Common Myths Stopping You from Becoming a Lifeguard

There are professional careers that need you to be fit for success but lifeguarding is such profession that needs you be fit not only for yourself but for the people who are depending on you. Besides keeping you fit, it also allows you to be a hero for someone by saving lives in the water. Still, common myths deter many people from seeking lifeguard certification. These ideas can keep qualified people from enrolling in lifeguard lessons and starting a satisfying profession.

This essay will refute the most common misunderstandings concerning lifeguarding and highlight why you may believe lifeguard training is more accessible and realistic than you think.

Myth 1: High Level Swimmer to Become a Lifeguard 

This is the most common misconception that the lifeguards need to be champion swimmers. There is no doubt that they need to have good swimming skills but they are not competing in a competition. When going for the lifeguard certification course, the applicants need to demonstrate basic swimming ability, such as:

• Swimming a certain length—usually 200–300 yards—without pausing
• Floating for a specified length of time—usually two minutes.
• Getting a 10-pound object from the great water

When it comes to passing the lifeguard classes, the swimming athleticism is not required, just practice and commitment makes you achieve all the above given point. If you’re a self-assured swimmer who loves the water, you’re already headed in the right direction.

Myth 2: Teenagers’ Only Job

Many people think lifeguarding is only a temporary job for college or high school students. Although many lifeguards work over the summer, lifeguarding is a year-round vocation with opportunities in indoor pools, resorts, and even cruise ships.

The American Lifeguard Association promotes lifeguarding as a permanent profession by providing sophisticated credentials and leadership posts. Many professional lifeguards work full-time with opportunities for advancement and perks. Many times, municipalities, water parks, and private companies hunt skilled lifeguards for emergency response teams, supervisory jobs, and training purposes.

Myth 3: Lifeguard training Is Too Expensive 

Some people pass on lifeguard courses because they think certification is expensive. Many businesses provide reasonably priced training, though, and some firms even pay new employees certification fees. The American Lifeguard Association offers affordable classes; scholarship funds and financial aid may be available via neighborhood initiatives.

Given the earning potential—lifeguards can earn $15–$25 an hour with greater compensation in coastal regions—the investment in lifeguard training pays fast. Furthermore, the skills you gain (CPR, first aid, emergency response) are applicable in several other fields.

Myth 4: You Need Previous Medical or Rescue Experience 

When talking about the myths related to lifeguarding job there is a belief that if you related to a medical field of any other rescue profession, you have greater chances to clear lifeguard training. From fundamental first aid to sophisticated water rescue methods, lifeguard certification programs cover everything you need to know.

The American Lifeguard Association is working for raising awareness about lifeguarding and making sure that people consider becoming lifeguards to make beaches and pools safe again. They are also raising their voice on national media to make lifeguard training accessible to everyone by spreading the awareness of lifeguard shortage.

Myth 5: Only Young People Can Be Lifeguards 

When it comes to lifeguarding, age is only a figure. Although many lifeguards begin in their teens, there is no upper age limit as long as you satisfy the physical standards. People of a certain age who are seeking a good part-time job have a good chance, as they are more mature and have life experience. Besides experience, fitness is the key to becoming a good candidate for the lifeguarding job.

As we are highlighting the shortage of lifeguards across the nation, the chances of getting a lifeguard job for all age groups increase. The American Lifeguard Association encourages individuals of all ages to think about lifeguarding. Facilities value older lifeguards for their reliability, leadership, and capacity to remain calm in an emergency.

Myth 6: Lifeguard certification Is Hard to Maintain 

Some think keeping lifeguard credentials current is a bother since it calls for regular retesting. Most certifications, in reality, only last two years, and recertification calls for a refresher course instead of starting from scratch. Many businesses offer in-service training to keep lifeguards up to date.

Including blended online and in-person courses, the American Lifeguard Association provides flexible recertification options that help busy professionals keep current.

Myth 7: The Job Is Too Stressful 

Though lifeguarding has great obligations, good training readies you to confidently manage crises. Most days comprise prevention and social interaction as well as normal activities. Lifeguards use their training to react appropriately whenever events happen.

In its courses, the American Lifeguard Association stresses stress management and teaches strategies for remaining composed under stress. Knowing they improve their communities, many lifeguards find the employment satisfying.

Myth 8: There Are No Job Opportunities 

There are plenty of job possibilities with the present lifeguard deficit. Cities, hotels, and aquatic facilities are aggressively hiring, often with signing bonuses and flexible schedules. Promoting lifeguarding as a feasible profession, the American Lifeguard Association collaborates with institutions all throughout, lobbying for better pay and advantages.

Final Word

If you have been on the fence about lifeguard courses because of these false beliefs, now is the time to re-evaluate. An easy, fulfilling career with development possibilities, lifeguarding is meant to give you the required skills. Leading initiatives to professionalize the field and solve the lifeguard scarcity, organizations such as the American Lifeguard Association are making now the best opportunity to get a lifeguard certification.

Let false assumptions not hinder you; take the plunge, register for lifeguard training, and begin a profession saving lives!