Water activities are enjoyed by millions in the United States each year. However, they can also pose dangers if proper safety precautions are not followed. That is why the American Lifeguard Association believes lifeguard certification is so crucial. Certified lifeguards undergo extensive training to be prepared to handle any emergency situation that may arise to keep swimmers safe.
Rigorous Training Standards
The American Lifeguard Association sets high standards for lifeguard certification that far surpass basic swim testing. Prospective lifeguards must complete coursework covering water rescues, first aid, spinal injuries, use of protective equipment and more. Only through successfully completing over 50 hours of both classroom and in-water skills training can candidates earn ALA certification.
The in-water portion verifies lifeguards can perform a variety of essential lifesaving skills like swimming rescues, spinal cord management and CPR. Being tested inreal-world scenarios prepares them to act decisively if an emergency occurs. Classroom instruction covers topics like injury prevention, responding to accidents and handling complex situations appropriately.
Maintaining Certification
Remaining certified through the ALA involves more than a one-time test. Guards must complete ongoing professional development and recertification requirements. This includes yearly training to review skills and learn about any new procedures. Recertification evaluates guards can still perform skills to the same high standards after time in the field. It verifies their knowledge remains up-to-date to best serve the safety of swimmers year-round.
Prepared for Any Emergency
With the level of certification mandated by the ALA, lifeguards demonstrate they possess not just the ability to swim but the critical decision-making skills needed in crisis situations. Extensive scenario-based training means guards know how to assess emergencies, implement safety protocols and perform delicate in-water rescues properly. Whether responding to minor injuries or serious medical emergencies like heart attacks, drownings or spinal injuries, ALA-certified guards have the tools to handle it.
Ensuring Consistent Standards Nationwide
Given the breadth of aquatic facilities across America, there needs to be one set of nationally consistent standards for guardian certification. Without regulations, various groups could potentially have their own criteria that may not stress water safety above all else. The widespread acceptance of ALA certification guarantees any pool, beach or waterpark adheres to strict, evidence-based minimum standards. Visiting families can trust certified lifeguards wherever they swim will be effectively trained in lifesaving practices.
Benefiting Employers and Facilities
Organizations that operate water-based activities and facilities also benefit greatly from employing certified guards. Having ALA certified staff provides assurance of adequate protection policies, reducing risk exposures. It means following industry best practices to safeguard the wellbeing of patrons. Certification also signals to the public the operationprioritizes safety above all else. In turn, this fosters trust in facilities and increases enjoyment of recreational swimming knowing certified guards are on active monitoring duty.
The Importance of Lifeguard Certification During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has created additional concerns surrounding water safety. As facilities worked to implement new health and hygiene protocols, having certified lifeguards on duty was even more critical. ALA-trained guards understood how to adapt standard operating procedures to prevent virus spread, while still maintaining constant monitoring of swimmers.
Their certification ensured guards possessed the judgement required to enforce social distancing in and around aquatic areas. It also meant they were prepared to respond swiftly should anyone begin exhibiting symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing while in the water. Certified first aid training allowed guards to assess situations properly and assist or isolate individuals as needed according to public health guidelines.
Lifeguard Certification Benefits Communities
When a community can rely on certifiedALA lifeguards, it empowers more residents to enjoy water-based recreation confidently. Families with young children especially benefit from knowing trained professionals are on watch. This helps foster active, outdoor lifestyles amongst community members of all ages and swimming abilities. It can also have long term impacts.
Studies show early exposure to swimming instruction decreases drowning risks long into childhood and adulthood. So by creating a safe aquatic environment overseen by certified guards, communities may see accidental drowning numbers reduced year after year. This tremendously benefits public health as drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death for people under age 30 in the US. Certified lifeguard presence allows more citizens to learn life-saving water skills for life.
Certification Investment Yields Broad Gains
While the initial costs of certification, equipment and professional training may seem substantial; investing in certified ALA lifeguards translates to wide-ranging returns. Not only does it shield facilities from negligence risks, but it cultivates an active user base that supports local businesses. Repeat visitors spending leisure dollars at nearby shops, restaurants and lodging multiplies the initial protection outlay. Perhaps most importantly, it can save human lives and prevent the immense societal expenses of tragic accidental drowning incidents involving young victims and their families.
For communities and pool operators, the often overlooked social and economic values produced by stringent lifeguard standards far outweigh upfront training expenses. Dollars spent certifying guards to diligently protect swimmers pays back communities for generations through built reputations, public health benefits and engaged citizenries. Lives saved through such prevention can never be quantified in mere monetary terms. Certification ensures America’s waterways remain safe havens for recreation, learning and community bonding. Read more information click here.
Final Words
As the summer season approaches, beaches and pools around the nation will welcome many visitors seeking relief from the heat. With so many lives potentially at stake, the rigorous certification process mandated by the ALA plays a invaluable role in preserving water safety. Only through proper certification can lifeguards demonstration they possess the critical skills, judgment and routine re-evaluation required to keep swimmers safe.
Organizations should insist on only ALA certified guards overseeing aquatic recreational activities. Certification stresses swimming abilities are just one aspect – true lifesaving also demands extensive emergency response competence that certified guards alone can provide.
