Many people are heading to the nation’s beaches to enjoy some time at the shore this summer. The American Red Cross urges awareness of hidden dangers which can be present in the ocean – rip currents – and what to do if caught up in these strong underwater currents.

by Ryan Hudson

REHOBOTH BEACH — A “victim” is at a buoy in the ocean, approximately 150 meters from the shore.

A “rescuer” attached to a landline swims out to meet the “victim.”

Once they meet and the victim’s arm is raised, two lifeguards on land pull the landline to bring the victim and rescuer back to shore.

It’s all timed and in the end, there’s a winner: whoever finishes the task the quickest.

This is known as a landline rescue race, and it’s one of nine events lifeguards from Virginia to New York came to Rehoboth Beach to partake in Wednesday during the United States Lifesaving Association’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships.

“It’s a good community of lifeguards we have all along the East Coast,” said Jordan Lingo of the Rehoboth Beach Patrol. “Everyone takes their jobs very seriously and they like to compete. It’s definitely an exciting event.”

The events are designed to test the lifeguards’ skills and strengths and emulate the day-to-day experience of being on a beach patrol.

“It keeps everyone in top guard, working out for competitions,” said Sgt. Rick Cawthern of the Ocean City Beach Patrol.

“It also helps us promote safety on our beaches.”

The landline rescue race was a popular pick when beach patrol members were asked which event was their favorite. That rescue method is used when victims need to be rescued in rough surf.

“It really separates the men from the boys in this one,” said Troy Cannatelli of the Dewey Beach Patrol. “It’s not just the strongest guys or the guys with the most endurance. It’s really who can maintain the strength for the full three-, four-minute pull, which is really difficult toward the end. You really get gassed.”

Other events include runs and swims, a rescue board race, and beach flags an event in which competitors line up facing down in the sand, and then on the start command, the competitors rise, turn and sprint to flags 20 meters away.

…Continue Reading at DelmarvaNow.com

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Do you want a shot at guaranteed employment? Become a lifeguard. American Red Cross certifications are a guaranteed way to be ready physically, mentally, and professionally for a career as a lifeguard.

Get Certified

Guard for Life, with American Pool Enterprises, Inc. companies, offer American Red Cross training courses that prepare yourself for a job as a lifeguard. One of the courses offered is the CPR course. The CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) course is a necessity for becoming a lifeguard. In this course you will learn how to assist a person in order to restore their breathing in the event of cardiac arrest or water in their lungs. A CPR course is usually offered with an AED course, or Automated External Defibrillator course. The AED is an instrument which uses electrical currents to attempt to restore heart rhythm in cardiac patients. The combined CPR/AED certificates offered by the American Red Cross are good for two years.

The American Red Cross also offers different lifeguard certifications, which are generally valid for three years. One lifeguard certification course offered is for non-surf lifeguards. American Red Cross certifications like these are generally meant for people who work at public pools as lifeguards. If you plan on working as a lifeguard at a beach, it is important to take a lifeguard lesson specifically aimed for surf. The water and waves on a beach require a different kind of training and preparation than the normal still waters of a pool.

The American Red Cross also offers the waterfront lifeguard training course. This lifeguard training course is aimed for those who wish to be lifeguards at a lake or large area of open water. You can also take lifeguard training courses for lifeguard management. All of the lifeguard training courses, however, will give you the skills needed to handle your job professionally – with skill and confidence.

Get Physical

In order to prepare yourself for the lifeguard training course, it is imperative you are physically ready and able to meet the swim requirements. To start, you’ll swim 300 yards continuously – demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. You must swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. Next, you will place your hands under your armpits and tread water for 2 minutes using only your legs. Lastly, you need to complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Surface dive to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface. You should not swim the distance under water. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Becoming a lifeguard will earn you a set of skills that you will be able to use throughout your entire life. Cities like Annapolis Maryland, Bethlehem Pennsylvania and Monroe NY have different requirements for certification. So be sure to check your local city and state laws for license and American Red Cross Lifeguard certifications renewal times.

Being a lifeguard is a very rewarding and resume-building job for young people. Surprisingly enough, right after the New Year is the best time to get hired for a lifeguard position. Getting hired early gives one a chance to secure the local pool, get the proper training and get the perks that are offered by locations looking to hire responsible lifeguards.

Call your local office and check on what type of lifeguard training you will need to get started or register for a training course to get your certifications renewed. This part of the hiring process will help secure your spot for your new career as a lifeguard this summer.

So aside from the benefit of just having a job, what are some other benefits?
 
# 1 — It Is Job Security Regardless Of Location
While this may not be the very most crucial aspect of getting a job in which you could save lives, in today’s competitive job market it sure doesn’t hurt. This is especially true for areas where finding jobs can be more challenging in general. Training as a lifeguard opens doors to jobs even in areas where the job market has been hit hard. Smaller areas such as Lancaster, Pennsylvania or Monroe, New York all provide jobs openings for lifeguards.
 
