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So you’re ready to jump into the journey of becoming a lifeguard – congratulations! This rigorous yet rewarding role offers experiences you’ll never forget like spending summer days outdoors and gaining leadership skills helping ensure water safety. As you gear up to enroll in an upcoming class through the esteemed American Lifeguard Association, here is a step-by-step guide for what to expect:
Enroll Early
Class space is limited with the most popular sessions filling up fast. Sign up at least 4-6 weeks ahead of your desired start date as spots are offered on a first-come basis. Schedule conflicts may cause rescheduling so the earlier the better.
Submit Prerequisites
Most classes have specific pre-requisites relating to swimming with lifeguard class ability, grade levels and prior certifications depending on the level. Be ready to show proof of meeting prerequisites like 400m+ continual swim upon registration for prompt processing.
Gather Materials
Once accepted, obtain the required classroom manual, log and supplemental online access codes to dive into preparatory reading. Marking textbooks helps retain key terms and figures during lectures.
Fitness Training Begins
Classes demand top physical condition, so gear up your daily exercise regimen. Focus on cardiovascular endurance through mixing long-distance swimming with interval sprints and exercises to improve treading water stamina over varied distances and durations.
Attend Orientation
Usually a week before class, attend the mandatory orientation briefing that outlines class schedule, testing requirements, fitness standards, facilities policies plus question/answer forum. Bring the manual and any remaining forms needing completion at this readiness session.
Arrive On Time Daily
Classes are fast-paced and strictly scheduled, so arriving 5-10 minutes early daily prevents missing valuable lesson content. Have required equipment like suits, towels, dry bag and whistle prepared to optimize practice time.
Study Course Materials
Spending 1-2 hours per evening reviewing the dense manual and taking supplemental notes cements learning for quiz/test success. Replaying online modules solidifies key protocols and procedures instructors emphasize each day.
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Practice, Practice, Practice!
In-water drills lay the foundation for smooth performances come testing American Lifeguard Association. Be proactive practicing outside structured class whatever scenarios instructors cue that day for added confidence.
Get Support
Staying focused requires accountability. Exchange texts/study calls with classmates to quell exam jitters and ensure no concepts slip through the cracks before evaluations.
