A Lifeguard Is…
A lifeguard, by definition, has a legal duty to protect the safety of people in an assigned area. Lifeguards have a professional obligation to prevent potential accidents by enforcing the rules and regulations of an aquatic setting and to react to any emergencies that occur. To be a professional lifeguard for the Columbia Association a person must have certain physical fitness and are a Licensed International Pool and Waterpark Lifeguard.
In addition to these requirements, however, lifeguards need certain personal characteristics, knowledge and skills to function effectively. Lifeguards must be confident, caring, strong, quick to respond, physically fit, and intelligent with good interpersonal skills. Because of the hazardous duties of the lifeguard, some candidates with physical or mental disabilities may be certified as lifeguards but may not be qualified for the job of a professional lifeguard. Lifeguards must have a high level of physical fitness at all times, including sight, hearing, speed, strength, endurance and flexibility, all of which are vital to a rescue. A professional lifeguard must be able to sit for extended periods of time, including in elevated chairs; communicate verbally including projecting the voice across large distances; and be able to hear noises and sounds of distress even outside one's vision.
Lifeguards must have emotional stability and the ability to make sound decisions that conform to facility policies when dealing in adverse situations. Lifeguards must remember that their decisions may affect the total facility staff and the lives of others. Lifeguards must be firm, fair, consistent and courteous in order to gain the respect and cooperation of the public. Lifeguards must have a positive attitude in order to fully cooperate with other guards in a team effort, and adhere to rules and regulations to ensure successful operation of a facility. Lifeguards must have the physical and mental conditions necessary to be able to properly and timely activate and complete the EMS system in the case of an emergency.
The International Pool and Waterpark Lifeguard/CPR Training Program as designed by Ellis & Associates, provides training that far exceeds conventional standards. All lifeguard candidates completing this course will possess exceptional safety and service skills. This unparalleled program protects both patient and lifeguard, and develops excellence in accountability, professionalism, competency, and service. The guidelines developed by this program have revolutionized the aquatic safety industry and set new lifeguard training standards worldwide. This course includes instruction in lifeguarding skills, CPR for professional rescuers, supplemental oxygen administration, use of AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) and first aid. Some other skills taught in the course will be how to:
- Anticipate how and where incidents will occur
- Recognize incidents
- Effectively manage the incidents with skills that have been proven in the field
- Think critically about the complications that might be present in real situations
- Act in a professional manner
- Protect your safety and well-being
- Understand how to prevent exposure to disease transmission
How does the International Pool & Waterpark Lifeguard Training Program compare to other training companies?
Ellis & Associates does not view themselves in comparison to other lifeguarding programs. They choose to view themselves against how successful they are in eliminating drownings at their client facilities. By constantly striving to achieve the goal of zero drownings, they push forward with new ideas, new research, and new methods.
They believe their firm offers tremendous advantages to their family of clients. For example they provide, risk management evaluations, yearly updates to their training programs, free oxygen cylinders to each facility, legal support and advice in the case of accidents, and a family of clients who believe in the "Make It Work" philosophy.
The Columbia Association’s standards for Lifeguard Candidates are:
- Swim 200 yards using front crawl or breaststroke without resting
- Feet first surface dive, retrieve 10-pound diving brick and bring it to the surface from a depth of 12 feet.
- Tread water without using arms for two minutes.
Lifeguards MUST be 15 years of age by MD state law.
International Pool & Waterpark Lifeguard Instructor Course
IPWLTP Instructor Course Prerequisites:
- Hold a current IPWLTP license.
- Must be 20 years of age.
- Swim 100 yards using front crawl or breaststroke without resting.
- Feet first surface dive, retrieve 10-pound diving brick and bring it to the wall from a depth of 12 feet.
- Tread water without using arms for one minute.