# 2 — You Get Your American Red Cross and CPR Certification
You do have to train and earn these certifications, but because they are required to become a lifeguard, it is certainly a plus to have. Even aside from needing them for your job, these two types of trainings and certifications can help you in your professional and personal life. Not to mention, this type of certification makes your resume that much more impressive, even if you are applying for careers not related to the field of lifeguarding.
 
# 3 — Love What You Do
Too many people spend their day at a job that cannot stand. Even adults and young teens who often take jobs such as retail or fast food to try to gain work experience often end up dreading their workday. Being able to enjoy what you do makes all the difference in your professional and personal life. Besides, few other jobs without college education enable you to go in and potentially save lives each and every day.
 
# 4 — Great Paying Jobs Can Still Mean Cool Jobs
Most workers make choice between good paying jobs or cool jobs. Working as a lifeguard means fun jobs that still let you earn good money for what the job requires. In fact, for the little amount of training actually required, the pay scale is quite impressive regardless of where you end up working.
 
# 5 — Learn Lifetime Skills
Above and beyond CPR and how to pull someone who is drowning in water to safety, you pick up even more skills and traits that you get to keep for life. From leadership skills and learning to handle various types of responsibilities, you are prepared for life. Knowing how to work as a member of an important team with others is just one of the skills and traits you acquire from training and working as a lifeguard.

Don’t just read about how rewarding it can be; sign up for training or contact a location on your area to see what’s available. The best lifeguard seats get filled fast, so start your job hunt today.

Applying to colleges can be more than stressful.  Between trying to get excellent SAT scores, making straight A’s, and keeping up with extra-curricular activities, perfecting the college application just seems impossible. And, on top of all of that, the little worry in the back of every teenager’s mind lingers: Will my application stand out?

Most people realize that a great SAT score can really improve one’s chances of gaining entrance into college, but something else can really make an applicant stand out: a job. To admissions personnel, an applicant who has a part-time job shows a higher degree of maturity and independence.

According to Alice Margraff, a college counselor at McDonogh School in Baltimore, “Getting a job shows that a student takes initiative and is willing to spend their time doing something productive.  An applicant who works also exhibits traits that would look good on a college resume.”

I don’t have any time to work.  I play sports, take SAT prep courses, and I have endless amounts of homework, every teen thinks. Think again.  A summer job, like lifeguarding, is the perfect answer to balancing work, school and play.

Being a summer lifeguard is a fun and rewarding job in many ways.  For starters, lifeguards get to work while sitting out in the sun (with sunscreen of course); what is better than that? In addition to being enjoyable, a lifeguard job looks great on a college application.

“Lifeguarding requires a lot of skills that would be looked very favorably upon to admissions officers,” Alice Margraff believes. “A lifeguard has to be productive and mature, which are very good qualities to demonstrate [to colleges and universities].”

In order to become a lifeguard, one must get American Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED certified. These certifications are an effective way to leave a great impression on an admissions officer.  The college or university will be able to infer that an applicant that has worked as a lifeguard has a heightened sense of responsibility and a maturity level that is required in order to handle stressful, life-threatening situations that may occur on the job. Lifeguards, trained to react quickly in emergency situations, are great assets to any college campus.

Additionally, lifeguards exhibit great leadership skills. Lifeguards need to be able to take charge of the patrons of a pool, making sure that everything is running smoothly and safely. These lifeguard leadership skills can impress admissions personnel.

More than just a resume builder, there are more perks in this rewarding job. First, scheduling is personalized and flexible. For example, when working for Guard for Life, the American Pool Enterprises lifeguard brand, lifeguards are able to help shape their schedules online – suggesting the location, shift hours and days they work themselves. Second, lifeguards are able to make money while working on their tans. Lastly, a lifeguard experiences conflict resolution and works on their customer service skills while interacting with patrons at a pool. This skill is not only useful while lifeguarding, but also in everyday life.

So lifeguarding looks good on a college application and is a great job overall, but how will you manage your time? Often balancing work, school, and activities seems utterly impossible. It’s not! The summer job of lifeguarding makes juggling your schedule easier with the help of flexible scheduling and attentive supervisors. On top of all that, a lifeguarding job’s “peak” season is during your vacation.

Overall, as a job that allows you to spend time outdoors and exhibit skills and responsibilities that look great on any college application, lifeguarding seems like a top choice for summer employment. If you are looking for a way to enhance your college application and stand out from a crowd, apply for a job as a lifeguard.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nicole Friedlander is a junior at McDonogh High School in Baltimore, Maryland. She has been a lifeguard for American Pool Enterprises and Guard for Life since she was fifteen, and has loved every minute of it. Between sitting in the sun, helping to keep swimmers safe, saving money for her college fund and fine tuning her work-place skills, she could not think of a better summer job.

Aside from being a lifeguard, she is also a varsity cross country and indoor track runner as well as a year-round lacrosse player. Even with the busy life of a high school student, she finds that lifeguarding fits easily into her schedule and is a rewarding life experience.

