First Time Lifeguard Training with First Aid and CPR/AED that you can start and complete right away. Save $100 today with special Grant!
The American Lifeguard Association is pleased to announce that we have secured a new national grant for 2025 to lower our Lifeguard and safety training fees. These funds will be made available until they are exhausted. The price reflects a special $100 discount due to the grant we received, for our regular price is $385. The funds are limited, so register today to ensure you can take advantage of the grant.
The American Lifeguard Association has been listed over the years with the CDC Healthy Swimming website. In addition, the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. General Service Administration (GSA) has determined that the American Lifeguard Association offers lifeguard certification programs similar to those provided by the American Red Cross. Since the early 1990s, we have helped ensure that all our training programs meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the U.S. Department of Labor, as the federal Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), has determined that the American Lifeguard Association meets the national standards for lifeguard training and certification. The American Lifeguard Association is among a select few national training entities recognized by the United States Government as meeting these federal requirements. Consequently, the American Lifeguard Association fulfills the national requirements for lifeguard training and certification in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.
Provides entry-level participants the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies injuries and sudden illnesses until EMS personnel take over.
Prerequisites: Minimum age: 15 years; Be able to complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest: 1. Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed.) 2. Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs, no arms 3. Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both • Brick Test – Complete in 1 minute, 40 seconds- Swim 20 yards, surface dive to 7ft, retrieve a 10-pound brick at the bottom of the pool, return to the surface, swim on the back holding a brick to starting position, and exit the water. (Swim goggles not allowed) Participants who successfully complete the
Lifeguarding course receive an American Lifeguard certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED valid for 2 years.
Course Overview
Our Lifeguard Recertification Course incorporates the latest ECC science and guidelines from the United States Lifeguard Training Standards Coalition. Open to all previously certified lifeguards including individuals who previously received their training from the American Red Cross.
Our video instructor-led course enables individuals to obtain a lifeguard certifications immediately. Upon completing the online components of the program, you will earn a two-year certification in lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and first aid. If you need assistance at any point during your training, we are available 24/7 in real-time to assist at alalifeguard@aol.com. Upon completion, your certification records will also be uploaded to the National Verification System, allowing employers and health department officials to easily verify your credentials.
We mandate that employers conduct both pre-service and in-service training evaluations in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). This helps ensure that our training program meets national standards, providing candidates with the highest quality education and preparation for preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies. In addition, the documentation verifying the pre-service requirements by the employer is to be maintained at the facility and be available for inspection. The American Lifeguard Association is available to work with employers who request assistance in helping with the program's evaluation to meet these new standards.
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) has the support of Global Lifeguards and the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, which are 501(c)(3) nonprofit associations that oversee beaches and swimming pools. ALA works directly with employers nationwide to help train lifeguard professionals. The primary purpose of ALA is to reduce drownings and to help keep our swimming pools, beaches, and waterways safer.
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 at the lowest prices. Even though we routinely monitor our competitors to assure 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 of where you live that is being conducted within 30 days of your registration, 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, simply 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.
The American Lifeguard Association promotes aquatic environments' safe and enjoyable use through public service announcements and national news media interviews. The Association’s opinions and viewpoints have been aired numerous times over the decades on network shows such as NBC Today Show, Good Morning America, Doctors, and Weather Channel. It has also worked with all the national news networks such as 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 ask that you tap American Lifeguard Association News.
The American Lifeguard and Safety Training™ is a trademark of the American Lifeguard Association health and safety courses. The American Lifeguard Association is one of the top associations specializing in the training and certifying of candidates in the American aquatics and safety training profession.
The American Lifeguard Association® offers training to become a certified lifeguard through our blended program. The employers are to assess your skills and encourage you to continue practicing the skills through in-service training. With our program, after completing the online portion of our course, you will be issued a national two-year certification in lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid. Current standards require that employers evaluate the skills of all candidates before hiring regardless of the issuing entity.
The American Lifeguard and Safety Training™ is a critical service with the support of employers and government agencies nationwide. With our program, you can get certified at your own pace and join our over 25,000 active lifeguard members across the USA.
The certification program is accomplished through an instructor-led video training program with online materials and a final online exam that lets you get certified right away as an individual or in a small group. The training can be accomplished on your own and at your own pace. Upon completing your online portion of the program, you will be issued a two-year national certification in lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid. All the training materials, including the videos, will remain available to you throughout your two years of certification so that you can refresh your skills at any time. With this blended program, the employers assess your skills and encourage you to continue practicing the skills through in-service training. See the following link AMERICAN LIFEGUARD TRAINING VIDEO for a preview of one of our new 2023 training videos, which examines proper rescue techniques and victim care.
The training can be accomplished on your own and at your own pace. The program is also eligible for 29 hours of Continuing Education Unit (CEU) and college elective credits. With our blended program, the employers are to ensure that each Lifeguard training candidate has all the skills and knowledge necessary for the position they are being considered. The employer also needs to ensure the candidate meets the physical and all other elements requirements before starting employment.
