First-Time Lifeguard? Here’s How to Prepare for 2025 Classes
First-Time Lifeguard? Here’s How to Prepare for 2025 Classes
Blog Article
Starting your journey to becoming a lifeguard can be exciting, empowering, and a little nerve-wracking. Whether you’re planning to work at a beach, pool, or waterpark, being a lifeguard comes with serious responsibility—and the right preparation is key.
As 2025 approaches, many first-time lifeguards are signing up for training programs. If you’re one of them, this guide will help you get mentally, physically, and practically prepared for your upcoming class.
1. Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before stepping into any Lifeguard training program, it’s crucial to understand what the role of a lifeguard involves. Lifeguards are not just poolside observers—they are safety professionals trained in surveillance, risk prevention, and emergency response.
What to expect:
Monitoring swimmers to prevent accidents.
Performing rescues and administering first aid or CPR.
Enforcing facility rules to maintain safety.
Staying alert and focused during long shifts.
Understanding the gravity of these duties will help you mentally prepare and take your training seriously from day one.
2. Meet the Prerequisites
Most lifeguard training classes have specific entry requirements. These are designed to ensure that candidates have the basic physical capabilities needed to handle real-life rescue situations.
Common prerequisites include:
Minimum age (typically 15 or older).
Ability to swim a certain distance (e.g., 300 yards continuously).
Treading water for two minutes using legs only.
Timed brick retrieval from a depth of 7-10 feet.
It’s a good idea to practice these skills beforehand. If you’re not a strong swimmer yet, consider enrolling in swim lessons or practicing at a local pool.
3. Improve Physical Fitness
Lifeguarding is a physically demanding job. From swimming against strong currents to pulling someone out of the water, your body needs to be in shape.
Training focus areas:
Cardiovascular endurance – Swimming laps, jogging, or cycling.
Muscle strength – Especially upper body and core.
Flexibility and mobility – Stretching and bodyweight exercises.
Breath control – Practice holding your breath underwater safely.
Start working out at least 4-6 weeks before your class to build the stamina needed for your training sessions and future job performance.
4. Study Basic First Aid and CPR
While you’ll be taught CPR and first aid during your lifeguard class, it helps to familiarize yourself with the basics ahead of time. This will give you an advantage and allow you to focus more on hands-on learning during the course.
Topics to review:
Adult, child, and infant CPR.
Choking response techniques.
AED (Automated External Defibrillator) use.
Bleeding control and bandaging.
Recognizing signs of heat stroke, hypothermia, and drowning.
There are many free resources and videos online to get you started.
5. Prepare Mentally for High-Pressure Situations
Lifeguards must stay calm under pressure. Being mentally prepared can make a big difference in your confidence and performance during both training and actual emergencies.
Tips to build mental readiness:
Visualize emergency scenarios and how you’d respond.
Practice mindfulness or stress management techniques.
Get plenty of rest before training days.
Stay positive, focused, and committed.
Mental sharpness is just as important as physical ability when lives are at stake.
6. Get the Right Gear
Being well-equipped for training helps you stay focused and comfortable. Check with your training provider about what to bring, but here are some common essentials:
Training gear checklist:
Athletic one-piece swimsuit or board shorts.
Swim goggles (optional, but helpful for pool training).
Towel, water bottle, and healthy snacks.
Notebook and pen for taking notes.
Change of clothes and personal hygiene items.
Staying hydrated and fueled will help you perform at your best throughout the day.
7. Arrive Early and Be Engaged
The attitude you bring to your lifeguard class plays a big role in your success. Show up early, stay engaged, and be respectful to instructors and peers. Take notes, ask questions, and participate actively in all drills.
Why it matters:
Instructors notice effort and professionalism.
You’ll retain more information when actively involved.
Teamwork is a big part of lifeguarding—start building those habits now.
Training is your foundation. The better you prepare and participate, the more confident and capable you’ll be on duty.
8. Commit to Continuous Learning
Lifeguarding isn’t a one-time certification—it’s an ongoing responsibility. Even after passing your class, continue to practice, refresh your skills, and stay updated on safety protocols and rescue techniques.
Post-certification tips:
Attend recertification classes on time.
Join lifeguard forums or groups to stay informed.
Review your training materials periodically.
Stay fit and alert during your time off.
Being a great lifeguard means committing to excellence every day, not just during training.
Final Thoughts
Starting as a first-time lifeguard in 2025 is an admirable step toward protecting others and building your own leadership skills. By preparing in advance—both physically and mentally—you set yourself up for success in your class and future role.
Take it seriously, stay motivated, and remember: the skills you’re about to learn could save lives. That’s a powerful responsibility—and an even more powerful opportunity.
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