American Lifeguard USA

Friday, April 21, 2023

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Swimming is a fun and enjoyable activity, but it can also be dangerous if the proper safety measures are not taken. That's why it's essential to have a trained lifeguard present at any pool or beach. If you're interested in becoming a lifeguard, the first step is to choose the right lifeguard class. Here are ten tips to help you choose the right lifeguard class.

Look for Accreditation

The first thing you should look for when choosing a lifeguard class near me is accreditation. Make sure the class is accredited by a reputable organization, such as the American Lifeguard Association. Accreditation ensures that the class meets certain standards and that the certification you receive will be recognized by employers.

Check the Curriculum

The next thing you should consider is the curriculum. Make sure the class covers all the necessary skills and knowledge you need to become a lifeguard. This includes water safety, CPR, first aid, and rescue techniques. Additionally, check if there are any additional modules or specialty courses offered.

Look for Experienced Instructors

The quality of the instructors is crucial to the success of the class. Look for instructors who are experienced and knowledgeable in lifeguarding. They should be able to answer any questions you have and provide hands-on training. Also, check if the instructors are certified themselves.

Consider the Class Size

The class size is another important factor to consider. Look for a class with a small student-to-instructor ratio. This will ensure that you receive individual attention and have the opportunity to practice your skills. Large classes can be overwhelming and may not provide the same level of instruction.

Check the Schedule

Make sure the class schedule fits your schedule. Some classes may be held during the day, while others may be held in the evening or on weekends. Consider how long the class is and how many days it meets. Make sure you have enough time to complete the class before any deadlines.

Consider the Location

The location of the class is also important. Look for a class that is held in a convenient location. This could be a local pool or community center. If you have to travel a long distance, consider the additional costs and time required.

Check the Cost

The cost of the class is another consideration. Look for a class that fits your budget but also provides quality instruction. Keep in mind that the cost may vary depending on the location, length of the class, and other factors.

Consider the Certification

After completing the class, you will receive a lifeguard certification. Make sure the certification is recognized by employers in your area. Some certifications may only be valid in certain regions or may not be recognized by all employers.

Look for Additional Resources

Some classes may provide additional resources to help you succeed as a lifeguard. This could include study materials, practice tests, or online resources. These additional resources can help you prepare for the certification exam and gain confidence in your skills.

Read Reviews and Recommendations

Finally, read reviews and recommendations from previous students. This can provide valuable insight into the quality of the class and the instructors. Look for classes with positive reviews and recommendations from previous students.

In conclusion, becoming a lifeguard is a rewarding and fulfilling career. Choosing the right lifeguard class is crucial to your success as a lifeguard. Make sure to consider accreditation, curriculum, instructors, class size, schedule, location, cost, certification, additional resources, and reviews when selecting a class. By following these tips, you can choose a class that fits your needs and prepares you for a successful career as a lifeguard.

10 Tips for Choosing the Right Lifeguard Class

If you are interested in becoming a lifeguard, the first step is to obtain the necessary training and certifications. This involves learning important skills such as water rescue techniques, CPR, and first aid. However, finding resources for lifeguard training can sometimes be a challenge, especially if you are not sure where to look. In this article, we will explore some of the best places to find resources for lifeguard training.

American Lifeguard Association

The American Lifeguard Association is one of the most well-known organizations that offers lifeguard training courses. They provide both in-person and online training options, which can be helpful if you have a busy schedule or live in an area where in-person training is not available. Their lifeguard training program includes courses on water rescue skills, CPR, and first aid. Additionally, the American Lifeguard Association offers recertification courses for lifeguards who need to renew their certifications.

American Lifeguard Events

The American Lifeguard USA is another organization that offers lifeguard training courses. They have a variety of training programs available, including courses on lifeguarding, CPR, and first aid. Additionally, the American Lifeguard USA offers job placement assistance to individuals who complete their lifeguard training program. This can be a great option if you are interested in pursuing a career as a lifeguard.

Local Community Centers

Many local community centers offer lifeguard training courses as well. These courses may be offered through the parks and recreation department, the American Lifeguard Association, or other local organizations. To find out if there are lifeguard training courses available in your area, contact your local community center or parks and recreation department

Online Courses

There are also many online resources available for lifeguard training. These courses can be convenient if you have a busy schedule or live in an area where in-person training is not available. However, it is important to choose a reputable online course provider. Look for courses that are accredited by organizations such as the American Lifeguard Association.

