Any help on Ellis lifeguard exam and swimming pre req?

Question

I have an interview this week for a position at a local waterpark as a "special facilities guard" I have read on other questions that I will be required to swim 200yd, which I am worried about. I feel like I'm a decent swimmer, and that I'm in alright shape, but I haven't been in the pool in a while, and am worried that Im not going to hold up for the swim. Any advice? I've been doing some cardio this week but anything else would help!

Answer 1

I should preface this by saying I am not a lifeguard at this time. However I took the Ellis Jr. Guard class many years ago and I have an older version of the Ellis text book. I am also a decent swimmer and have done a lot of research on lifeguarding.

As far as I know there is no time limit on the 200 yard swim, so take it at comfortable pace. Also I believe you can use any combination of breast stroke and freestyle. You may find it less tireing if you switch strokes every so often (say 50 yrds)

Don't forget that you will also have to surface dive (feet first) and retrieve a 10 lbs diving brick. You will also have to tread water without hands for two minutes.