You need to have a current lifeguard certification in order to work as a lifeguard. If your lifeguard certification has expired and is still in the grace period, you may be able to get new certification. If you want to return to a lifeguarding job, you need to apply for a new certification once that time has passed.
The lifeguard recertification courses are designed to update and refresh your lifeguarding skills and to make you more effective and acceptable for any aquatic facilities to be able to serve the people and save their lives.
The Requirements For Lifeguard Recertification
Lifeguard recertification classes are offered by the American Lifeguard Association throughout the year. You get a lifeguard certification when you complete your lifeguarding course, as well as certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid and automated external defibrillator (AED) use. The lifeguard certification is valid for two years and must be renewed before it expires. You can still get recertified after 30 days, but you have to start over once you pass the grace period.
You need to attend an American Lifeguard Association (ALA) lifeguarding review course in order to get a current lifeguard certification. The course takes 10 hours to complete. Lifeguarding skills will be reviewed, including recognizing when someone is in the water. The course includes first aid, cardiopulmonary, CPR and AED.
To get your lifeguard certification renewed for another two years, you need to pass the practical exam, as well as two written exams. Check your state’s regulations for additional requirements, as some states may require annual CPR training.
Lifeguard Certification Course
If your lifeguard certification expired more than 30 days ago, you need to take the full certification course to get the certification. The courses are 18 to 25 hours in length and can be done in person or partially online. Since it is assumed that the people in this course are only learning to be lifeguards, the courses offer more in-depth training on the same topics covered in the review course.
To get your certification, you will need to pass both the skills test and the written test. The American Lifeguard Association courses include two specialized lifeguarding options, along with the traditional lifeguarding course. There are different types of lifeguard courses offered by ALA for different types of water facilities. Lifeguards who work at facilities where the water is less than 5 feet deep are required to take the shallow-water lifeguarding course.
Prerequisites for Lifeguard Certification
You must be at least 15 years old to be a lifeguard. You must be a competent swimmer in order to take the test. The test has 2 minutes of treading water and a 300-yard swim. There is a timed event in this portion of the test. You need to swim 20 yards and dive to pick up a 10-pound weight at a depth of 7 to 10 feet. Bring the weight back to the start and exit the water. This test needs to be completed within a certain time limit.
The first year you pass, you will receive a certificate stating that you have passed your lifeguarding course. In the second year, you will receive a certificate stating that you have passed your lifeguarding refresher course.
Both certificates will be good for three years. If you want to renew your certificates, you can do so by taking the course every three years. If you are under 18, you cannot become a lifeguard without parental consent. You must also be at least 15 years old to become an assistant lifeguard.
Final Words:
The American Lifeguard Association is a reputed organization that offers lifeguard certification and lifeguard recertification courses throughout the year. It is been recognized on the national level as providing lifeguard courses that are equal to the standards of the Red Cross.
We have trained more than 250,000 lifeguards worldwide and providing lifeguard training for more than 30 years. We have renewed lifeguard certification with our lifeguard recertification courses that you need to continue to serve as a lifeguard.
If you are looking for the renewal of your lifeguard certification, contact us at any time of the year and we provide you with the lifeguard recertification courses at all times of the year.