Getting your lifeguard certification is an important step if you want to work as a lifeguard. However, the process can seem daunting if you don’t know what to expect. Lucky for you, American Lifeguard Events is here to provide some insider hacks to help make certification attainable and a little less stressful. From finding affordable courses near you to aceing the tests, we’ve compiled our best tips to simplify things. Keep reading to learn our streamlined strategies for certification success.
Hack #1: Search Online Directories for Upcoming Courses Near You
Rather than browsing “Lifeguard Certification Near Me” listings individually, save time by searching official databases that aggregate multiple providers in one place. For example, the American Lifeguard Events maintains a nationwide course schedule on their website. Simply enter your ZIP code to filter listings by location. This makes it easy to spot affordable programs offered by organizations like American Lifeguard Events in your local area over the next few months. Booking early also ensures your spot.
Hack #2: YouTube Instructional Videos for Prep on Land
Before stepping foot in the classroom, get a head start on memorizing first aid procedures, rescue techniques, and other important land skills by watching instructional videos online. YouTube is packed with tutorials created by certified trainers, including many from American Lifeguard Events. Spending 30 minutes a day watching videos allows you to absorb material in short bursts that won’t interfere with your daily routine. This pre-learning makes the most of your in-person hours focusing on honing essential water rescue skills.
Hack #3: Crowd Source Practice Questions from Past Students
To best prepare for exams, crowd source practice questions from others who have recently taken the course through your preferred provider. For example, join Facebook study groups started by American Lifeguard Events to connect with past students. These members are happy to share questions they remember from tests on topics like first aid, CPR, policies, and scanning. Having a bank of possible questions to review outside of class boosts your familiarity and confidence for test day. Just be sure not to spread actual exams from your course to future students.
Hack #4: Schedule an In-Person Skills Session Before Test Day
While viewing videos and practice questioning is helpful, nothing beats hands-on skill refining. Take advantage of optional practice sessions offered by many instructors, including those at American Lifeguard Events. Dropping by for 90 minutes allows you to run through full rescues,First Aid demonstrations and receive valuable feedback before being evaluated. This extra practice session helps to polish your form and take away performance nerves. You’ll feel fully prepared when it’s time for the real skills assessment that often make-or-break certification.
Hack #5: Pack Healthful Foods to Fuel Your Busy Schedule
Lifeguard certification are packed into intensive day-long sessions for several weekends. All that focus and activity requires ample fuel. Rather than relying on expensive and unhealthy concession snacks, pack your own wholesome meals and snacks to keep you powered through long days. American Lifeguard Events even provides small on-site fridge space for students to store perishable items. Meals like chicken salad wraps and trail mix plus bottled water help sustain you for classroom hours and skills practice so you can stay sharp and engaged.
Hack #6: Study During Commute Times on Public Transportation
For those in urban areas, maximize otherwise wasted transit times by reviewing materials on your commute to and from class. Audio record instructors explaining difficult concepts then listen again on the bus or train. The moving scenery keeps you actively engaged versus re-listening in stationary settings prone to distractions. Public transit time adds up if you commute an hour each way, so utilize it productively. Audio files and notecards are also helpful alternatives for studying when you can’t pull out full textbooks.
Hack #7: Test Out Equipment Like Goggles and Fins Early
Make sure all your required equipment is in good working order before the big skills test. Schedule a quick visit to your local American Lifeguard Events training facility to try out your goggles, fins, rescue tube etc. This ensures a perfect seal with no leaks that could distract you during a rescue demonstration. While major brands tend to last, quality does vary between models. Identifying any problems early gives time to troubleshoot or purchase replacements from recommended items lists if needed. First impressions matter in assessments.
Hack #8: Enroll in Elective Courses Like Oxygen Administration
Stand out from other applicants by acquiring additional certifications that employers desire. Many programs by American Lifeguard Events offer electives covering topics like Automated External Defibrillators (AED), oxygen administration or deep water lifeguarding to expand your qualifications for a small additional fee. Boosting your resume shows initiative that translates to a competitive edge when applying for jobs. Double check which added credentials make you appealing to target facilities before committing your time and funds.
Hack #9: Ask Instructors For Letters of Recommendation
Instructors get to know students well over several days of classes and are well-positioned to write impactful recommendations. Request one from your teacher either for your records or to submit with job applications. A brief note praising skills mastery, work ethic, leadership, or other valuable qualities can help sell your application package. Make the process easy by providing them a stamped and addressed envelope, resume copy and deadline to have it completed. A well-timed endorsement from a respected figure like an American Lifeguard Events trainer seals the deal.
Hack #10: Consider Nocert Recertification Services
There’s no point grinding through initial certification only to let credentials expire. American Lifeguard Events and similar providers offer recertification packages that smoothly renew certs before they lapse. Whether a single weekend course, online modules or blended program, NoCERT recertification is intentionally streamlined. Prices are usually lower than full certification too, saving you time and money down the line. Sign up for automatic email reminders so you never miss recert deadlines and have to restart the process from scratch. Your safety is their top priority year-round.
In summary, lifeguard certification near me is an important step but the process can seem daunting. By utilizing these tricks from American Lifeguard Events, you’ll be well on your way to streamlining your certification experience. Following the advice of preparing early, studying smartly, practicing often and accessing exclusive networking opportunities provides a solid framework for success.
Final Words
Utilizing these strategies shared by seasoned professionals at American Lifeguard Events takes the guesswork out of certification and empowers you with access to insider knowledge. While courses require commitment, following proven processes makes an attainable plan. Contact us today to enroll in upcoming certifications near you. Apply hacks learned here to efficiently clear your final assessment. You’ll be well-prepared for upcoming job interviews that lead to a personally rewarding career securing lives on the waterfront.