Local Pools

If you are interested in becoming a lifeguard, you may also be able to find training resources at your local pool. Many pools offer lifeguard training courses, and some may even provide job placement assistance to individuals who complete the course. Contact your local pool to find out if they offer lifeguard training courses.

Colleges and Universities

Some colleges and universities offer lifeguard training courses as part of their physical education programs. If you are a student, this can be a great way to obtain the necessary training and certifications while also earning college credit. Check with your college or university to see if they offer lifeguard training courses.

Private Companies

There are also many private companies that offer lifeguard training courses. These companies may specialize in providing training to specific industries, such as water parks or summer camps. To find a private company that offers lifeguard training in your area, search online or ask for recommendations from other lifeguards.

In conclusion, there are many resources available for lifeguard training, including the American Lifeguard Association, local community centers, online courses, local pools, colleges and universities, and private companies. It is important to choose a reputable training provider and obtain the necessary certifications in order to become a qualified lifeguard. With the right training and skills, you can help keep others safe while enjoying a rewarding career as a lifeguard.

Where Can I Find Resources for Lifeguard Training?

learning to swim, a guarantee of lifelong water fun.

Why is it important that you learn to swim? In the first place because it can save your life if you fall into the water. But especially because it is pleasant to move in the water and because it is a particularly healthy sport, for body and mind with Lifeguard Recertification Near Me.

Learning to swim contributes to the motor development, safety and self-reliance of every child.

Swimming is best learned by taking enough time and working in several steps.

1. Water habituation

In the first place, the child has to get used to the water . Water habituation is the basis for a lifetime of fun in, on and around the water. In most clubs, water habituation is started from the age of 3.5 to 4 years.

2. Learning to survive and water safety

Once the child has become accustomed to water, it is taught the necessary skills for 'learning to survive' and being 'water-safe'. These terms can also be found on our swimming certificates . At the end of the trajectory, the child masters all so-called 'aquatic' basic skills: it can enter the water independently (and also come out), float (on the stomach and on the back), breathe rhythmically, come to balance, streamline, thrust with the legs and thrust with the arms. The child is now much less at risk of a drowning accident, but supervision remains necessary.

3. Learn to swim

From his 5th birthday, the water-resistant child is ready to learn to swim in an official swimming stroke. Unlike before, but based on scientific research, we start with backstroke as a basis. This is followed by crawl (5 to 6 years) and breaststroke (6 to 7 years).

Does your child want to continue swimming afterwards? Then sign up for a follow-up course in one of our clubs, where recreational and competitive swimming sports are practiced in a playful way. In this way, your child can continue to enjoy one of the healthiest sports that exist for a lifetime with American Lifeguard USA Miami.

DO YOU WANT TO LEARN TO SWIM AS AN ADULT?

You are in the best hands at our clubs

Our clubs guarantee quality swimming instruction . As a member of our large swimming family - we are more than 50,000 - you will end up in the capable and experienced hands of the more than 2,000 teachers and trainers who are active in our 150 clubs. By the way, did you know that our teachers are among the most highly trained in Flanders? And that the majority of our clubs have achieved a quality label in recent years ? This is the best guarantee of a didactically and pedagogically strong approach that results in an educational and fun experience for your child. A good basis for lifelong swimming pleasure.

Start lying on your back

bend the knees while keeping the knees together. The feet then sink to the bottom

then let the legs (toes out) go shoulder-width apart and turn them back until they are straight again.

Emphasize the 'Pepo position' of the feet

The most difficult and time-consuming thing is to teach a child to correct the position of the feet. The feet must always be turned outwards. Call it 'Pipo feet', or 'turn on your turn signals'. Or ask your own swimming teacher what he (or she) calls it.

In any case, let the child pull the toes up well. Then the feet are already slightly in the correct position. Then turn the toes out. This position of the feet is important to get good propulsion in the water. You can also practice this very well at home. On the couch. Or let the child walk with the feet turned out and the toes up. Another trick is to let the child swim with water shoes.