In this series, Nicole will share her insight and advice about having a job as a lifeguard. Follow her series here on guardforlife.com, Facebook and Twitter.

A lifeguarding job is one of the most fun, rewarding and profitable summer jobs that a young adult can have. From tanning in the sun to learning lifesaving skills, lifeguarding proves to be a gratifying way to earn money during the warm summer months. But before you can take a seat in a lifeguard chair, you must apply, interview and train. Interviewing for a job like lifeguarding may seem a bit intimidating, possibly even terrifying, so here are some tips that will help ease your interview anxiety.

1. Be confident. If you do not believe in yourself, no one will. Before the interview begins, take a few deep breaths and relax. Being calm will be important for a successful interview, but it will also show the recruitment officer that you can stay calm and focused in a stressful situation.
2. Be polite. Lifeguards interact with a variety of pool goers on a daily basis, so being personable and respectful to the interviewer is a must. Even if you are young, you will need to conduct yourself in a mature manner. The recruiter will see that you can interact with people professionally and respectfully, no matter the situation.
3. Dress up. Be sure to dress in appropriate attire for a job interview. Even though you are applying for a job that only requires casual attire, it is smart to dress in a clean and professional manner to put your best foot forward – without the flip flops.

Still nervous about the lifeguarding interview?

Companies like Guard for Life, an American Pool Enterprises, Inc. lifeguard recruiting brand, help to decrease interviewing anxiety by hosting open house events. With other applicants around you, you will soon forget the stress of your interview. “Open houses allow you to get to know the staff and other lifeguards that are applying in your area,” according to Steve Farley, Coordinating Director of Lifeguard Recruiting for American Pool Enterprises. Steve contests that an open house is a good way to “take care of your in-person interview and your paperwork all at the same event. Some of our Guard for Life locations offer door prizes or uniform discounts at these events.”

In the end, everyone has to go through the same process. Although the thought of interviewing for a job as a lifeguard can be stressful, it is well worth the effort. Remember to be confident, polite and presentable. Also, be on the lookout for open house events where you can meet the staff and other lifeguards. You’ll see that securing a job as a lifeguard isn’t so scary after all.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nicole Friedlander is a junior at McDonogh High School in Baltimore, Maryland. She has been a lifeguard for American Pool Enterprises and Guard for Life since she was fifteen, and has loved every minute of it. Between sitting in the sun, helping to keep swimmers safe, saving money for her college fund and fine tuning her work-place skills, she could not think of a better summer job.

Aside from being a lifeguard, she is also a varsity cross country and indoor track runner as well as a year-round lacrosse player. Even with the busy life of a high school student, she finds that lifeguarding fits easily into her schedule and is a rewarding life experience.

In this series, Nicole will share her insight and advice about having a job as a lifeguard. Follow her series here on guardforlife.com, Facebook and Twitter.

Making the decision to become a lifeguard may pose several challenges. One of these challenges is passing the required lifeguard training. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to start the training process by registering, researching the types of training required and practicing your swimming skills.

Signing Up:
In order to start the certification process, you have to signup. Many lifeguard companies offer online registration, but you can also reserve a spot over the phone. This part is easy and not stressful at all! Just provide your information, make sure you understand the costs and you will be ready to begin training. Some companies offer discounted training to employees. When choosing a class, be sure you feel confident in your swimming abilities before signing up for your physical training.

Training:
Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what training you actually need in order to sit atop the lifeguard chair. There are many different types of courses available, so the choices can be daunting. Take some time to review the training classes available at your company. Don’t be afraid to contact someone at to ask training-related questions – remember that training requirements may differ based on your location and job requirements.

Training offerings that you might see:

• Lifeguard Training Prerequisite
• Lifeguard Training Course
• Lifeguard Blended Learning Course
• Lifeguard Review
• CPR/AED for Lifeguards Review
• CPR/AED for Lifeguards
• Waterfront Skills Module
• Lifeguard Instructor Course
• Pool Operator Course

A new lifeguard usually needs the following:

• Lifeguard Training Prerequisite (if required)
• Lifeguard Training Course
• CPR/AED for Lifeguards
• OSHA Training (only if you’re handling chemicals)
• Blood Bourne Pathogens training

The Brick Test:
In addition to your classroom training, which covers everything from CPR to respecting your patrons, a lifeguard training course may have a required prerequisite test. During this test, you will be required to continuously swim 300 yards, either front crawl or breast stroke. You are also required to tread water for two minutes without the use of your hands. Don’t worry; this isn’t as terrifying as it sounds. Just practice!

Once you’ve demonstrated you can swim, you will be required to complete the Brick Test. This can be tricky.

