American Lifeguard Association

As the summer swimming season kicks into full gear, the demand for trained lifeguards has never been more urgent. A persistent shortage, worsened by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, has left beaches and pools across the U.S. struggling to maintain safe operations. With many public venues facing the grim choice between closing down or allowing unsupervised swimming, lifeguard training has become more than a seasonal opportunity — it’s a national imperative. The American Lifeguard Association is sounding the alarm: without a rapid increase in certified professionals, lives could be at risk. Why the Lifeguard Shortage Matters According to CNN’s report on the lifeguard shortage, the U.S. is in the third consecutive year of staffing shortfalls. Cities like New York are grappling with fewer returning guards and increasing safety gaps. “This number includes a second shift of lifeguards to cover early morning and late-night swim programming at pools, which we are not able to accommoda...

American lifeguard training helps protect our communities by equipping individuals with the lifesaving skills necessary to guard our nation’s pools, beaches, and waterfronts. As lifeguard shortages grow across the U.S., certified lifeguards have become more crucial than ever—both in preventing tragedies and in ensuring recreational facilities can operate safely and consistently. The Lifeguard Shortage Crisis According to the American Lifeguard Association, the country has experienced a critical shortage of certified lifeguards, leading to the closure or reduced hours at about a third of public pools nationwide. With over 300,000 public pools in the United States, this shortage presents not just a staffing issue but a pressing public safety concern. A recent story by Gulf Coast News Now highlighted how this shortage is affecting Sanibel Island, Florida, where limited availability of qualified guards is straining local resources. Andrea Miller, Recreation Director for the City of Sa...

American lifeguard training helps individuals transform their passion for water safety into a professional skillset that saves lives. Whether you're aiming to work poolside, beachside, or at a waterpark, the right lifeguard course can equip you with the expertise to respond confidently in emergencies. With the summer season in full swing, the need for well-trained lifeguards has never been greater. Why Lifeguard Training Is Essential in 2025 According to Wyatt Werneth , spokesperson for the American Lifeguard, "Your chances of drowning in front of a lifeguard are 1 in 18 million" — a powerful statistic cited in a recent article by 11Alive journalist on summer pool and beach safety. This underscores the critical importance of certified lifeguards in preventing tragedies and ensuring safe recreational environments. In response to a national shortage of lifeguards, lifeguard training for pools and beaches is more vital than ever. The American Lifeguard Association emphas...

American lifeguard training helps aspiring professionals gain the life-saving skills and certifications needed to become qualified lifeguards. Whether you want to patrol public beaches, manage aquatic centers, or work poolside at a resort, completing a certified lifeguard class is your first step to a rewarding and respected role. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about lifeguard class —from course format to CPR and first aid instruction, and even the career benefits of becoming a certified lifeguard. Why Lifeguard Training Matters Lifeguards are more than just summer jobholders. They are trained professionals responsible for preventing drowning, responding to emergencies, and maintaining aquatic safety. A certified lifeguard undergoes rigorous instruction that includes: Water rescue techniques First aid and CPR for adults, children, and infants Surveillance and scanning strategies Emergency response protocols Use of rescue equi...

American lifeguard training help individuals become confident, certified, and capable lifesavers—whether they’re preparing to protect swimmers at the beach or in the pool. With drowning ranked among the top causes of unintentional death globally, the need for well-trained lifeguards has never been more crucial. If you’re searching for a lifeguard certification course near me or curious about how to become a certified lifeguard, American Lifeguard provides a nationally recognized, flexible, and comprehensive training solution. Why Lifeguard Training Matters More Than Ever A lifeguard’s responsibility extends far beyond just sitting in a chair watching the water. Today’s lifeguards are first responders, leaders, and protectors of public safety. From handling emergency situations like CPR and first aid to enforcing pool rules and beach safety protocols, trained lifeguards are an essential part of any aquatic environment. Whether you’re aiming to work at a waterpark, public pool, beach...