Summer is just around the corner, stockpiling the sunshine on the bright days by the pool or beach! For lifeguards, the whole portion of summer consists of returning to the golden responsibility of teaching people how to secure themselves in water and also dealing with emergencies whenever they arise. You must have a certification in lifeguarding to carry out your duty, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a rookie in the field.
This article will inform lifeguards of what to expect for this summer, give lifeguards an outline of the inevitable challenges that will be faced, and remind lifeguards of the types of serious investment training offered by reputable organizations such as the American Lifeguard Association will provide the foundation for endurance not only as a lifeguard but also as a member of a first response system.
The Increasing Need for Certified Lifeguards
With summer fast approaching, pools, water amusement parks, and beaches are preparing for an influx of patrons. Unfortunately, many of these facilities are having trouble finding qualified lifeguards. A lifeguard shortage means more job opportunities for those certified, but it also increases the responsibility.
Why Certifications Matter
A lifeguard certification means you have been trained in the skills necessary for the prevention of drowning, rescue, and first aid/CPR. Employers want to hire certified lifeguards because they know they have been through the process of learning. Organizations like the American Lifeguard Association offer training courses that provide skills in:
- Water rescues
- CPR/AED
- First aid for injuries
- Spinal injury
- Surveillance
Without certification, lifeguards may not be able to respond to emergencies, and lives are at risk.
Increased Awareness of Water Safety
Drowning cases have risen in recent years, causing communities to recognize water safety more than ever before. Lifeguards have taken a leading role in this effort and they are even responsible for educating the public as well as watching the water.
Keeping swimmers safe starts with clean water—learn how to keep your pool water crystal clear to support a safer, healthier swimming environment.
What will happen this summer?
- Enforcing rules – many facilities will enforce rules such as no-running, swim tests when entering deep water with children, and monitoring children much more closely.
- More safety campaigns – expect to see more posters, announcements and or even short safety talks delivered to visitors about swimming while unattended.
- More vigilance – swimming creates bigger crowds, requiring lifeguards to remain diligent at all times and scan the water continuously to observe potential hazards.
Lifeguards would likely have standard lifeguard training and certification Canada so we can be sure that they are well-trained in proactive safety measures by a recognized association such as the American Lifeguard Association.
Mental and Physical Readiness
Lifeguarding can be taxing on the body. Long periods of time in the sun, alertness, and dealing with emergencies often require mental focus and stamina.
Staying Physically Fit for the Job
- Swim – Lifeguards are expected to have excellent swimming skills to improve the efficiency of a rescue.
- Rescue practice – Practicing rescues with fellow guards or manikins can be helpful. Regularly working on saves and practicing skills will keep skills sharp.
- Build a cardiovascular base – Running and strength training can help prepare you to be physically ready for the job.
Mental Resilience
- Focus – Distractions can be dangerous. Lifeguards must be diligent about not using their phones and focusing on the task at hand. Lifeguards must minimize distractions.
- Stress management – In high-pressure situations, lifeguards need to be calm and steady as they make decisions. Training programs like those offered by the American Lifeguard Association have modules for stress management.
New Technologies and Safety Equipment
Emerging lifeguard technologies are transforming lifeguarding and how lifeguards supervise and act in emergencies.
What’s New for 2025?
- Drowning detection systems – Some pools are utilizing AI-based camera systems that alert lifeguards to potential drownings.
- Better rescue gear – Lightweight rescue tubes and buoyant fin designs allow lifeguards to get to victims quicker.
- Enhanced communication devices – Radios and earpiece communications help lifeguards connect quicker to each other and emergency services.
While new technologies and equipment can help with supervision, there’s not much that can replace a proper lifeguard. A lifeguard certification indicates that the lifeguard is well-versed in the correct use of technologies and gear.
Emergencies: What lifeguards must be prepared for
Every lifeguard hopes for a boring summer, but that spontaneous emergency can become a reality at any moment. Proper preparation is critical.
Common summer emergencies
- Drownings – Silent and fast, drownings require immediate action.
- Heat exhaustion and dehydration – Long hours in the sun can plague guards and swimmers.
- Spinal injuries – Diving improperly can create devastating accidents.
- First Aid – Cuts, scrapes, and even cardiac issues sprout up.
If within a proper lifeguard certification program participants learned to manage all the above scenarios, the lifeguard would be able to offer a complete response.
The Importance of Teamwork and Communication
Lifeguarding is not often a solitary position. Most lifeguard facilities have multiple guards, and they all rely heavily on each other to work effectively as a team.
Understanding Team Functions
- Changing roles – Guards are able to switch between actively observing, and engaged in first aid and rotations with cooperatively shared breaks.
- Effective Communication – Multiple means of communication using whistles, hand signals, and radios facilitate coordination of rescues.
- Having each other’s backs – With a good team, no individual is overpowered or overwhelmed.
Programs like the American Lifeguard Association emphasize teamwork so their lifeguards always operate as a single unit.
Advancement and Potential Career Opportunities
Lifeguarding should not just be viewed as a summer job—it is also a great place to mature into a career in emergency response (911) organizations, firefighting, and healthcare.
How Certification Helps
- Higher pay – Verified/Certified Lifeguards usually make a higher salary than guards and managers who take first aid or CPR classes.
- Leadership – Again, as guards gain experience they may have an opportunity to become ‘head guards’ or ‘leads’ or instructors.
- Networking – While working with professional organizations is developing and learning, there is also the opportunity to connect with organizations that offer further training and explore potential job openings.
Final Word: Are You Ready for Summer?
Most of the expectations that a lifeguard is assumed to manage during the summer will involve maintaining vigilance, going into shock mode, and, certainly, guarding the safety of the swimmers. Becoming a certified lifeguard from any reputable organization such as the American Lifeguard Association would probably be the best way to prepare.
This training, whether for the local pool or the busy beach, is going to make all the difference between a fun summer and a tragic one. So remain vigilant, stay certified, and make sure this summer will be your most wonderful experience yet.
Are you ready to get certified? Check out lifeguard training courses offered by the American Lifeguard Association in your area so that you can be prepared for what lies ahead. Your community will need you!
Davidblogs