How should I train to be a life gaurd?

Question

Next year I'll be able to take th test to be a life guard. I swim all the time in my pool. I'm not the quickest swimmer but I can keep a constant pace. I am working on my endurance right now cause I can only keep my pace for 5 laps. I'm trying to gain allot more endurance right now. I love being in the water so I want some tips on how to train cause I think I'll be the right job for me.

Answer 1

my brother went through it and he had to swim 1 mile rescue a brick from the bottom and do a couple different  swims. you should work on your upper body, endurance, and getting to the bottom and back very fast.  

Answer 2

Well the best way to train for a job like that is to be consistant with your training. I don't know how big your pool is but most home pools are not very big. So first off 1) I recommend joining a fitness club that has a pool specifically for lap swimming such as the YMCA or recreational park that offers a year round pool or even some fitness clubs offer a lap swimming pool. 2) do at least 30 minutes of cardio a day 5 days a week and work your endurance up to 45 minutes a day. this should be a combination of swimming, running, jogging, etc. this will increase your endurance ability tremendously. 3) do some form of light strenght training to increase muscle growth and muscle endurance that will help you in the water to swim for longer periods of time. 4) maintain a healthy diet and weight.

By following these guidelines I guarantee you will be a better swimmer in no time and be able to compete well with others for the job. Good luck and remember stay focus, disciplined, and consistant with your training.

Answer 3

I wish you luck with your quest.I've watched the Life Guards on our beaches,and it's not just endurance swimming you need.You have to be able to rescue people and carry things etc.Why don't you ask your local Life Guards for any tips they may have?

Answer 4

Go take classes at local YMCA.

Answer 5

keep swimming...if you want to run a marathon you gotta run a lot right?  getting your EMT would prob help too.  oh, and it's guard.

Answer 6

Have you taken the course yet?  Once you pass the test and certified by the red cross, you can apply to be a beach life guard.  Is that what you are talking about.  Being a beach lifeguard and being a pool lifeguard is a bit different.

since you are swimming in a pool, you should be able to swim 25 yards in 18 secconds, which is pretty slow.  When I was a life guard, I could do this with one arm.

You should swim the front crawl with your head up.  Breast stroke with your head up.  Side stroke with only one arm.  With all these strokes you should be abe to swimm 30 laps (up and back) in 20 minutes.

You will also need to learn the "egg beater" kick.  If you know any sync swimmer or water polo team member, learn this.  You should be able to tread water for hours at a time with only one hand.

Being a life guard is more than swimming, it is babysitting, first aid, CPR, photographer, information desk, and accident PREVENTION.  If you are lucky enough, being a beach life guard gets you invited to parties.  You must decline them if you are working the next day.  it could save your own life.