A Crash Course In Becoming A Lifeguard

If you take to water like a fish, one of the best things you can do is find a job that lets you spend as much time in the water as you'd like. Becoming a lifeguard can be rewarding, and may teach you some skills that can be practical in your daily life. When you're thinking about becoming a lifeguard, you should know the strategies that'll pay off and help you make the most of the job. To get started, use these points to your advantage. 

Start Small And Work Your Way Up

There are several steps that you can take to becoming a lifeguard rather than jumping right into the deep end. Becoming a full-fledged lifeguard requires you to pass certifications and prove your capability. However, you can become a water ride attendant to get a feel for rescue while you study for the bigger certifications. In most cases, water ride attendants enforce safety rules and make rescues for shallow water rides. This can prepare you for the tougher challenge of rescuing people in deep water. In the meantime, you can also brush up on your swimming skills by taking classes, which generally cost between $20 per hour and $60 per hour. 

Buy The Equipment And Lifeguard Apparel That You Feel Comfortable Using

Once you become a lifeguard, you need to feel comfortable and alert so that you can do your job. A big part of this is wearing lifeguard apparel that is comfortable for you. You should shop for swimsuits or trunks that not only look great, but also fit comfortably, and allow you to swim to make the necessary rescues. You will also want to invest in a quality set of goggles that keep the water out of your eyes. The better the equipment and apparel, the better you'll be able to serve the pool or ride attendees.

Stay Sharp With Your Certifications And Skills

To become the best lifeguard you can be, you need to stay up-to-date with certifications. Your Red Cross certification lasts a certain number of years, so handle it well in advance. Stay up-to-date with lifeguard testing to make sure that you can not only swim the appropriate distances, and hold your breath during a timed test, but also learn important lifeguard skills, such as CPR and first aid. A refresher course doesn't hurt, so never shy away from continuing your education.

These tips will guide you as you set out to become a lifeguard.