Learning to swim for children

Because children are taking swimming lessons younger and younger, today we share 10 tips to learn to swim more pleasantly and faster with Lifeguard Certification Near Me. It's nice for you and your child if that swimming diploma is quickly in your pocket.

Tips for learning to swim

For starters, it is always the intention that a child can float before learning the swimming strokes. A child must be able to float well both on its back and on its stomach.

But before a child dares to float, he must first dare to enter the water (and underwater). What can you as a parent do to help your child? Most of the tips below are about that.

1. Go to the swimming pool with the child yourself

First, physically put yourself in the position of a child. Get on your knees in the pool, at the height of your child, and look around you. You will then see a huge flat water, with all bobbing heads in it.

You – and therefore your child – see heads approaching and moving away. That those heads are swimming people is not the first thing that comes to your child's mind.

Run and play with your child in shallow water. Show that it's fun to make crazy moves in the water. Also teach your child to jump from a small height into the water. Let it run through the water. Also use the arms, and splash around. In this way the child learns to deal with the counter pressure of the water and with splashes in the face.

2. Play underwater face games

Learn in a playful way that you can go underwater with your face without any problems. Don't force it of course, but try to put one ear under water first. Do you hear anything then? What? Likewise with your nose under water.

Give the child goggles to see underwater. And try together (in a random place, for example in the car) to hold your breath for ten seconds. Try that underwater too.

3. Practice lying on your back

First, demonstrate how you can float relaxed on your back. It goes like this: ears in the water, looking at the ceiling, squeezing buttocks. At first, the child finds this very scary.

Maintain constant body contact with your child during this exercise. Have the child raise the hands to shoulder height, then bend the knees, tilt the head back and straighten the legs (bounce off slightly), and push the buttocks up. Support the child's back or buttocks with one hand. Don't take it too long and build confidence slowly.

4. Practice trial and error in the water

When a child falls, when walking or playing in the water, the first reaction of many people is to immediately jump to help the child get up, grab and comfort. That's understandable, but it could be better.

If a child falls, it is startled. It 's scary too. But it is better to give the child the chance to get up again on their own. Feel free to let it soak for a while. If it doesn't work, of course you help and then you slowly show how you stand up in the water.

When a child has stood up independently, it helps to strengthen self-confidence in the water with American Lifeguard USA Miami.

5. Practice lying on the stomach

Lying on the stomach is easier as the child keeps the face well in the water. Look at the bottom. Let's see what happens to your legs when you raise your head: the further your head bends back, the more your legs go down. Then you can't lie down anymore.

Start at the side. Bend your knees, push off with one leg against the wall and float. If that goes well, practice it from a standing position. If the head is well in the water (look at the bottom), the buttocks will naturally rise.

Go into shallow water and have the child put their hands on the bottom. Rotate the hands so that the fingers point towards the toes. The buttocks are now rising. Then ask the child to let go of one hand and then both hands. You stand in front of the child and hold his hands. Pull the child through the water and let him put his face in the water.

6. Practice pinball with the legs

Once the child can float, practice pinball with the legs (the leg stroke in chest crawl). First with as many splashes as possible (that's nice), then without splashes. Keep feet under water.

7. Always start with the legs

If you want to teach your child a swimming stroke, always start with the legs. Many parents would like to immediately learn a combination breaststroke, but that is almost never possible. That is too difficult for a small child. So start with the legs, and always on the back first.

Today, the modern instruction is like this:

start lying on your back

bend the knees while keeping the knees together. The feet then sink to the bottom

then let the legs (toes out) go shoulder-width apart and turn them back until they are straight again.

8. Emphasize the 'Pepo position' of the feet

8 tips to learn to swim more pleasantly and faster

Swimming requires technique, which means that many people don't get further than a few strokes before they hang out panting again. Michael Phelps also had to start somewhere and look where he is now. In other words: just start and technology with Lifeguard course Near Me.

But how do you start swimming? Swimming coach Dan Bullock has drawn up a plan with which you can build up a decent (swimming) condition within 5 weeks. “Over the 5 weeks, 8 workouts are spread out,” says Bullock. “After that, you can continue swimming about 3 times a week to keep improving your technique and fitness. This plan aims to boost your confidence, build muscle definition, and devour body fat. Moreover, you have discovered a new way of cardio and strength training. With the exception of week 1, use a few breaststroke courses as a warm up and cool down.”

