
First Time Lifeguard Certification & Training with First Aid and CPR/AED that you can start and complete right away. Save $100 today with a special Grant!
First-Time Lifeguard Training: Special Offer and Program Highlights
The American Lifeguard Association is thrilled to announce a special $100 discount on our lifeguard training courses, thanks to a grant from the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The national grant lowers the regular fee from $385 to $285 and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Don't miss out—register now!
Blended Learning
Our blended training programs allow employers to assess your skills and offer ongoing training in line with Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) guidelines.
This ensures you receive top-quality education and are prepared for real-world scenarios. The national training can be started and completed at any time, and can be done anywhere.
Flexible Scheduling & Certification
Complete the training at your own pace with our video-led course. Upon completion, you'll earn a two-year certification in lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and first aid. You may also be eligible for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and college credits. Additionally, your credentials will be uploaded to the National Verification system at https://universalcertification.org/, facilitating easy access for both health department officials and employers.
Seize this limited-time offer—register today for comprehensive and affordable lifeguard training.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Our First-Time Lifeguard Course incorporates the latest ECC science and guidelines from the United States Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition. To enroll in this Lifeguarding course, you must be at least 15 years old. According to U.S. Labor Laws, you must be 15 years or older to work at a swimming pool, water park, or lake, and at least 16 years old to work at beaches. Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a national two-year certification in lifeguarding, first aid, and CPR/AED.
QUALITY AND ACCESSIBILITY
We remain committed to delivering high-quality training. This grant enhances our ongoing pledge to make essential training both accessible and affordable. All our materials are available online and you may view our training videos at the following link American Lifeguard Association. Don't miss out on this opportunity—register today.
ENROLLMENT AND GUARANTEES
Enrollment is simple. Click the "ADD TO CART" tab at the top to register. You can complete the training at your own pace throughout the year. Confident in the quality of our program, we offer both a 30-day money-back and a 30-day price-match guarantee.
FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS
Understanding the importance of financial flexibility, we offer multiple payment options. These include full payment upfront or interest-free installment plans. In partnership with Shop Pay, additional payment avenues are available. Select the Shop Pay option at checkout for further details.
NATIONAL ACCREDITATIONS AND STANDARDS
Over the past 33 years, the American Lifeguard Association has earned various national recognitions, including it has been listed over the years on the CDC Healthy Swimming website. Additionally, both the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. General Service Administration (GSA) have determined that the American Lifeguard Association's certification programs are equivalent to those offered by the American Red Cross. We are also in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Furthermore, we require employers to adhere to the new Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) guidelines for pre-service evaluations and in-service training.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the U.S. Department of Labor, acting as the federal Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), has confirmed that the American Lifeguard Association meets national standards for lifeguard training and certification. We are among a select group of national training organizations formally recognized by the United States Government. Consequently, our certification fulfills national requirements in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
For over three decades, the American Lifeguard Association has trained more than 250,000 individuals worldwide. We are a national educational association supported by the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation and Global Lifeguards, both of which are non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations. Together, these organizations form an integral part of the Global Lifeguard Association, one of the largest global aquatic consortiums.
The American Lifeguard Association has been proactive in promoting water safety, better working conditions, lower training fees, and higher pay for lifeguards through various outreach efforts. These include public service announcements, media engagements, and regular appearances as water safety experts on major networks such as the Weather Channel, ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. To learn more about our Association and read the latest news stories regarding the American Lifeguard Association's nationwide efforts in the lifesaving profession, we suggest that you visit our YouTube Channel at the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanLifeguardAssociation
IN-DEPTH CERTIFICATION
Our certification process employs a blend of instructor-led videos, online resources, and a final online exam. Employers are authorized to assess your practical skills as part of our comprehensive training regimen, ensuring real-world assessment conditions. Upon successful completion, you'll receive a two-year national certification in lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and first aid.
COURSE GOALS
Our course aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. Upon successful completion, you'll receive a two-year American Lifeguard Certificate, valid for lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid.
