Lifeguard Training with American Lifeguard: Your Path to a Lifesaving Career

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 accommodate this year,” said NYC Parks press officer Gregg McQueen.

The implications are serious. Drowning remains one of the leading causes of unintentional death, particularly for children aged 1 to 14. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports approximately 4,000 fatal unintentional drownings annually — that's 11 lives lost every single day.

Lifeguard Training: More Than a Job, a Responsibility

Lifeguarding is no longer just a part-time summer gig — it’s an essential public safety role that requires comprehensive preparation. American Lifeguard recertification provides nationally recognized certification programs that cover:

• CPR/AED and First Aid

• Water rescue techniques

• Surveillance and scanning

• Legal responsibilities and professionalism

• Emergency action plans

With a curriculum designed to exceed industry standards, trainees are prepared to respond confidently and competently to emergencies — on beaches, in pools, or at aquatic centers.

A Flexible, Accessible Training Path

American Lifeguard understands that today’s recruits juggle busy schedules and tight budgets. That’s why their training options are:

• Hybrid or fully online coursework available

• In-person skill sessions scheduled locally

• Affordable pricing and bulk discounts for organizations

• Group training programs for camps, schools, and park districts

This accessibility has helped thousands of new and returning guards get certified quickly and efficiently — filling critical roles at a time when they’re needed most.

A Career With Purpose

“The pool of people – pun intended – is just smaller,” noted Tom Gill, VP of the United States Lifesaving Association, to CNN. Younger job seekers have more employment options than ever, but lifeguarding offers something unique: purpose.

This is a job that saves lives. It builds confidence, leadership, teamwork, and physical fitness — attributes that translate to future careers in healthcare, education, fitness, and public service.

As Wyatt Werneth from the American Lifeguard Association put it: “America needs to take lifeguarding seriously. We need to train individuals, get them excited at an early age and offer them a career path forward.”

Incentives Are Growing — Get Certified Today

Cities and counties across the nation are raising wages and offering sign-on bonuses to attract lifeguards:

• NYC: $21.26/hour + $1,000 bonus for seasonal lifeguards

• Denver: Free lifeguard training courses

• Austin, Phoenix, Indiana: Added financial incentives and flexible schedules

With these benefits, there's never been a better time to pursue certification through American Lifeguard. Whether you're looking for summer work, a stepping stone toward a healthcare career, or a chance to make a tangible impact, lifeguarding offers it all.

How to Enroll in Lifeguard Training

Ready to make a difference? Here’s how to get started:

1. Visit www.americanlifeguardassociation.com

2. Choose your course type (beach, pool, waterfront)

3. Enroll online and select your local training dates

4. Complete coursework and hands-on training

5. Pass your exams and receive your official certification

Be the Lifesaver Your Community Needs

The call for trained lifeguards is urgent — and the opportunity is yours. By enrolling with American Lifeguard, you’re joining a proud tradition of service, safety, and strength. Don’t wait for another emergency to strike — be ready, be certified, and be the difference this summer.