Becoming a lifeguard

aoifethomas

Hi,

Im just looking for some advice on how to become a lifeguard.
I used to get to swimming lessons when i was younger but then stopped at about 14. Had i known that lifesaving could have been the next stage i may have stayed.

Im what you might call an average swimmer. Perhaps some of my technique is incorrect but could anyone advise me? I am aware of different courses that get you ready for proper courses.

What sort of a standard would i need to be at and i am going to start practicing my swimming on my own regularly to get keep to a decent level.
I would be idealy looking for a certificate recognised internationally

Thanks for any advice

Clseeper

Maybe someone with more up to date knowledge may be able to help you better.

My understanding is that there are two ways to get your qualifications. You can attend a weekend course or do it over a number of weekends with the pool lifeguard qualification. Or you can attend lifesaving class each week and work through a series of increasing levels. I know this is possible with the Royal and Irish lifesaving qualifications.

On the issue of international recognition, I think both routes are but you may want to confirm that.

Markom5a

Irish water saftey are in nearly every county running courses that's how I have become a lifeguard and teacher give them a ring there are links to all the individual county websites on www.iws.ie or .com (not sure which).

sNarah

I looked into doing the course myself and found one in Gormanston, Co. Meath. However, on the first session, it turned out I was the only adult there, which I didnt feel too comfortable with.

Mind you, I'm "only" 26 but the youngest ones were about 8 and the older ones around 14/15!!

I would like to hear any updates here as to where classes would be available as I would be interested in obtaining the qualification as well.

Thanks

jarmstrong001

I did a Pool Lifeguard course over 2 weekends at the ESB pool in Ringsend and it was all adults, you had to be over 16 to do it.
This is the link to contact John and Davy who ran the course.
http://www.iws.ie/searchdbdetail-18578-8307.html

AlwaysRight

Hi am very involved in Irish Water Safety and will be happy to help you.

PM me or post your age and location, if you are comfortable with such, and I'll see if I can help.

I must admit that quite often classes are made up of young people but there are ways to get into classes with older people. There are also various ways of becoming a lifeguard but it depend on your motives for it. Weekend courses in my opinion are quick fixes and only for those looking for a job or quick qualification. To be a "proper" lifeguard or quality more needs to be done. Lifeguarding takes a trained mind. Knowing what to do when told to do it is simple and would get you a certificate, lifeguarding requires you to deal with real emergency situations where you have massive amounts of vital choices to make in seconds. I was training since I was 10-11 and became a lifeguard at 16. I feel that maybe not as many year but certainly an awful lot of training is required to be a qualify life saver.

Point is I need more info to help you. Because there is A LOT to lifeguarding and water safety and I could talk for hours on it.

Good Luck
AlwaysRight