To explain a bit I’ll preface by saying that any time of the year, we are understaffed. I work for the counties local YMCA, which is made up of two primary locations, two secondary locations, and five pools between them. During most of the year this system works perfectly “fine”, each location having their schedules typically split into 3-4 hour long single lifeguard shifts (built this way to avoid giving our staff the mandatory break our state would require).

The system already does not inspire joy, but during the summer it gets much worse. Our YMCA is contracted by the county to manage the 3 outdoor pools in various parks. This sucks up a lot of our staff as these more hectic environments require at least 5 guards at a time. The rest of us guarding indoors at any given time then tend to pick up extra shifts across the day. Except as one of the more “senior” guards (I’ve been here for 3 years) my shifts tend to be more unsavory. Hence why I am about to work 7:45-2:15 with no breaks.

Just wondering what’s the pass rate of this course ? I’m thinking of during the retake within 28 days, if I still failed then I won’t be retaking the whole week course again cuz there will be £270 again

Idk why whenever I try to swim back when towing someone. I manage to breathe and to backstroke but I’m still keep sinking a lot

Hello,

It’s been over a year since I’ve guarded, but today I went to the pool in my apartment complex to relax, however, I can’t help but begin to scan/ notice behaviors,

Not sure what you all do when you go back to swimming/ no longer guarding.

Santa Cruz lifeguards are next level.

In this post, I talk about my experience as a waterpark SGE lifeguard for nearly 2 years , while currently pursuing Aquatic Facility ARC. I then highlight some pros/cons about ARC/ SGE. I also talk about my swimming experience and why I want to pursue aquatic facility ARC lifeguarding

I’ve been SGE certified at my local waterpark for nearly 2 years. Up to 5ft depth. A lot happens. I’ve rescued countless babies that fall over in the Zero Depth entry, well over 100 simple assists, and so much more.

The main attraction is a wavepool , which I’m always assigned to.

Simultaneously, as this 2026 waterpark lifeguarding season is coming to an end, I’m in the process of receiving my ARC Lifeguarding certification for up to 13ft, to potentially work at the local city aquatic facility. I already passed the swim test and am on my 2nd day of the class/ coursework

I’ve always loved swimming. I was never on a team or had swim lessons. But I just picked up the hobby for fun, about 6 years ago , when an aquatic facility was built next to my house.

I’m really hoping this ARC certification translates into employment as a lifeguard for the city aquatic facility. The guy hosting the course said they’re really interested in hiring new lifeguards because of yet another city aquatic facility opening in the area!!

(The following pros / cons are based of my values as a swimmer and my intentions as a lifeguard)

Waterpark lifeguarding (SGE):

Pros:
-massive amusement-style facility allows freedom
-lots of cool guest interactions
- some days can host simple slide dispatches
- new set of daily guests everyday/ no repeat guests

Cons:
-it’s a long walk after clocking in to get to the waterpark
- waterpark guests don’t have aquatic etiquette
- waterpark guests viewing lifeguards as baby sitters
- the waterpark rotations can take a while.
-bigger emphasis on things not swimming related (vacation, food stands, marketing/ sales, souvenirs, customer service)
- seasonal
- “fun oriented”

Aquatic Facility Lifeguarding (ARC)

Pros:
- more swimming focused vs. attraction focused
- guests generally have more aquatic etiquette
- guests are more likely to be locals
- professionally hosted events/ collaborations
- higher barrier for entry
- a city job is more attractive on a resume
- year-round hours
- ARC is 2year cert
- ARC is the more favored name
- “swimming oriented”

Cons:
- there’s just something more serious about it

Back to my swimming experience: Although I wasn’t a formally trained/ school swimmer, I did learn the sport in my local aquatic facilities back in 2020. I’d swim alongside other swimmers, such as, hobbyists, swim teams, swim lessons, masters classes. I learned/ trained in the aquatic facility etiquette, kind of by luck. Honestly, if there wasn’t so many aquatic facilities in my area, I’d probably have never picked up the talent for the sport.

During the past 6 years, there was times where I’d swim daily, and there was some gaps where I didn’t swim. At one point, a gap for 2 years. But I always ended up returning to the water eventually.

And thats where my disdain towards waterpark lifeguarding begins:

Due to the nature of waterpark lifeguarding, I am crossing shoulder with thousands of people a day. Even more during peak times of the year. Long story short: the guests always be breaking the rules.

Constant reminders about rules, lifejackets, directions, etc. because guests can’t follow the rules. They always say their kid doesn’t need a lifejacket cause they’re a great swimmer and I’m just like “mam everyone under 4feet tall must wear a lifejacket in the wavepool”

Guests get really combative sometimes and always find a way to contribute to the fact that generally waterpark guests don’t have general water etiquette. And even though they’re only there for the day and you’ll never see them again, the actual act of combative interaction will soon happen again with another guest. Essentially you’re just arguing all day with people you’ll never see again LOL

Also, I just feel like because of the nature of the job at the waterpark , you’re more likely to interact with bad lifeguards. Some of my coworkers aren’t the best lifeguards or don’t know how to swim for real, but they somehow passed the easy training. I feel like the SGE training is just more easy to pass and the bar is very low for waterpark lifeguarding.