Here’s what you have to do:
You have 1 minute and 40 seconds to complete the following:

• Swim 20 yards (without goggles) and locate the brick submerged 7-10 feet deep in the pool.
• Surface dive (from the water) either feet or head first and retrieve the brick.
• Swim with the brick back to your starting location holding it throughout the swim. The brick cannot be submerged, and two hands must be holding the brick throughout the swim.
• Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Now here is how I beat the brick:

1. When you locate the brick, keep it a bit in front of you so that when you dive down, you will land right on it.
2. Dive down headfirst. It will get you there faster.
3. Once you pick up the brick, push hard with your feet to propel yourself upward. Then, flutter kick until you reach the surface.
4. Next, rest the brick on the upper part of your chest right under your chin and get into the back float position.
5. With both hands holding the brick, begin to kick.
6. Many people decide to frog kick (the kick used in breaststroke) because it is more powerful, but whichever kick you are more comfortable with will work.
7. Now, just kick until you reach the wall. Once you are there, place one hand on the wall and use the other to set the brick down.
8. Push yourself up onto the side of the pool, and you are done!

These steps are key to beating the brick test. Just remember to practice, and your start to a lifeguarding career will be a definite success!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nicole Friedlander is a junior at McDonogh High School in Baltimore, Maryland. She has been a lifeguard for American Pool Enterprises and Guard for Life since she was fifteen, and has loved every minute of it. Between sitting in the sun, helping to keep swimmers safe, saving money for her college fund and fine tuning her work-place skills, she could not think of a better summer job.

Aside from being a lifeguard, she is also a varsity cross country and indoor track runner as well as a year-round lacrosse player. Even with the busy life of a high school student, she finds that lifeguarding fits easily into her schedule and is a rewarding life experience.

In this series, Nicole will share her insight and advice about having a job as a lifeguard. Follow her series here on guardforlife.com, Facebook and Twitter.

The question that every new lifeguard asks is, what will my first day as a lifeguard be like? Feeling confident and prepared on your first day is very important. Being ready means you can focus on your number one responsibility: keeping people safe.

What do I need to bring to my first day of lifeguarding?

Although you may think that you don’t need to bring much to your lifeguarding job, you actually do. It might help to have a specific bag that you only use for your lifeguard stuff. Here is a checklist of items you will need:

1. Lifeguard uniform
2. Sunglasses to block water’s glare
3. Lifeguard whistle
4. Sunblock
5. Water bottle(s) to stay hydrated in the heat
6. Snacks and/or meals
7. A towel
8. CPR Mask
9. Lifeguard certifications
10. CPR certifications
11. Hats (optional but useful)
12. Sweatshirt (in case there is a shift in weather like a cold front or rain)

Once you have made sure that all of those items are stowed away in your bag, you are ready to get to the pool!

So, what will my first day be like?

The thought of your first day on the job may seem scary, but it shouldn’t be!

Before your first day, be sure to review your skill book or lifeguard manual to ensure that you are prepared to perform your responsibilities and respond in an emergency situation. Studying these skills consistently throughout the summer will keep you vigilant.

During your shift, you will need to sit on your lifeguard chair with the guard tube across your lap and the tube strap around your body. In the chair, you will need to constantly scan the water, making sure that all of the patrons are behaving in a safe manner. Be prepared to blow your whistle, take authority and firmly, but respectfully, correct any unsafe actions. Consciously sit in a position that will help you stay alert and focused.

Aside from your lifeguard duties, you need to stay hydrated! Make sure that you are constantly drinking large amounts of water or else you will dehydrate and feel sick.  Also, be sure to eat. Even though you are just sitting, the summer heat really takes a toll on your body after numerous hours – food will help to restore your energy.

In the end, your first day on the job will be a great new experience if you are well prepared. To ensure a successful day, make sure to pack your bag correctly, constantly watch patrons for safe behavior, take control of dangerous situations and stay hydrated!

Lifeguarding is an extremely fun and rewarding job. By being prepared and ready for work, you will ensure a great summer as a lifeguard.

——————————————————————————-

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nicole Friedlander is a junior at McDonogh High School in Baltimore, Maryland. She has been a lifeguard for American Pool Enterprises and Guard for Life since she was fifteen, and has loved every minute of it. Between sitting in the sun, helping to keep swimmers safe, saving money for her college fund and fine tuning her work-place skills, she could not think of a better summer job.

Aside from being a lifeguard, she is also a varsity cross country and indoor track runner as well as a year-round lacrosse player. Even with the busy life of a high school student, she finds that lifeguarding fits easily into her schedule and is a rewarding life experience.

In this series, Nicole will share her insight and advice about having a job as a lifeguard. Follow her series here on guardforlife.com, Facebook and Twitter.

As schools are letting out for the year and the summer season is picking up, it is important to remember how essential lifeguarding is to the pool community. It is easy to get into a routine and forget to focus on some of the basics – like effective scanning.

Effective Scanning is core to your ability to be a safe and successful lifeguard at any pool or body of water. Below is a refresher on that important skill.

Don’t get distracted
As a lifeguard, it is your job to not be distracted by pool games or commotion on the pool decks. You must stay alert and attentive when sitting in the chair. Periodically adjusting your body to appropriate positions will make you more alert and allow you to actively scan the pool and deck area.

