In this day and age, water safety has become of utmost importance. Indeed, with drowning being one of the leading accidental causes of death for the young, high schools have a special opportunity to give back by instituting lifeguarding programs.

Such programs require compulsory water safety skills, which go a long way in preparing students with the necessary certifications, leading to jobs in the real world. Lifeguard instructors, and trained professionals teaching students the knowledge and skills to save lives, are the heart of these programs.

In this article, the importance of lifeguard programs in high school settings, the role of a lifeguard instructor, and the way the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is blazing the trail for water safety education will be discussed.

 Why Lifeguard Programs Should Be Offered at High Schools

Far from just being educational, high schools are small communities that equip students with skills for life outside the classroom. Lifeguard programs fit in well with the mission of providing students with practical life-saving skills. Here are some reasons that would justify the inclusion of lifeguard programs within high schools:

  1. Promoting Water Safety Awareness: Many students lack basic water safety knowledge that endangers their lives during recreational activities. The lifeguard program teaches students how to remain safe in and around water and thus averts accidents.
  2. Build Confidence and Responsibility: To become a certified lifeguard, one has to be disciplined, focused, and committed to helping others. Such qualities transcend into other avenues of life, allowing these student lifeguards to mature into responsible and confident individuals over time.
  3. Career Opportunities: A good job, lifeguarding gives free hours and pays well. By getting lifeguard certification in high school, students can gain an advantage in the job market—especially over the summer.
  4. Community Impact: High school lifeguard programs go beyond the classroom to students volunteering at local pools, beaches, or community centres. This fosters civic responsibility and strengthens community ties.

 The Role of a Lifeguard Instructor

At the core of any successful lifeguard program is the competent and committed lifeguard instructor. These professionals train students on the basic lifeguarding skills: water rescue, CPR, first aid, and AED. But an instructor’s role goes far beyond teaching; they also instill in students a sense of the seriousness of water safety, and the responsibility of being a lifeguard.

What a Lifeguard Instructor Does

  1. Curriculum Delivery: The lifeguard instructor implements a specific curriculum, e.g. from the American Lifeguard Association, to guarantee students receive a thorough education to learn from the classroom and practical application of skills in the water.
  2. Skill Assessment: Instructors assess students based on skills performed in practical tests and on written tests. They provide valuable input to assist students in improving their skills to meet certification requirements.
  3. Mentorship: A great lifeguard instructor acts as a mentor, encouraging their students to step outside of their comfort zones and develop valuable teamwork and leadership qualities in others.
  4. Safety Oversight: Instructors-led training sessions provide a controlled environment for safety so students may learn where exposure to unnecessary risk is limited.

Qualities of a Good Lifeguard Instructor

  • Expertise: A lifeguard instructor knows water safety, rescue techniques, and emergency response.
  • Communication Skills: The ability to explain complex things and interestingly.
  • Patience and Empathy: Students learn at different rates, and a good instructor recognizes this and adjusts his/her teaching style accordingly.
  • Passion for Teaching: The best instructors are the ones who care about whether their students succeed and who are committed to making a difference.

The American Lifeguard Association: The Choice for Lifeguard Training Programs

The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is the leading and most shining organization in the field of lifeguard certification and training. ALA provides much more than just lifesaving programs and a certificate program for every need of high school graduates and those in community centres and individuals. Here are a few reasons that make ALA the ultimate partner for high school lifeguard programs:

  1. Widespread Certification: The ALA certification is recognized countrywide; thus, these certifications provide students with an opportunity to work throughout the country as a lifeguard.
  2. Flexible Training Programs: The ALA realizes that every high school has its schedule. That is why they are offering flexible training programs to include in-person classes and blended learning courses, which fit around hectic school calendars.
  3. Top Instructor Faculty: ALA’s lifeguard instructors are among the best. They are committed to their responsibility to teach, drawing from years of experience and industry knowledge.
  4. All-Inclusive Curriculum: The ALA curriculum covers every aspect of lifeguarding from water rescue techniques to emergency medical response, which ensures students will always be capable of handling real-life situations.
  5. Budget Friendly: ALA has programs and policies to ensure that all screening programs and the associated costs can be reasonably afforded by all parties.

How High Schools Start

Realizing a lifeguard program in a high school seems daunting, but it is possible with the right resources and support. Here is a step-by-step form of getting started.

  1. Determine Interest: Survey students and staff because they want the benefit of having a lifeguard program on campus. Discuss benefits that might attract students to certification, job opportunities, and life-saving skills.
  2. Meet with ALA: Call the American Lifeguard Association and tell them what your school needs. They should be able to help you design a program that fits your schedule and budget.
  3. Identify Lifeguard Instructor: If your school is not already employing a certified lifeguard instructor, the ALA can help find one. You can alternatively train a current staff member to be an instructor.
  4. Secure Facilities: You will need a pool for on-site training. If your school has no pool, partner with a community centre or gym.
  5. Spread the Word: Posters, social media, and announcements will publicise the lifeguard program. Emphasize the benefits that build interest in signing up students.
  6. Start and Evaluate: Start to gather student input from program participants when it is created and make changes this year. Celebrate the success of your students as they earn certification!

Final Word

Lifeguard programs increase water safety, impart important life skills, and open doors to rewarding careers. The high school students are under the expertise of the lifeguard instructor, whose skill and effort make it all happen. With that in mind, high schools can partner with the American Lifeguard Association to build lifeguard programs that prepare students for success in and out of the water.

If your high school is ready to take the plunge, visit the ALA today and discover how a lifeguard program can make a lasting difference in your community. Together, we can create a generation of confident, skilled, and safety-conscious individuals ready to save lives.