Lifeguard Training: A Vital Investment in Community Safety

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 Sanibel, emphasized that their ability to expand pool hours is hindered primarily due to staffing limitations, not a lack of equipment or infrastructure.

The Rise of Retirees as Lifeguards

In an inspiring turn, retirees are stepping in to fill the gap. As profiled in the Gulf Coast News Now article, Brian Krakowski, a former Coast Guard helicopter rescue swimmer and state trooper, returned from retirement to serve as a lifeguard at the Sanibel Recreation Center. His decades of rescue experience translate into a calm, authoritative presence on deck.

Likewise, Chris Menzel, a retired police chief from New York, has brought his community-focused mindset to lifeguarding. “What they bring to the table from their previous careers is priceless,” said Miller, highlighting how their professional background contributes significantly to situational awareness, decision-making, and overall safety.

Lifeguard Training: What It Involves

Becoming a certified lifeguard in the U.S. typically requires successful completion of a Red Cross lifeguard certification, along with CPR and first aid for professional rescuers. Some communities and facilities, like those in Sanibel, cover training costs to incentivize new recruits. For example, Sanibel lifeguards receive paid training, toll coverage, and competitive wages starting at $17.95 per hour, with bonuses for advanced certifications.

Key components of American lifeguard training include:

• Water rescue techniques for pools and open water

• CPR/AED usage for adults, children, and infants

• First aid response, including handling heatstroke, fractures, and spinal injuries

• Surveillance skills to monitor swimmers effectively and prevent incidents

• Emergency action plans (EAPs) and teamwork drills

Lifeguards Save Lives—Literally

Drowning remains a leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths in the U.S., particularly in states like Florida. In 2021, Florida ranked fourth for drowning deaths across all age groups. Rob Knight, a Sanibel lifeguard and swim coach, emphasized the value of lifeguards in preventing these tragedies, noting that their presence alone drastically reduces risks.

Moreover, guards serve as role models, educators, and first responders. Their impact extends beyond the water, fostering a culture of safety, awareness, and responsibility.

Why Lifeguarding Matters—Now More Than Ever

From teenagers seeking summer jobs to retirees looking to give back, lifeguard training offers a path toward purposeful, community-centered work. As shown in Sanibel, embracing nontraditional candidates like older adults can be a game-changer.

By offering accessible training, flexible schedules, and respect for lived experience, communities can tackle the lifeguard shortage while enriching their safety programs with seasoned professionals.

Conclusion

Whether you're a high school student, a seasoned professional, or a retiree, lifeguard training opens doors to one of the most impactful civic roles available. As Krakowski puts it, knowing people are “in a safe environment” because of his presence “makes [his] day.” In a time when lifeguard shortages threaten public access and safety, investing in proper training and embracing broader candidate pools is not just strategic—it’s essential.