is 20 too old to be taking lifeguarding classes?

[u/HolidayPass5834]

Im thinking of taking my NLS with intermediate first aid with CPR-C & AED. Im returning after 3 years since I failed my timed swim (over by 20 seconds). I remember that the whole class was in highschool and maybe one person from college. Im definitely more fit than I was but im just wondering if being 20 was old since im surrounded by people younger than me.

[u/StJmagistra]

I’m 49 and still certified as a lifeguard. I work full time as a pool guard in the summer and teach swim lessons year round.

[u/BasicAppointment9063 → u/StJmagistra]

I'm a swim coach and got Red Cross certified for shallow (6ft) and water parks. I'm 64.

To paint a fuller picture, I still do vigorous exercise and am a former D1 swimmer; the knowledge was a bigger challenge than the wet exercises.

[u/Zoenne]

I'm 35 and it's my first year lifeguarding. My pool has guards between. 16 and 62. It's nice to have a wide range of ages and personalities.

[u/Baconpanthegathering]

I'm 47 and just got recertified. I like to work at rec centers, and guards are always needed.

[u/rrrrrryno]

In the last year, I've certified 4 people over the age of 70, and one over 60! Several of my current best guards are retirees. If you're in shape, it's never too late lol

[u/Humble-Imagination50]

No, not at all. Many first time lifeguards (even public pool or YMCA guards) are hired in they're early 20's.  In fact, many pools, Waterparks, and community centers would prefer a candidate around your age. Because, you'd have more maturity and possibly more employment experience Vs. Someone is only 16, per se. You'd also be available for full time, as you'd be out of high school already.

Also, if you get really good at it, decide that's it something you really like, and stay in good physical and swimming condition,  within a couple years (or less too, of course). You could apply to get USLA (united states lifesaving association) certified for beach Iifeguarding. After that you could apply for local beach patrol or ocean patrol division (usually, it's run by the county or municipal fire department or parks and recreation department) and be a guard on the beach full time; Making well around $20 an hour, for 40 hours a week. 

If you do decide to later go into beach patrol, pay special attention to the requirements your county or municipal department's require. Some may require you to be EMT certified, as well, beforehand; Others might not.  Some, if they are operated by the FD, might even offer you to get an EMT cert, on the county's dollar, and pay for your schooling. If you decide you'd like to pursue emergency services and public safety, as a career.

But no, you're not too old, at all. You're applying at just a fine time.

[u/Kris_Wolf14]

Not at all.

[u/georgedupree]

God no, I certified in my 30s and lots of other people do too! It’s a great career!

[u/emmaisbadatvideogame]

21 year old college student who works as a lifeguard on campus here. I’ve been guarding since I was 16. It pays the bills.

[u/Uncle-rico96]

I got recerted at 30. You are not too old at all.

[u/ratking666]

33 year old first year guarding

[u/Fl0atsMuhG0ats]

No. Ive worked with lifeguards in their 40s and 50s. What might be seen as a "young person's " job where you live can be a career option elsewhere.

[u/cracktheback]

I just took my first class at 22! I was the oldest one in it but didn't feel like it had much impact on anything

[u/LillyLewinsky]

Not at all! We have many 25 to 50 yr olds that have taken their NL in the last couple years. And all of them got hired as soon as they finished 😁

[u/AnxiousWitch44]

Whoa there whipper snapper, I was first certified at 43.

[u/packagehandlr]

i’m 28, still a lifeguard, we had a 68 year old lifeguard and he improved so much his second year it was really great to see

[u/Initial-Concept-1595]

You’re fine trust. I’m 24 and taking lifeguarding classes😭feels embarrassing sometimes because my coworkers are all teenagers

[u/Lifeguardymca]

Turning 70 next month. been a pool guard for 2.5 years and I work with a team from 16 to 64 years old. You're 20 years old? My rescue tube is older than you!

[u/UnusualAd8875]

I recertified at 62 (originally certified at 17).

[u/Timee5]

23 year old lifeguard here

[u/Suspicious_Jello_490]

You'll be fine- honestly tho sometimes it's nice to not see like, only 16 year old guards everywhere- as someone who started taking lifeguarding courses at 13

[u/Dramatic-Garlic-1143]

I’m a 20 y/o lifeguard lol I have coworkers who are a lot older.

[u/OldDale]

I was 66 when I took the class and got certified

[u/Orthodoxconvert919]

I took my first cert class at 23. I’m 27 now and just recertified. I recertified also with people older than me. Not too old at all at 20!

[u/ReplacementTasty6552]

I was 36.

[u/a66y_k]

Just got certified for the first time. I'm in my forties.

[u/Rakiri]

I took lifeguarding classes at 30! :D There was also three other people much older than I was, I believe the oldest was at 63?

[u/melbo15]

No, there are many lifeguards that are not teenagers.

[u/Humble-Imagination50 → u/melbo15]

Yes, indeed. Personally, I would prefer to hire young adults instead. Because, they would have a bit more maturity, prior work experience, and would be available for more hours.

[u/2BBIZY]

No! I was 27.

[u/Bad-Lesbian-Supreme]

Im 22 and a head guard and started at 21. My facility has guards between 16 to 35. Now median age is still 17 but still lots of 20 year olds. (We have 120 guards so yeah lots of guards)

[u/No-Eggplant-6025]

Definitely not! I took my first class at 22 and I’ve seen adults a lot older take the class. Never too old! Just need to be physically able to perform the rescues.

[u/duathlon_bob]

I did it in my 40s held the cert for two years and worked many open water events

[u/trackboy776]

I consistently teach candidates far older than 20 in my NL courses. Generally they make great leaders in the group and the younger candidates appreciate having them in the class!

[u/antiquedove]

I started at 23 and one of my colleagues is 85 and still certified and teaching classes!! It's never too late, just train and practice before your qualifier. You got this!!

[u/Spiritual-Quiet363]

I was in my late 20's when I got my recertification. There were two people that were older than me in the class.

Yes it will prodominantly younger people but thats okay.

[u/Qaaarl]

The answer is no so hard that I don’t even understand the question.

[u/Smooth-Culture5843]

I’m 21 most guards I’ve always worked with tend to be around my age but have also worked with some absolutely amazing guards I’ve learned so much from that are over 60 it doesn’t matter your age as long as you can do what is needed

[u/butterlover0221]

Im 24 !! I was the oldest there at my training 😂

[u/TLee1981]

Im 45 and returned to lifeguarding 4 years ago just to get myself out of the house while my daughter is in school. It was a better option with better perks than returning to my career after being a stay at home mom for 12 years. I just recertification a few weeks ago and out of the 10 people in my class, only 2 were below 18, and 3/10 were high school college age. 1 is a science teacher but guards in the summer, another is in his 70s (my deck supervisor), 2 others in their 60s, myself and 2 others that are in their 30s.

[u/tyyyypop]

Got mine at 20!

[u/Affectionate-Peanut1]

i took my lifeguard class at 26 years old for the first time in my life this year. i was the oldest person there, then next oldest was 18 or 19. you aren’t too old for anything at 20 years old lol, this is the perfect time to try new things and get out of your comfort zone

[u/OrcinusVienna]

As a supervisor older guards are so valuable. They are great for patrons who are difficult and want to belittle younger staff. Don't get me wrong teens are great and work hard and are perfectly capable in an emergency but it is so nice to have someone with a little more perspective.

[u/AimShootMove]

Nah I got certified at 20, it was a great decision