Don’t forget to use your eyes and head to scan.
Events may happen in your periphery that you would only catch if you turn your head to face it, and while things may be going well on the surface, someone might be struggling below the water, so you need to be able to see everything that is going on.

Be aware of your area at all times
High risk or crowded areas require that you be extra alert and attentive as signs of distress or drowning may be lost in a crowded area. But while it is good practice to focus attention on such areas (crowded areas, little kids in the shallow end, diving boards, etc.) it is important not to neglect any areas to which you have been assigned.

Review your skills
If you have a skill review book, be sure to use it to review your lifeguard training. Unexpected emergencies can happen at any pool, so be ready and alert!

One last thing to remember, and perhaps the most important, is that while you are on duty, you are at work, and people are depending on you to keep the pool area safe. Safety is the biggest responsibility, but it is also important to have fun and become an important part of the pool community.

A Professional at Work
Being prepared is a big part of your job as a lifeguard. Wearing your uniform and bringing all the required “gear” with you will ensure that you are able to perform your job at the highest level. Pool goers want to see you as an authority figure at the pool – not just another sunbather. Your uniform helps to build trust and respect for your role at the pool.

Your Two-Piece Suit
Yes, a bathing suit is not the same as a three-piece suit, but lifeguarding is still a professional job. In addition to looking professional, you should remember to carry yourself in a professional manner. You never know who you will meet at the pool, so be sure to always be friendly, helpful and respectful to all pool goers.

Always Be Interviewing
With opportunities for advancement into positions like Head Lifeguard, Supervisor, Staffer and more, praise and recognition from your patrons and property manager will go far. It often helps to imagine that you are interviewing for your position while you are conducting your daily activities. Pretend someone is watching and consider the following questions: How are your actions being perceived? Are you showing a strong work ethic? Are you dressed properly? Are you performing your duties correctly?

Things every professional lifeguard should have at the pool:

• Whistle
• Rescue Tube
• Hip pack with CPR masks and required certifications
• Clean/Proper uniform
• Proper footwear

Suggested items:

• Sunscreen
• Sun glasses
• Bottled Water
• Towel

Remember: Using your cellphone while you’re working is never allowed and is very unsafe.

Checking to make sure you are prepared for each shift and in proper uniform is an easy step in your work routine. Remember, you want to be a lifeguard that prevents incidents before they happen, not a lifeguard that is one step behind.

Lifeguarding is a fantastic job to learn about responsibility, safety and professionalism. By practicing these guidelines, you are setting yourself up to be a successful lifeguard and a strong job candidate in your chosen career.

We live in an age where technology is part of our everyday routine. From texting long distance friends to checking social media on the go, we are always using our cell phones. While most of the time it is acceptable to use your cell phone, there are times when cell phone use is not acceptable. As a lifeguard, using your cell phone endangers the lives of others. In fact, using your cellphone is a matter of life and death.

It should go without saying that using your cell phone in the lifeguard chair is unacceptable. Here are the top four reasons Guard for Life lifeguards should never use their cell phones while on duty:

Cell phones are a dangerous distraction
If you are on your phone, your eyes are not focused on the pool. That couple of seconds could be crucial in spotting an incident or saving a life. If you are focused on your cell phone, you are not focused on the pool and you may miss signs of drowning. Again, it only takes a couple of seconds to miss a crucial sign.

It is unprofessional
You are providing a service where people are trusting you to be fully attentive. If you are on your phone, people at the pool will notice. In fact, many people at the pool have cell phones with cameras, and they will not hesitate to snap a picture of an unprofessional lifeguard.

Your phone could be damaged
Cell phones are very important tools today, and the last thing you want is for your phone to fall from the chair onto the concrete or into the pool. Also, if there is an emergency, you may need to jump into the pool and your phone may come with you!

Your phone will be confiscated
Guard for Life understands the dangers of cell phone use on the lifeguard stand. This is why we have strict policies that will result in your phone being confiscated if you are on the phone while on duty. This is no fun for anyone, so be aware of the impact of your actions.

The consequences of using your phone on duty are real. When it comes to an emergency situation, the damage cannot be reversed. Again, it is a matter of life and death.

During your break, it’s acceptable to check your texts and emails. But it is important to remember that when you are sitting in the lifeguard chair, you must remain focused on the people you have been hired to keep safe.

The Danger of Missing Drain Covers
Main drain covers that are missing, broken or improperly attached can lead to dangerous situations. Water flows to the filtering system through the main drains, which are usually located in the deepest part of the pool. The water that flows through these drains causes a very powerful suction.

Drain Entrapment
When the drain cover is missing or broken, this suction can pull hair, clothing, or even body parts into the pool drain. When this happens, the suction can be incredibly strong, making it impossible to pull away from the drain. This suction is powerful enough to cause disembowelment, bodily entrapment and possible drowning.

The VGB Act
Drain entrapment can happen to anyone, from toddlers to even the strongest adult swimmers. In 2008, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act went into effect, requiring pools and spas to install anti-entrapment drains. These drains have a raised design, making it harder to create the suction lock that can happen with drain covers that are flush against the pool bottom.