COMPREHENSIVE SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND CERTIFICATION
Our curriculum is meticulously designed to furnish you with the vital skills and knowledge needed to avert and manage aquatic emergencies effectively.
TAKE ACTION NOW
Don't delay and join our extensive network of active lifeguard members. The training can be completed individually, or with a group. To begin, simply click "ADD TO CART" at the top of this page.
STEPS TO COMPLETE THE ALA PROGRAM
- Review all instructor-led training videos and online materials
Once you register, you will receive links to our online training videos, as well as an online lifeguard reference manual. These materials will cover various skills and techniques associated with CPR/AED and First Aid. You need to become familiar with and able to perform the skills shown in these materials.
- Complete the online final exam
After reviewing the training videos and additional online materials and can accomplish the skills, you will need to go online and take the final written exam. Successful completion of the final exam requires a score of 80% or higher. You may review your online materials if needed at any time. There is no time limit to take the exam, but it must be taken at one time, for you cannot leave the exam and return where you left off. If you leave the exam, you will need to start it over until completed. If you do not receive a passing grade, you can retake the exam until you pass no additional fees.
Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive a full printout of your exam score along with the correct answers to any questions you may have gotten wrong. We require that you look over your exam results to help ensure you know all the right answers. Upon completion, you will be given a lifeguard, CPR/AED, and First Aid certification. The certifications will be valid for two years from the date issued. The purpose of the ALA training program is to teach candidates the knowledge and skills needed to help prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies.
You will receive an email confirming your successful completion of the program, and your records will be placed in a national verification system the same day you complete the final exam; you will receive a Deep-Water Lifeguard certification as a titled Professional Lifeguard along with First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer.
All our programs require the participants to practice their skills both in and out of the water. You can find a full list of these swimming, rescue, and first aid skills below. Upon completing the above steps, participants will obtain a Deep-Water Lifeguard certification titled Professional Lifeguard and First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. Per the new national standards, the certification will be valid for two years from the completion date. With our certification program, the employer has been granted authorization to evaluate your practical skills as a component of the lifeguard training. This ensures that you are assessed under real-world conditions and enhances the quality of your training.
The verification system allows validated certification to be viewed by employers and health department officials. We request that you print out a copy of your American Lifeguard Association certification once you receive this official email. Also, a waterproof, wallet-size certification card will be mailed to you the next business day.
The National Verification system will then store your certification records. You will receive your digital certification via email the same day you complete the program. You can easily access your Lifeguarding and First Aid/CPR/AED certifications through the American Lifeguard Association. Through the national online verification system, users can view, print, or share their digital certificates from anywhere. With just your first and last name and date of birth, employers and health officials can now verify your certification online.
- Employee Orientation
An orientation session about facility operations and responsibilities helps lifeguards understand the facility, their responsibilities, and management’s expectations. The orientation is critical for learning what is unique about your workplace. Ask your employer questions about your facility and become completely familiar with your facility’s operations.
The employer ensures that each Lifeguard candidate has all the skills and knowledge necessary for the position they are being considered for. The employer also needs to make sure the candidate meets the physical and all other elements before starting employment. The employer to evaluate your current skill level. Your employer may have you participate in rescue scenarios to ensure that you understand your team's responsibilities and are familiar with your facility’s layout and equipment.
- Continue with in-service training with your employer.
Earning a lifeguarding certification means you have completed a training course on a given date. It does not mean that you have learned everything there is to know about lifeguarding. Once hired as a lifeguard, you should expect that you will be required to continue your training.
VERIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION
Upon completing the above steps, you will receive an email confirming your successful completion of the ALA certification program. We request that you print out a copy of your American Lifeguard Association certification for your records. Also, a waterproof, wallet-sized certification card will be mailed on the next business day.
The National Verification system will then store your certification records. You will receive your digital certification via email the same day you complete the program. You can easily access your Lifeguarding and First Aid/CPR/AED certifications through the American Lifeguard Association. Through the national online verification system, users can view, print, or share their digital certificates from anywhere. With just your first and last name and date of birth, employers and health officials can now verify your certification online.
