Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
How to Become a Lifeguard
Many teens each year choose to become lifeguards as a way to earn money for the summer. But it is a very important responsibility, making sure that everyone in the pool enjoys the water and has a safe experience.
The American Red Cross has classes and training for lifeguards to become certified in swimming and lifeguarding to ensure that everyone stays safe. To be eligible, teens have to be at least 15 years old and have strong swimming skills. There are four different kinds of water training: pools, shallow water, water parks, and waterfront.
Lifeguard training teaches these skills:
- responsibilities of a lifeguard
- watching patrons for danger
- First aid and CPR/AED skills
- how to conduct a water rescue
Another American Red Cross course teaches children the skills to become a lifeguard when they are older. This program is for 11-14 year-olds to learn swimming and leadership skills that prepare them to take a Lifeguarding course when they are 15.
For parents who want to make sure their children are safe around their home pools and hot tubs, the American Red Cross offers a course.
This course teaches:
- Understanding the risks involved with having a home pool
- Maintaining a safe and clean pool
- Maintaining pool safety equipment
- Preventing pool and hot tub hazards
- Responding to an emergency in the pool or hot tub
Teens who are 16 years old and good swimmers can become a Water Safety Instructor, under another Red Cross program. This job prepares them to teach children and adults to swim and give presentations on water safety.
Red Cross courses train teens to be certified to teach
- Parent and Child Aquatics
- Preschool Aquatics
- Learn-to-Swim
- Safety Training for Swim Coaches
- Longfellow's WHALE Tales
- Water safety courses and presentations
Teens who are 17 years old and have Lifeguarding certification can become lifeguard instructors.
This training teaches:
- Lifeguarding (including First Aid)
- Shallow Water Attendant
- CPR/AED for Lifeguards
- Lifeguard Management
- Administering Emergency Oxygen
- Bloodborne Pathogens Training
- Basic Water Rescue
- Safety Training for Swim Coaches
When you are interviewing personal injury attorneys ask critical questions, like: how long have you been practicing; what is the largest settlement or verdict you've obtained, and do you have experience with injuries involving children? Kiley Law Group, located in Andover and Boston, Massachusetts takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent basis so there are NO FEES unless our trained Boston child injury lawyers wins your case. Call now for a FREE evaluation of your case – 1-888-208-1695.
