The Benefits of Being a Lifeguard

Making friends by the pool and working on your swimming skills doesn't quite sound like work, but for some people that is the premise of their job. Becoming a lifeguard can be a fun part-time summer job or develop into a lifelong career.

Many people complete their lifeguard certification training in their late teens as it is a great way to boost your CV whilst getting to dip into the water during the hot summer. If you want a job where you can make friends, help others, and develop critical life skills, then lifeguarding could be for you. Below we will be outlining all the exciting benefits that can come from being a lifeguard and why you may want to take a lifeguard class and join in on the fun.

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Why is Being a Lifeguard Important?

Lifeguarding is a hugely popular job role, owing to its flexibility and fun nature, but it's also an important task. As a lifeguard, you are responsible for the safety of many swimmers and have to enforce the pool's rules or general water safety. They also play a big role in educating others on the importance of staying safe when in the pool, and can even run swimming lessons.

Benefits to Yourself

Having fun

Lifeguarding is a popular summer job with flexible hours and the much-coveted opportunity to stay beside the pool or on the beach. This means making money whilst getting a tan under the sun - not something you can boast about at an ordinary office job. Working somewhere that you can feel comfortable but also gain valuable skills is a rare thing to be able to boast about!

As it is a slightly more relaxed position, you have plenty of time to explore the pools and jump into the water. This means you get to enjoy swimming as usual and keep up a healthy lifestyle. Also, a huge advantage of being a lifeguard is sitting poolside with other lifeguards, getting the opportunity to develop meaningful friendships whilst you get paid. This fun and exciting environment could provide you with a lifelong friendship.

Self Development

The promise of swimming and beaches attracts many to the idea of being a lifeguard, but the pros go even further than this. The training given to become a lifeguard develops you into a well-rounded mature person! You develop communication skills, learn how to make quick and vital decisions, and develop a sense of responsibility whilst enforcing the rules of the beach or pool. Being able to communicate properly is a huge advantage in life and can help with interpersonal relationships and work-based discussions. These skills can easily transfer into future jobs or be the first step to a lifeguarding career.

The self-confidence that being a lifeguard provides is immensely satisfying, especially for those who are young and self-conscious. Knowing you're a pro in the water who is trusted to look after so many others is the push that younger people may need to feel self-confident. To pursue your interests at a higher level and know that your work allows others to feel safe can feel incredible.


Benefits to Others

What bigger benefit is there to a lifeguarding job than having training that equips you to save lives! So many people are good swimmers but actual lifesaving takes extra training. Being able to spot danger signs, give first aid or administer CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automated external defibrillator) whenever needed is an indispensable skill. Being a lifeguard is not only a way to get paid, but it also ensures the safety of those around you.

Lifeguards are also an essential part of any community; having more young people know about water safety means that the training goes further than just work. It means that the community is safer as a whole. More lifeguards allow for communities to engage in sports properly, such as swimming and diving, without putting any lives at risk.

Other Benefits

A part-time lifeguarding job also provides training that benefits future employment. If pursuing a lifeguard career is not what you want to do in the future, then the skills that you developed during lifeguard training can still be transferred into different roles. This includes basic first aid, learning to properly administer CPR and AED, or being able to make difficult decisions.

Some jobs require these skills, especially being first aid certified, so acquiring them early in your life is a great decision. It is an easy boost to your work experience and skillset for the future.

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