The article you are reading is aimed at those who are interested in obtaining the qualification for the profession of a lifeguard, even if only as an occasional seasonal job and in some aspects “vacation”, perhaps in a pleasant accommodation facility.
Who has never dreamed of exploring the white beaches of “Baywatch” to save bathers in difficulty? The Italian landscape will not be so romantic, there will be no watchtowers, but the lifeguard remains one of the most fun, important and rewarding roles to play in the summer season even in our peninsula. And yes, even tiring!
The professional figure of the lifeguard: who is he?
Let’s quickly introduce what the lifeguard does in professional terms: he is the figure who watches over the safety of people of all ages who frequent swimming pools, bathing establishments, the sea or the lake. He is also called bathers’ assistant, precisely because he gives assistance to those who are in danger in the water (and not only). He consequently has the knowledge and First Aid Certification towards he assisted him.
The duties of the lifeguard are:
- Prevent possible accidents in the water or come forward if they occur, implementing those rescue and first aid techniques acquired during the training course.
- Monitor bathing activities by being aware of the behaviour of swimmers.
- Apply the ordinances of the Harbor Master’s Office or the swimming pool regulations by means of signs or warning signs, and ensure that they are respected.
- In swimming pools: check the quality of the water daily by checking the level of chlorine introduced and the PH (the lifeguard has the task of always keeping the values at the average level), as well as checking the hygienic conditions of the whole environment.
- Very often he has duties of managing beach equipment, cleaning, customer assistance, and surveillance.
- Maintain relations with the Harbor Master’s Office so that all emergencies and checks take place with total collaboration on the part of both figures.
How to become a lifeguard Lifeguard license
It is therefore easy to understand how the profession of lifeguard requires skills to be acquired through special training courses, which will have as their central topic the notions on how to intervene in an appropriate way to the safety and help of swimmers in case of danger.
It is then necessary to take a theoretical and a practical exam, in order to certify the skills acquired and thus obtain the qualification. The qualification for the profession of a lifeguard is issued by the National Salvation Society or by the Italian Swimming Federation, rescue section.
Lifeguard: Requirements And Skills Required
Anyone can become a lifeguard. You have to be at least 16 years old to be registered for lifeguard training and above all to be in possession of excellent psychophysical and swimming skills.It is also necessary to have strong observation qualities of the surrounding environment and to be sufficiently alert to notice any type of emergency.
In detail, personal skills are required such as open-mindedness, versatility and above all self-confidence, as well as interpersonal skills to coordinate and communicate with others. Finally, specific skills are required such as notions of meteorology, first aid, seafaring techniques and knowledge of the legislative part.
Also Find Out: ALA lifeguard classes near me
Lifeguard: career prospects for the lifeguard?
It is not a profession in which there are many opportunities for a career. The most important step is certainly to move from seasonal work (as is usually the case at the beginning), to permanent employment, perhaps alternating between summer structures and covered structures.
The difficulties lie in the low demand for lifeguards outside the summer season. Opportunities to improve your conditions can be obtained by being hired by more prestigious structures, such as spas or luxury hotels. Often you can take on management roles within a structure over time, especially if large and complex, for example by moving from a simple lifeguard to the head of the rescue department of a large holiday village, or perhaps making a career in other sectors of the same structure. , thus abandoning the red undershirt.
That of the lifeguard is however a profession to be undertaken with the utmost seriousness because you have the responsibility for the safety of the swimmers: know well that you can have criminal responsibility in case of failure to promptly rescue, but that’s enough with the alarming news, let’s come to one of the most pleasant aspects of being a lifeguard, especially on a crowded summer beach: you are in contact, the centre of attention of many people, with great opportunities to socialize and have fun!
Where to Get Lifeguard Training From
If you are interested, in all the seaside resorts there are many associations that organize the lifeguard training. The American Lifeguard Association is offering lifeguard training programs ranging from basic levels to advanced levels. we suggest you contact the bodies that carry out lifeguard training near you in your city, in the swimming pools in your area or directly The American Lifeguard Association.
Alternatively, you can consult the website of The American Lifeguard Association to find a program of lifeguard training near your: you will find training courses, practical and theoretical tests to be taken and all useful information for this profession.