30-DAY PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE
We owe our success to you, our members, and we know that price is a critical concern. We want you to feel confident that by choosing the American Lifeguard Association. Even though we routinely monitor our training fees to ensure that our prices are competitive, if you find a lower price after 30 days of your registration, on any training we offer within the county where you live, at your local park authority, community pool, school or university, we will match it.
We must be able to verify the lower price through a valid website. Lower prices that cannot be confirmed will not be honored. The training cannot be offered by an employer with whom you are required to go for employment purposes, as this would result in reduced pay for the lower-priced course. Additionally, the class must currently be open for registration and not already filled.
To take advantage of our offer, email us at alalifeguard@aol.com anytime within 30 days of your initial registration. Include the website, link, or advertisement where you found a better price. Once the lower price and source are confirmed, the American Lifeguard Association will instantly refund the difference. This offer is in addition to our 30-day satisfaction money-back guarantee.
30-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE 100% refund for 30 days – no questions asked!
To prove our confidence in the program, we provide and its value to you, we offer a 30-day, money-back guarantee. All you have to do is send us an email at alalifeguard@aol.com within 30 days from your registration date, and we will refund you the full amount of the purchase. You don’t have to tell us why you want a refund, but we’ll be grateful if you would let us know, as it will help us better understand your needs and expectations and those of future members. We have always strived to create training based on member satisfaction and long-term relationships. The money-back guarantee is only a small part of the measures we take to ensure our members receive excellent training from the USA's largest lifeguard association in a risk-free environment.
You are encouraged to check with your professional before participating in the practice sessions. If a medical condition or disability exists that might prevent participation in the activities or questions about fully participating in the lifeguard course, please contact us by email.
Lifeguards are essential for helping to keep aquatic facilities safe. Unlike most other professional rescuers, lifeguards are present to prevent emergencies from occurring. Injury prevention is a primary focus of a lifeguard. Therefore, the program teaches how injuries occur and how they can be prevented. We will also teach proper surveillance, prevention, and victim recognition information.
The American Lifeguard Association® is considered one of the top aquatic health and safety training programs in the United States. Founded in 1990, and with the United States Senate's assistance, the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) has become a nationally recognized association. The American Lifeguard and Safety Training adheres to a code of ethics and maintains a commitment to delivering quality health and safety training worldwide.
We offer a national certification program that can be started and completed at any time and regardless of where you live. With our nationally recognized certification program, you can begin training anywhere and finish it at any time. After enrolling, you can complete your certification program in as little as a few days or a weekend, or you can feel free to go at your own pace. It is an online program that uses videos, manuals, and exams that you can achieve on your own and at your own pace. Upon successful completion, you will become a certified lifeguard through the American Lifeguard Association, a nationally recognized organization. Our programs may be eligible for Continuing Education Unit (CEU) and college elective credits.
Click on "ADD TO CART" at the top of the page to register.
To enroll in the Lifeguarding course, you may be of any age, but US Labor Laws require that you be 15 years or older to work at a swimming pool, water park, or lake, and 16 years or older at beaches.
SKILLS COVERED IN THE PROGRAM
It provides entry-level participants the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies and provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until EMS personnel take over. Requirements: Minimum age: 15 years; Swim 300 yards continuously; Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs; Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds by starting in the water, swimming 20 yards, surface dive to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object, return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, exit the water without using steps or a ladder. Participants who complete the Lifeguarding course receive an American Lifeguard certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, valid for 2 years.
Swimming Skills:
If you can answer “yes” to the following questions, you will pass the swimming test portion of the lifeguard certification requirements.
- Can you swim for 300 yards without stopping using the following 3 strokes in this order and with the proper form?
- Front crawl (freestyle) for 100 yards
- Breaststroke for 100 yards
- Either the front crawl or the breaststroke for the final 100 yards
- Can you retrieve a 10 lb weight from the bottom of the pool within a time limit of 1 minute and 40 seconds?