What to do if your pool’s main drain cover is missing, broken, or loose:

• Close the pool
  The pool must be closed immediately to prevent any potential injuries or death. It is unsafe to keep a pool open when the drain is either uncovered or the cover is brittle, broken or improperly attached.
• Call the office
  Contact your supervisor or office immediately to make them aware of the situation. They will ensure that a secure drain cover that is compliant with the VGB Act is installed as soon as possible.

In the wake of the brutal heat wave circulating throughout the Northeast, we need to remember the dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. That extra rise in temperature and humidity can cause serious issues after even the lightest of exposure. Here are some ways to avoid complications with heat exhaustion and ways to identify and aid those experiencing it.

Avoid exposure
We all know that the easiest way to avoid any chance of experiencing heat exhaustion is to reduce your exposure to the heat. While off duty, avoid the outdoors and stay inside in an air conditioned or cool room.

In the event that you are at work, wearing loose-fitting, light colored clothing is suggested to let your body breathe. Hats with large brims are also suggested to keep sun off of your face and body, and of course, sunscreen (SPF 15+) is a must. Wearing the appropriate clothing will keep you cooler, safer and more alert when watching the pool.

Stay hydrated
While you are outdoors, keeping hydrated is so important. In the intense heat, drinking water becomes more necessary and must be done more frequently and in larger quantities. It is important to remember to drink water or other hydrating beverages at all times of the day. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they are more harmful in the heat.

Find shade
In normal heat conditions, your body naturally cools itself by perspiring, however in high humidity, perspiration doesn’t evaporate as easily and may cause overheating. Because of this, staying in the shade is important when at work. It is good practice to have a working umbrella attached to your lifeguard chair to make sure you are attentive and able to effectively watch the pool. When on a break, rest in the shade and rehydrate.

Watch for the signs
As a lifeguard, you are responsible for maintaining the safety of the pool and its members, and in times of incredible heat that means being on the lookout for signs of heat exhaustion.

Some key indicators include:

• Confusion
• Headaches
• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness
• Profuse sweating
• Pale skin
• Nausea

When treating someone that is experiencing heat exhaustion, it is necessary to move them indoors to a cool, air conditioned room to prevent them from reaching heat stroke. Immediately provide fluids to the victim, assessing whether or not they are dehydrated or are suffering from a salt deficiency. Cramping and nausea are signs that the victim has a lack of salt in their system, most likely from all of the sweating. A great beverage to give them is a sports drink. Infants and the elderly are statistically the most susceptible to heat exhaustion, so keep a sharp eye out for signs when surveying these patrons.

For dehydration, room temperature water in small sips is the best way to counter dehydration. Placing a cool wet towel on the body is also a good way to cool down a victim. If the victim is still showing signs of heat exhaustion after 30 minutes of treatment, call 911.

As a lifeguard, you need to take care of yourself so that you can assist others if an emergency does arise.

Summer may be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean you will stop being a lifeguard. Another year of school, whether high school or college, may be on the horizon, so it is time to think about how you will continue your career by the pool.

During the School Year
Did you know that Guard for Life has many offices and locations all over the East Coast? School may be in session, but plenty of pools still need lifeguards for the fall and the rest of the year. For those of you in college or about to enter college, having a job to balance with your schoolwork is a fantastic way to build a strong work ethic (and earn extra spending money). Lifeguarding is a steady job with a flexible schedule. This will help you maintain a focus on schoolwork while continuing to develop a professional skill set.

Skills for Life
If you are getting ready to graduate college and looking for a job in your area of concentration, there is plenty to take away from your experience as lifeguard that will set you apart from your competition. Consider all of the valuable skills you have learned during you time as a Guard for Life lifeguard.

Lifesaving skills take a lot of time and effort to learn. Additionally, skills like punctuality, time management, being a team player, respect for authority and communication can be applied to you everyday life. These are also skills that every company is looking for in a new employee.

During your job search, think about picking up a part-time schedule as a lifeguard to keep busy.

Opportunities in the Aquatics Industry
If lifeguarding has struck a chord, and you are interested in continuing to work in the aquatic industry, there are plenty of jobs available. From a technical standpoint, there are positions with pool maintenance and upkeep. This includes cleaning, equipment repair and managing chemicals. Pool design and construction is also an interesting field, and let’s you learn more about the “guts” of the pool and aquatics engineering.

In your area, there may be opportunities for jobs like supervisor or staffing assistant. These jobs are for lifeguards that have great customer service skills and want to advance to the next level. As a supervisor, you oversee multiple pools and lifeguards – making sure the pools are in order and the lifeguards have support. You’ll act as a mentor, manager and pool guru. As a staffing assistant, you help hire lifeguards in the off season and then help schedule and manage them in the summer.

If any of these opportunities spark your interest, talk to your staffing department now. Let them know that you have the experience, drive and knowledge to get to the next level!