With new national standards, all facilities must establish ways to confirm and maintain adequate skills competency for all lifeguards, including new, returning, seasonal, and current lifeguards. Required certifications and pre-employment tests can be part of that process but do not eliminate the need for on-site orientation and in-service training. The employers will meet the new U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA Good Faith Efforts by doing so.
The national standards also state that the screening tests should not be so strict that they end up excluding lifeguard candidates whose skills are not as good, but whose dedication and personal characteristics could make them a better lifeguard than a person who can swim faster.
Please see below the information and all the steps needed to complete our national lifeguard training and certification program.
With our lifeguard training program, you will not have to wait for a group class. Our national self-study programs can be taken anywhere and practiced by individuals, schools, universities, and community pools in the United States and abroad. The American Lifeguard Association® is one of only a few national certifying agencies for lifeguards.
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is a national educational association with the full support of the Swimming Pool and Spa Association and Global Lifeguards (a nonprofit 501c3) organization. These organizations are members of the Global Lifeguard Association, one of the largest worldwide aquatic consortiums, which has trained more than 250,000 certified lifeguards over the past 30 years.
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, lake, and 16 years or older at beaches. Our programs may be eligible for Continuing Education Unit (CEU) and also college elective credits. Upon completion, we suggest that you contact your school or university for further details and eligibility.
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 manual. These materials will cover various skills and techniques associated with CPR/AED and First Aid. You need to be familiar with and able to perform the skills shown in these materials.
All our programs require the participants to practice and demonstrate their skills in and out of the water. You can find a full list of these swimming, rescue, and first aid skills below. Upon completing this step, participants will obtain a Deep-Water Lifeguard certification as titled Professional Lifeguard and First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. Per the new national standards, the certificate will be valid for two years from the completion date.
- Complete the online final exam
After you have reviewed the training videos and additional online materials and are able to accomplish your 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 at 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.
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.
- 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. The employer also needs to make sure the candidate meets the requirements regarding 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.
Employer Authorization Statement for Students in the ALA Program
As a participant in the American Lifeguard Association's certification program, it is essential for you to understand that your employer has been granted specific 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.
Authorization Framework:
Upon your successful registration for this program, your employer is authorized by the American Lifeguard Association to act as the "Instructor of Record" for your practical skills evaluation. This role allows them to conduct, assess, and certify the practical skills required for lifeguarding under the guidelines of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC).
What This Means for You:
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Comprehensive Assessment: Your employer is qualified to assess your skills in a practical environment, ensuring that you meet the standard required for effective lifeguarding.
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Convenience: Your practical skills will be evaluated on-site by your employer, providing a seamless and integrated training experience.
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National Recognition: Certifications issued under this program are nationally recognized and entered into a verification system accessible by health departments and employers across the United States.
Conditions and Responsibilities:
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Adherence to Guidelines: All practical evaluations conducted by your employer must adhere to the guidelines and quality controls as specified by the MAHC and any additional guidelines provided by the American Lifeguard Association.
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Record-Keeping: Your employer is obligated to keep precise records of all evaluations and certifications conducted under this authorization.
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Quality Assurance: If your employer deviates from the prescribed guidelines, the authorization may be revoked, affecting the validity of your certification.
By proceeding with your registration for this program, you acknowledge the authorization granted to your employer to act as the "Instructor of Record" for your practical evaluation and agree to participate in this assessment as part of your lifeguard certification process.
To enroll in the program, click the ADD TO CART button at the top. Once you register and pay, we will email you full instructions on how to complete the program.
SKILLS COVERED IN THE PROGRAM
Swimming Skills:
Be able to complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest: 1. Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed.) 2. Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs, no arms 3. Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both • Brick Test – Complete in 1 minute, 40 seconds- Swim 20 yards, surface dive to 7ft, retrieve a 10-pound brick at the bottom of the pool, return to the surface, swim on the back holding a brick to starting position, and exit the water. (Swim goggles not allowed)
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
- 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.
National standards require that all employers test each candidate to ensure they possess 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!
The U.S. Department of Labor, under the Fair Labor Standards Act, sets the edibility and establishes national standards for lifeguard training and certification across the country and is the Authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). They have determined that the American Lifeguard Association meets these laws and regulations and offers lifeguard certification programs similar to those provided by the American Red Cross.
The American Lifeguard Association is just one of a handful of national training entities listed by the United States Government to meet these federal requirements. With this said, the American Lifeguard Association meets national lifeguard training and certification requirements for all 50 states along with the District of Columbia and U.S. territories, per Article VI of the U.S. Constitution which dictates that federal law is the "supreme law of the land." federal regulations, such as meeting the United States Department of Labor requirements regarding lifeguard training and certifications, take superiority over state laws. Preemption applies regardless of whether the conflicting laws come from state legislatures, courts, administrative agencies, or state constitutions.
To enroll in the program, click the ADD TO CART button at the top of the page. You can complete the certification program right away or at any time in the future.
Remember, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 30-day price match guarantee. If you find a lower price for your training or are not completely satisfied, simply email us and request a refund.
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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