Lifeguard Training

xp90

Hey guys
Would any1 have any information on becoming a lifeguard?

Killgore Trout

You need a Beach and/or pool lifeguard course certified with the Irish Water safety Association or the Royal Lifesaving Association. This cert is only valid for two years - after which you must do the exam again.

Most lifeguards I know went to their local weekly water-safety classes (1.5-2 hours) as teenagers and got their qualifications starting from the basic certs and gradually working up to beach and pool. This route can take 2 years, good swimmers progress faster. These are usually voluntary and many of the students return to instruct. Sometimes there will be similar classes for adults.

It's possible to have the training on a privately run course intensively (many more hours per week/full time) - this is a job for the instructors and not a voluntary community thing like the lessons mentioned above. So it'll cost. It's more of an option for adults who are looking for a job right now or need the qualifications for their current job.

Personally i think the slow method is better - come renewal time they seem to remember more since they haven't had all the info thrown at them over a short period of time. I think that it promotes water-safety and lifeguarding rather than just giving someone a bit of paper to say they are qualified, and it encourages students to come back and volunteer.

xp90

Many thanks for your reply! Do you know of such courses in the galway city area?