Beginning in the water, you must swim for 20 yards using either the front crawl or the breaststroke. You must then complete a surface dive to “rescue” a 10 lb-weight that is 7–10 ft below the surface. Once the weight is retrieved, you must swim back to the point where you started (a distance of 20 yards) and get out of the pool without using steps or a ladder.
Rescue Skills:
- Slide-In Entry
- Stride and Compact Jumps
- Rescue Approach—Front Crawl or Breaststroke
- Simple Assist
- Extension Assist from the Deck
- Reaching Assist with Equipment and
- Throwing Assist
- Swimming Extension Rescue
- Active and Passive Drowning Victim Rear Rescue
- Two-Person Removal from the Water
- Using a Backboard
- Passive Submerged Victim—Shallow Water
- Submerged Victim—Deep Water
- Multiple-Victim Rescue
- Feet-First Surface Dive
- Front and Rear Head-Hold Escape
Caring for Head, Neck, or Back Injury Skills:
- Manual In-Line Stabilization for a Head, Neck, or Back Injury on Land—Lying
- Down, Sitting, or Standing
- Using a Backboard for a Standing Victim on Land
- Head Splint Technique—Face-Up Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface
- Head Splint Technique—Face-Down Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface
- Head Splint Technique—Face-Up Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface
- Head Splint Technique—Face-Down Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface
- Head and Chin Support—Face-Up Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface
- Head and Chin Support—Face-Down Victim, Shallow Water at or Near Surface
- Head and Chin Support—Face-Up Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface
- Head and Chin Support—Face-Down Victim, Deep Water at or Near Surface
- In-line Stabilization for a Submerged Victim—Face-Up, Face-Down, or on One Side in Deep Water
- Using a Backboard in Shallow and Deep Water
CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Skills:
- Removing Gloves
- Initial Assessment
- Rescue Breathing—Adult, Child, and Infant
- Using a Bag-Valve-Mask Resuscitator—Two Rescuers
- Conscious Choking—Adult, Child, and Infant
- Unconscious Choking—Adult, Child, and Infant
- CPR—Adult, Child, and Infant
- Two-Rescuer CPR—Adult, Child, and Infant
- Using an AED—Adult and Child
First Aid Skills:
- Secondary Assessment
- Controlling External Bleeding
- Applying a Sling and Binder
- Applying an Anatomic Splint
- Applying a Soft Splint
Skill Scenarios:
- Final Skill Scenario 1—Active Drowning Victim
- Final Skill Scenario 2—Submerged Passive Drowning Victim
- Final Skill Scenario 3—Head, Neck, or Back Injury.
Note: There are several ways to care for a spinal injury in the water. In this scenario, the victim will be face down, and the student will need to rotate the victim face up with their choice of any of the different saves for this purpose.
National standards require that all employers should follow the national standards and test each candidate they ensure the candidate possesses the required skills. Employers should also further their staff training through in-service programs to help increase their ability levels. At any time during employment, a staff member should be able to demonstrate their skills to show proficiency. Therefore, even after you complete our program, you must continue practicing your skills and work to improve them.
There is nothing more important than learning how to save a life, and nothing more rewarding than knowing you did it the right way. ALA has helped save tens of thousands of lives over the past quarter of a century. Learn to be alert, be professional, and save lives the right way. Get certified now and start saving lives!
If you are searching online for lifeguard classes near me, lifeguard training near me, lifeguard online courses, online lifeguard certification, lifeguard training and certification, lifeguarding classes, lifeguard training courses, lifeguard recertification, or lifeguard instructor classes, then you have come to the right place.
If you have any questions about the registration process or problems completing the program, please email us at alalifeguard@aol.com. We monitor our incoming emails 24/7 and normally respond to inquiries within just a few minutes. You may read more by visiting our home page at https://americanlifeguard.com.
Click on "ADD TO CART" at the top of the page to register.
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