Week 1 (1 workout)

Dan: “For starters, it's important to be consistent. Try to find a rhythm in both your stroke and your breathing to lay a foundation for your technique. After the first few laps, you may feel like you don't need that much break, but you'll come back to that soon!”.

The workout:

With a brisk breaststroke, swim back and forth 8-12 times in a 25-meter pool. After each back and forth, rest for a minute. If you don't have a 25-meter pool nearby, adjust the number of swims back and forth to the length of the pool you're swimming in. If you end up only swimming 400 to 600 meters.

Week 2 (2 workouts)

"The first training session of this week is to determine how fit you are. In week 5 you repeat this to see how much you have progressed. Keep a stopwatch handy. The second training is intended to see what distance it suits you with American Lifeguard USA Miami.

Workout 1: Fitness test

Make as many meters as possible in 3 minutes. Try to start fairly slowly, but gradually increase in speed. This can be spicy! The idea is that in week 5 you can swim twice as far.

Workout 2: Time trial

Take that stopwatch with you again, because you're going to do 12 sets of 2 minutes. You divide those 2 minutes into swimming and resting yourself. Vary between a quiet and a fast front crawl, and adjust your break accordingly. For example: 30 seconds of fast crawling, 30 seconds of rest. Then crawl quietly for 40 seconds, with 20 seconds of rest.

Week 3 (1 workout)

“This week you focus on distance and intensity,” Dan says. “The distance increases, but the rest decreases in proportion. Your speed does not have to increase, but try not to slow down. That's hard enough."

The training:

- Front crawl 1 time back and forth, rest 15 seconds.
- Front crawl back and forth 2 times, rest 15 seconds.
- Front crawl back and forth 3 times, rest 15 seconds.

Week 4 (2 workouts)

“The first training is again a time trial , with the focus on maintaining a constant speed. The second workout focuses on your legs. Most muscles in your legs are large, and therefore relatively strong. So your legs can put in some extra effort, and strong legs also contribute to good technique. That's why it's good to use only your legs every now and then while swimming. While swimming, keep your arms outstretched in front of you, with a kickboard in your hands. If you enjoy swimming with a snorkel, don't use a kickboard. In that case, swim with your arms at your sides or stretched straight out.”

A 5 week training schedule for novice swimmers

1. Hydration

ALWAYS have a water bottle or water bottle with you. You will perspire a lot unnoticed while swimming. In a swimming pool it is often very warm but because you are in the water you do not realize this yourself. Yet you are exercising and you will lose a lot of fluid. To compensate for this fluid loss, drinking water is very important and sufficient with Lifeguard Class Near Me.

Energy drinks or other fruit juices are not necessary and often contain a lot of unnecessary sugars. If you drink too little while swimming, you can suffer from headaches that can last for a very long time or you feel weak and energy less for a longer period of time.

2. Material

If you seriously want to go swimming, it is advisable to purchase a good bathing suit or tight swimming trunks/bikini. Fashionable bikinis with which you lie on the beach in the summer or long wide swimming trunks will especially hinder you while swimming laps and will not improve your swimming performance. Such long wide swimming trunks, for example, provide enormous extra resistance and are not streamlined at all, so that you can also work less well on your technique. For the women, 'normal' bikinis will be especially inconvenient. When you swim even a little faster they will slide and/or sag. A bathing suit/ball squeezer/special training bikini ensures that you don't have to worry about your equipment and you can better focus on your position in the water and your swimming stroke.

In addition, it is of course nice to have good swimming goggles so that you can safely swim with your head in the water and do not show up at school / work with red, stinging eyes after your workout.

I would definitely recommend a swim cap for those with longer hair. Such a hat often costs less than a tenner and you benefit a lot from it. You can of course wear your hair in a ponytail or braid. But when you start swimming a bit fanatically, you will soon notice that tufts come loose and still irritate your face. In addition, your hair gets tangled very quickly and that chlorinated water is not so good for your hair either. Chlorine water is certainly not such a party for people with dyed hair. A bathing cap offers a solution. For most in the beginning it takes some getting used to, but after that they can no longer do without.

