How to Become a Lifeguard in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a certified lifeguard in 2025 offers a rewarding career path and a vital role in ensuring the safety of swimmers and beachgoers. Whether you're planning to work at a community pool, beach, or water park, the path to lifeguarding involves training, certification, and a commitment to physical fitness. This comprehensive step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know to get started in the lifeguarding profession.

Step 1: Understand the Lifeguard Role and Responsibilities

A lifeguard's job is more than just watching over swimmers. They are trained professionals responsible for:

• Monitoring aquatic environments to prevent accidents

• Performing rescues and administering first aid or CPR

• Enforcing rules and ensuring safe behavior around water

• Responding to emergencies swiftly and effectively

Understanding the scope of the role is crucial before committing to the training.

Step 2: Meet the Lifeguard Prerequisites

Before enrolling in a lifeguard certification course, you must meet a few basic requirements:

• Minimum Age: Most programs require candidates to be at least 15 years old

• Swimming Skills: Proficiency in swimming is essential; you must be able to:

  • Swim 300 yards continuously using freestyle and breaststroke

  • Tread water for two minutes using only your legs

  • Retrieve a 10-pound object from a depth of 7–10 feet and swim 20 yards with it

These pre-course skills tests are mandatory and ensure you’re physically ready for the challenges ahead.

Step 3: Choose the Right Lifeguard Certification Program

There are several nationally recognized Lifeguard training programs available in 2025, each with unique features and requirements:

• American Lifeguarding

• Lifeguard Certification

Most employers accept certifications from these reputable organizations. Make sure to verify which one is preferred in your local area or by your prospective employer.

Step 4: Enroll in a Lifeguard Training Course

A lifeguard training course combines classroom instruction with practical water-based skills. Topics typically covered include:

• Rescue techniques

• First Aid and CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers

• Emergency response planning

• Surveillance and recognition

Courses are generally 20–30 hours long and may be offered in-person, hybrid (part online), or accelerated formats.

Step 5: Pass the Final Written and Practical Exams

To earn your certification, you must pass both a written exam and a skills assessment. These include:

• Multiple-choice test covering emergency procedures, legal considerations, and safety

• Practical scenarios where you'll demonstrate rescues, CPR, AED use, and first aid

A passing score is typically 80% or higher on written exams, and you must perform all physical skills correctly and confidently.

Step 6: Receive Your Lifeguard Certification

Upon successful completion of the course and exams, you will receive your lifeguard certification, valid for two years (depending on the provider). This certification allows you to:

• Apply for jobs at pools, lakes, beaches, and water parks

• Qualify for roles like head lifeguard or aquatics supervisor with experience

• Enhance your resume for other safety-related jobs

Some certifications also include CPR/AED and First Aid cards, which may be required separately by some employers.

Step 7: Apply for Lifeguard Jobs

With your certification in hand, the next step is securing employment. Here’s how:

• Update your resume to highlight certifications, swim experience, and any volunteer work

• Search job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, or specialized aquatic job sites

• Visit local recreation centers, swim schools, or resorts to inquire about openings

• Prepare for interviews with knowledge of emergency protocols and safety techniques

Be ready to demonstrate professionalism, physical fitness, and strong communication skills.

Step 8: Maintain Your Certification and Skills

Lifeguard certifications typically expire after two years. To stay current:

• Take recertification classes before your certificate expires

• Practice CPR, AED, and rescue techniques regularly

• Stay up-to-date with the latest lifesaving technologies and procedures

• Attend in-service training sessions if employed

Some employers may also require pre-season testing or ongoing skills evaluations.

Step 9: Explore Advanced Opportunities

Once you have experience, you can pursue advanced certifications and roles such as:

• Waterfront Lifeguarding – for open water rescues

• Lifeguard Instructor – to train new lifeguards

• Aquatics Manager – supervisory roles over entire pool staff

• Swiftwater Rescue or Surf Rescue – for river or ocean environments

These roles often come with higher pay, greater responsibility, and additional training.

Bonus Tips for Success as a Lifeguard

• Stay fit: Lifeguards must have strong cardiovascular endurance and strength

• Stay alert: Avoid distractions while on duty—constant vigilance saves lives

• Be approachable: Clear communication helps enforce rules and gain respect

• Keep certifications up to date: Letting them lapse can delay employment

The more you invest in continuing education, the more valuable you become to employers.

Top Lifeguard Employers to Consider in 2025

Look into organizations and locations known for excellent aquatic programs:

• City Parks and Recreation Departments

• Amusement parks like Six Flags and Disney resorts

• Private beach clubs and country clubs

• Universities and sports complexes

Each offers varying pay scales, work environments, and opportunities for advancement.

Finalization

Pursuing a career as a lifeguarding in 2025 is an excellent choice for those who are physically fit, passionate about water safety, and ready to take on real-world responsibility. With proper training, certification, and dedication, you can launch a meaningful and rewarding career that makes a tangible impact.