Keep it up!
If you are still in your lifeguarding prime, keep at it! Through lifeguarding, you are discovering a set of skills that will continue to help you as you explore future career options.

It is never too early to start thinking about next summer and returning to the Guard for Life family. Let your staffing department know that you’ll be coming back next summer. And don’t forget to ask about the earliest hire date available so that you have a better chance of working at the pool of your choice.

As a lifeguard, you are making a difference in your community, while making a positive progression in your own life.

Pool activity may be at a lull now with patrons away on vacation, but soon families will return and patrons will try to get to the pool as much as possible before school starts. With an influx of people, it is important to be conscious of the dangers of a crowded pool and to be alert and attentive to prevent incidents. You can view these coming weeks as a final recapitulation of your skills and what you have learned this summer.

Always be Scanning

The most glaring issue with a crowded pool is the limited vision. When there are more patrons in the water, it becomes harder to see take note of everyone and monitor their behavior. Distressed patrons may be signalling for assistance, however they may go unnoticed. Being able to accurately spot someone in need requires careful observation, so remember to effectively scan and use your whistle to prohibit any dangerous play.

Whistle While You Work

On days when the pool is more crowded than usual, you have to be vocal and use your whistle often to ensure the safety of the patrons. With noise and commotion, you may not be heard when giving direction, however using your whistle will immediately call for patrons to pay attention to you. Running and rough play are more dangerous when more people are around.

Lend an Eye

When not up in the chair for a shift, don’t be afraid to walk around the pool deck and help out your fellow guards. It can be hard to enforce the rules, and you would probably want the additional help if you were on duty.

Drink Plenty of Water

Finally, remember to stay hydrated. You will most likely be busy during your shift, and it can be easy to forget to drink water. Keeping hydrated is more important during busy days because you need to be healthy and able to take care of others.

This is the home-stretch of the summer. The school year is approaching, but your focus should still be on the pool and finishing the summer strong. With more people present at the pool, there is a higher chance of an incident. Be diligent and make sure that your pool remains incident-free. Harnessing the skills you have gained and practiced will make the challenge of a busy day rewarding.

Trying to put together your college applications can be stressful. Between trying to get excellent SAT scores, making straight A’s, and keeping up with extra-curricular activities, perfecting college applications just seems impossible. And, on top of all of that, the little worry in the back of every teenager’s mind lingers: Will my college applications stand out?

Most people realize that a great SAT score can really improve one’s chances of gaining entrance into college, but something else can really make an applicant stand out: a job. To admissions personnel, an applicant who has a part-time job shows a higher degree of maturity and independence.

According to Alice Margraff, a college counselor at McDonogh School in Baltimore, “Getting a job shows that a student takes initiative and is willing to spend their time doing something productive. An applicant who works also exhibits traits that would look good on a college resume.”

I don’t have any time to work. I play sports, take SAT prep courses, and I have endless amounts of homework, every teen thinks. Think again. A summer job, like lifeguarding, is the perfect answer to balancing work, school and play.

Being a summer lifeguard is a fun and rewarding job in many ways. For starters, lifeguards get to work while sitting out in the sun (with sunscreen of course); what is better than that? In addition to being enjoyable, a lifeguard job looks great on college applications.

“Lifeguarding requires a lot of skills that would be looked very favorably upon to admissions officers,” Alice Margraff believes. “A lifeguard has to be productive and mature, which are very good qualities to demonstrate [to colleges and universities].”

In order to become a lifeguard, one must get American Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED certified. These certifications are an effective way to leave a great impression on an admissions officer.  The college or university will be able to infer that an applicant that has worked as a lifeguard has a heightened sense of responsibility and a maturity level that is required in order to handle stressful, life-threatening situations that may occur on the job. Lifeguards, trained to react quickly in emergency situations, are great assets to any college campus.

Additionally, lifeguards exhibit great leadership skills. Lifeguards need to be able to take charge of the patrons of a pool, making sure that everything is running smoothly and safely. These lifeguard leadership skills can impress admissions personnel.

Not just for college applications

More than just a resume builder, there are more perks in this rewarding job. First, scheduling is personalized and flexible. For example, when working for Guard for Life, the American Pool Enterprises lifeguard brand, lifeguards are able to help shape their schedules online – suggesting the location, shift hours and days they work themselves. Second, lifeguards are able to make money while working on their tans. Lastly, a lifeguard experiences conflict resolution and works on their customer service skills while interacting with patrons at a pool. This skill is not only useful while lifeguarding, but also in everyday life.

So lifeguarding looks good on your college applications and is a great job overall, but how will you manage your time? Often balancing work, school, and activities seems utterly impossible. It’s not! The summer job of lifeguarding makes juggling your schedule easier with the help of flexible scheduling and attentive supervisors. On top of all that, a lifeguarding job’s “peak” season is during your vacation.

Overall, as a job that allows you to spend time outdoors and exhibit skills and responsibilities that look great on any of your college applications, lifeguarding seems like a top choice for summer employment. If you are looking for a way to enhance your college applications and stand out from a crowd, apply for a job as a lifeguard.