You can often get the above materials at a sporting goods store or online. The brands Speedo and Arena are specialized in swimming and I would therefore recommend in this area with American Lifeguard USA Miami.

3. Food

Do not eat (too) much before swimming. Swimming laps on a full stomach can be annoying and you can get cramps more easily. If you are going to swim for more than half an hour, it is advisable to at least eat something (small). Think of a banana, currant bun or protein bar. After swimming, most people often feel more hungry than usual. Swimming uses all your muscles, so your body can use some extra protein. A protein-rich meal after swimming is therefore good.

4. Warming up & cooling down

Even though it is often very hot in a pool, it is still important that you warm up your body and wake up your muscles before swimming. The water is often cold! Build up your swimming training slowly and start warming up/stretching your muscles on the side. When you go into the water, start slowly and don't go the first lane as fast as possible to the other side. A good warm-up ensures that your muscles are at the right tension and you prevent injuries and cramps. Even after swimming, it is best to swim a few lengths very calmly. Lower your heart rate, consciously breathe in and out, and your body slowly recovers from swimming. This way you also prevent injuries but also muscle pain / stiff muscles.

5. Think in small steps

Swimming is a very technical and difficult sport. That's why it's good to know that you won't master the front crawl perfectly within a week or quickly make huge progress in terms of times. In any case, it's already very good that you want to start swimming and those miles and fast times will come later. For example, a first goal could be to go swimming once or twice a week for a month. In the beginning, try to focus mainly on the technique, so you may (in your opinion) slow down a bit, but in the end it will pay off! For example, look at the stroke of better swimmers or take a course. In almost all pools, certain front crawl classes are given or special trim swimming lessons are organized. There is always a trainer or pool employee present who will teach you the swimming stroke better.

You can of course also become a member of a swimming club. But remember that really learning how to swim takes time and don't give up too quickly if you don't succeed within a month, because perseverance will be rewarded. All beginnings are difficult, but then remember that you are doing a great job! It is a fantastic sport, very good for your body and if you succeed after a while, it is even more wonderful to do.

5 PRACTICAL TIPS FOR IF YOU WANT TO START SWIMMING

Before and after swimming

Always start and end your workout in the pool with a shower and foot bath. Inform yourself about the rules of the swimming pool and the guidelines regarding the wearing of a swimming cap, swimming shorts with Lifeguard Training Near Me.

Outfit

Wear a comfortable swimsuit/swimming briefs that fit you well, but don't stretch. The use of well-fitting chlorine goggles is recommended but not necessary. long hair is best tied back.

Regularity and discipline

It is important for a novice swimmer to get started with a lot of discipline and to stick to the training schedule. Choose fixed times.

Company

Find a training partner. Swimming together is even more fun and motivating to achieve your goal. Ask in the pool if group sessions are organized.

Progress

It will go a little smoother every time. The first few weeks are the hardest to sustain, but your fitness will gradually improve. Perseverance is the message.

Overtraining

Do not overdo your training and pay attention to the rest days. While swimming, make sure you can breathe comfortably without constantly gasping for breath and always listen to your body. If you missed a workout, pick up where you left off.

Nutrition

To avoid stomach complaints, it is best to eat a light meal at least 2 hours before your departure. Special sports nutrition and drinks are not necessary if you are swimming for less than an hour. Bring water, a sugar-free drink or a piece of fruit, tasty and healthy after swimming. Drink plenty afterwards with American Lifeguard USA Miami.

Age

Good news: swimming is suitable for young and old. The risk of injury is virtually excluded. In many cases, swimming is even recommended for the rehabilitation of sports injuries, etc

Healthy living

Start the day with a healthy breakfast and don't skip meals. Drink water throughout the day, at least one and a half liters a day. Limit sugary foods, sugary drinks and alcohol. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, at least 3 servings a day. Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. Go for a walk, bike ride or swim a few lengths. Alternate in your movement or sport, so you ensure balanced muscle development. Get enough sleep and avoid worrying; ensure adequate relaxation.

1000m and now what?

After finishing training schedule 2 you can suddenly swim 1000 m without breaks. Congratulations! But this should not be the end point. Ever heard of trim swimming? There are 3,000 m, 5,000 m, 10,000 m, 25,000 m, 50,000 m, 100,000 m trim certificates. Ask for info in the pool.