Becoming a lifeguard is an rewarding career that allows you to help others while earning a nice paycheck. The American Lifeguard Association is the premier certifying body for lifeguards in the United States. While they offer classes nationwide, it’s understandable to want training located close to home for convenience. This article will provide proven strategies for finding ALA lifeguard classes in your local area.
Search the Class Schedule
The best first step is exploring the comprehensive class listing on the ALA website. You can search by your 5-digit zip code or city to view upcoming courses near you. Many classes take place on weekends to accommodate student schedules. Be sure to check back periodically, as new sessions are regularly added. You may be surprised at what popped up in your own backyard!
Ask Local Pools and Community Centers
Aquatic facilities certified by the ALA commonly host entry-level lifeguard classes. Reach out to pools, waterparks and community recreation centers near your residence. They can inform you if any classes will run through their location. These on-site courses minimize your travel time. Some establishments may even provide a small discount for students.
Inquire with Local High Schools and Colleges
Secondary and post-secondary schools sometimes coordinate lifeguard courses for credit or community outreach. Speak with your guidance counselor, wellness department or physical education teachers about potential partnerships with the ALA. This can offer a low-cost path for certification while fulfilling an educational requirement.
Search “Lifeguard Classes Near Me” Online
Google and other search engines make it effortless to hunt for lifeguard training in your neighborhood. Use the targeted keyword phrase lifeguard classes near me followed by your city or zip code to filter results specifically to your area. Be sure any listings returned are official ALA providers to ensure proper certification upon completion.
Check Social Media Announcements
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram provide an additional platform for ALA instructors and aquatic facilities to promote upcoming classes. Follow hashtags like #ALAtraining or #lifeguardcertification to stay informed on local opportunities through social channels. Some last-minute programs may only be shared via these real-time updates.
Funding Your Training
While many people view becoming a certified lifeguard as an excellent first job or summer opportunity for teens and college students, the certification course and fees can present an initial investment. This is where resources from the American Lifeguard Association come in handy.
Scholarships for Qualified Applicants
The ALA offers multiple scholarship opportunities for individuals interested in lifeguard certification who demonstrate true financial need or community service passion. Scholarship awards help cover a portion of training costs. Applications are accepted year-round for the next available course at https://americanlifeguard.com/.
Work-Study Program Partnerships
Partner aquatic facilities of the ALA frequently hire new lifeguard certification students as work-study participants. This allows candidates to earn wages assisting with light facility duties like cleaning in exchange for financial reimbursement of their course fees upon successful certification. Candidates should inquire with any ALA facility they may complete training at regarding work-study availability.
Crowdfunding Campaign Assistance
For students who exhaust all other funding options, the ALA can provide guidance and promotion support for small crowdfunding campaigns. With help sharing their goals of becoming a lifeguard on the ALA’s large social media platforms, many candidates have successfully raised the small amounts needed through their local networks.
Preparing for Success
Once you’ve located the perfect lifeguard class near you, it’s important to go into the training properly prepared to maximize your chances of certification success. Here are some key tips recommended by ALA instructors:
Get in Swim Shape
While you don’t need to be an Olympic athlete, coming into a lifeguard class in good physical condition will serve you well. Aim to swim 1000 yards continuously using front crawl and backstroke before the course. Building your endurance makes the rigorous skills evaluations less stressful.
Brush Up on Water Safety Knowledge
Familiarize yourself with basic water safety concepts like universal distress signals, CPR procedures, and first aid techniques prior to day one. The ALA has helpful study guides online. Coming prepared puts you ahead of the learning curve in the classroom sections.
Have the Required Equipment
Most importantly, don’t forget your swimsuits, goggles and towel! Also confirm if the class requires any specific gear like fins, rescue tubes or whistles which can usually be purchased through the ALA’s website if needed. Arriving with all items saves scrambling last minute.
Contact Instructors with Questions
Instructors want you to succeed and are happy to answer any questions to help put your mind at ease. If review of any skills like spinal management or in-water rescues would be reassuring, just ask your instructor for guidance or schedule extra practice time. Read more information click here.
The American Lifeguard Association: Still Committed to safety
Through these recommended steps, you’ll be able to locate an official lifeguard certification course offered in close proximity, maximizing convenience. The ALA strives to make training accessible nationwide to develop another generation of skilled lifeguards committed to water safety like those before them. Let them help guide you towards this meaningful career.
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