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A lifeguard job interview is just the beginning of one of the most fun, rewarding and profitable summer jobs that a young adult can have. From tanning in the sun to learning lifesaving skills, lifeguarding proves to be a gratifying way to earn money during the warm summer months. But before you can take a seat in a lifeguard chair, you must apply, interview and train. Interviewing for a job like lifeguarding may seem a bit intimidating, possibly even terrifying, so here are some tips that will help ease your lifeguard job interview anxiety.

1. Be confident. If you do not believe in yourself, no one will. Before the lifeguard job interview begins, take a few deep breaths and relax. Being calm will be important for a successful interview, but it will also show the recruitment officer that you can stay calm and focused in a stressful situation.
2. Be polite. Lifeguards interact with a variety of pool goers on a daily basis, so being personable and respectful to the interviewer is a must. Even if you are young, you will need to conduct yourself in a mature manner. The recruiter will see that you can interact with people professionally and respectfully, no matter the situation.
3. Dress up. Be sure to dress in appropriate attire for a lifeguard job interview. Even though you are applying for a job that only requires casual attire, it is smart to dress in a clean and professional manner to put your best foot forward – without the flip flops.

Still nervous about the lifeguard job interview?

Programs like Guard for Life, an American Pool lifeguard program, help to decrease interviewing anxiety by hosting open house events. With other applicants around you, you will soon forget the stress of your interview. “Open houses allow you to get to know the staff and other lifeguards that are applying in your area,” according to Steve Farley, Coordinating Director of Lifeguard Recruiting for American Pool Enterprises. Steve contests that an open house is a good way to “take care of your in-person lifeguard job interview and your paperwork all at the same event. Some of our Guard for Life locations offer door prizes or uniform discounts at these events.”

In the end, everyone has to go through the same process. Although the thought of interviewing for a job as a lifeguard can be stressful, it is well worth the effort. Remember to be confident, polite and presentable. Also, be on the lookout for open house events where you can meet the staff and other lifeguards. You’ll see that securing a job as a lifeguard isn’t so scary after all.

The post Top 3 lifeguard job interview tips appeared first on Guard For Life.

Making the decision to become a lifeguard may pose several challenges. One of these challenges is passing the required lifeguard training and the lifeguard brick test. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to start the training process by registering, researching the types of training required and practicing your swimming skills.

Signing Up:
In order to start the certification process, you have to signup. Many lifeguard companies offer online registration, but you can also reserve a spot over the phone. This part is easy and not stressful at all! Just provide your information, make sure you understand the costs and you will be ready to begin training. Some companies offer discounted training to employees. When choosing a class, be sure you feel confident in your swimming abilities before signing up for your physical training.

Training:
Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what training you actually need in order to sit atop the lifeguard chair. There are many different types of courses available, so the choices can be daunting. Take some time to review the training classes available at your company. Don’t be afraid to contact someone at to ask training-related questions – remember that training requirements may differ based on your location and job requirements.

A new lifeguard usually needs the following:

• Lifeguard Training Prerequisite (if required)
• Lifeguard Training Course (this might also include an online portion)
• CPR/AED for Lifeguards
• OSHA Training (only if you’re handling chemicals)
• Bloodbourne Pathogens training

The Lifeguard Brick Test:
In addition to your classroom training, which covers everything from CPR to respecting your patrons, a lifeguard training course may have a required prerequisite test. During this test, you will be required to continuously swim 300 yards, either front crawl or breast stroke. You are also required to tread water for two minutes without the use of your hands. Don’t worry; this isn’t as terrifying as it sounds. Just practice!

Once you’ve’ve demonstrated you can swim, you will be required to complete the lifeguard brick test. This can be tricky.

Here’s what you have to do:
You have 1 minute and 40 seconds to complete the following:

• Swim 20 yards (without goggles) and locate the brick submerged 7-10 feet deep in the pool.
• Surface dive (from the water) either feet or head first and retrieve the brick.
• Swim with the brick back to your starting location holding it throughout the swim. The brick cannot be submerged, and two hands must be holding the brick throughout the swim.
• Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Now here is how I beat the lifeguard brick test:

1. When you locate the brick, keep it a bit in front of you so that when you dive down, you will land right on it.
2. Dive down headfirst. It will get you there faster.
3. Once you pick up the brick, push hard with your feet to propel yourself upward. Then, flutter kick until you reach the surface.
4. Next, rest the brick on the upper part of your chest right under your chin and get into the back float position.
5. With both hands holding the brick, begin to kick.
6. Many people decide to frog kick (the kick used in breaststroke) because it is more powerful, but whichever kick you are more comfortable with will work.
7. Now, just kick until you reach the wall. Once you are there, place one hand on the wall and use the other to set the brick down.
8. Push yourself up onto the side of the pool, and you are done!

These steps are key to beating the lifeguard brick test. Just remember to practice, and your start to a lifeguarding career will be a definite success!

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