eyesight and hearing. These two qualities are important because lifeguards need to be able to see and hear any signs that swimmers may be in danger.
Anyone wishing to become a beach lifeguard must successfully complete first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training. Those chosen for additional training will also learn how to rescue people in open water and the proper use of water rescue equipment.
Aspiring beach lifeguards who want to increase their chances of being accepted as a lifeguard can take steps to improve their physical fitness and swimming ability. For example, they might strive to eat a healthier diet. A balanced diet will improve the body’s performance and perhaps help the candidate do well on a physical fitness test.
Another way to train for a beach lifeguard test is to practice swimming in the ocean, becoming comfortable with the open water and the skills needed to swim safely in it. Using kickboards and pulling floaties at the local pool can help build upper body and leg strength, another way to improve swimming skills. Swimming in timed pool races can also help would-be lifeguards improve their ability to swim short distances quickly. It is no simple task to become a beach lifeguard, but those who are determined to enter this demanding field can achieve their goals through hard work and dedication.
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