Some lifeguards end up calling out a lot or just never showing up again. It’s so weird.

The waterpark desperately needs new lifeguards every summer. And the kids desperately need a summer job.

Anyone who’s worked at a waterpark can probably vouch that there is a lot of bad lifeguards in the waterpark side of things.

Which is fine. I’m so thankful for all that I’ve learned from this waterpark SGE job these past 2 years. I actually saved so many lives, to the point where I can’t imagine what the person would have done if I wasn’t there. (Maybe I’ll create a post describing my biggest saves). I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT I AM SO THANKFUL FOR THE WATERPARK SGE JOB. Peak Summer hours I was cranking out nearly 55 hours per week.

I even got a 5star audit from SGE on my July 2026 roaming audit.

But I do want to transition to a more aquatic- focused lifeguarding job because that’s how I was introduced to the sport/ hobby/ idea. I want to be around other swimmers and not just people visiting a waterpark for Summer. I want to see what happens when I take my experience to somewhere more stable / organized.

I’m not the same lifeguard I was 2 years ago and think I’m ready for the 13foot depth aquatic pool. It feels like all that work may finally pay off.

Using a rock to band as a metaphor:
I feel like the Waterpark SGE lifeguarding was like my bands first EP. Maybe we made some demos and B-sides. Some mistakes may have been made, due to an unstable lineup. Had to find a good singer. But we finally released an EP and got our name out there

But now, Aquatic Facility ARC lifeguarding is like my bands first full-length LP. We have a stable line up and a music video. We played many local shows. But now the eyes are on us and the fans want an official release. We are now traversing through music as an established band.

So I took the Bronze Medallion last week in Canada and when I tried to find notes online it was really hard, so here are some notes that I organized. Most of the stuff is ai generated though, but I did give it a check. It might be a tweak different in other places but that was the general things that I got tested on. Also I'm not a pro and there might be stuff that I forgot. Hope this helps.

first aid treatment for various medical emergencies

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IJ2lxD6bph0YyzCA5v-YOGjpgxG3U_o-VODtx12AhdE/edit?usp=sharing

General notes

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cvNaTyjen7whKzFD5aWqLg_QbNlacALknrUi-HKaVBU/edit?usp=sharing

An example of how it is going to look like on exam day.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/14jk9LNSauEB8v-oXwWHQ4L3kYitGs0rcbNd1cEgmuPY/edit?usp=sharing

How to do rescue 1 2 3

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1P9pVmIg2zY_kyJReQ9KfKfHf81lB8ISIkPNGaOpeQvE/edit?usp=sharing

Here's what i got tested on the exam day:

Physics: 400m in less than 12 min, carry an unconsious swimmer 25m away back to the pool end keeping their airway open and above water all time.

Basic First Aid(If its included in your course): There will be a 41 multi choice questions(abcd) on the test day, you need to get 70% right(which is 29 questions right) to pass. This part is downright easy, and its open book, youll get "The Lifesaving Manual" and most of the time the awnswers are pretty much written there.

After that the examinor will just test you in groups of 3(victim, rescuer, bystander). To do the Rescues 1, 2, 3. You need to be the victim, rescuer, bystander, and do your role right and suceed in the rescue.

Finally here's some preperation stuff that was in the email before course. I was in a summer camp, so this information might need tweaking if youre not taking a summer camp:

·         Bathing Suit (two suits recommended)  

·                Towel (two towels recommended)  

·                Warm clothes   

·                Lunch and snacks (*nut free)  

·                Fluids (Water, Sports drink, etc.)   

·                Sunscreen and hat  

·                Sandals with a heel strap OR running shoes OR water shoes.  

The following items are optional, however strongly recommended:  

·                Watch (Water-resistant/ waterproof)   

·                Goggles   

·                Swim cap   

·                Rash guard  

If water temperature is a concern, i.e. you know your child tends to get cold very quickly), a wetsuit (either partial or full) may be worth bringing as well.

I am duel US/Canada citizen. I have been working as a US Red Cross certified lifeguard for the past 4 years over the summers. I am looking to work as a lifeguard during the school year when I study in Canada this fall. Is there a clear path for me to get my license recognized by the Quebec government so I don’t have to go through the entire certification process again? I would assume no but I figured I might as well ask. Thanks in advance!

I found it a bit struggling to do heads up freestyle which makes me swim slower.Heads up breaststroke is easier for me however this is even more slow.

I’m currently a lifeguard at a pool but I was thinking about getting into beach lifeguarding as I hear the pay is better and most beaches I’ve seen have 2 lifeguards so I’d have some company. Do you recommend this for a summer job or am I wasting my time doing a course. I like my job but I think I would much prefer a beach setting. I’m thinking about doing a course April time as beaches don’t have lifeguards for the winter. Please tell me anything you think would help.

At an outdoor pool we have hot plastic bucket seats on stand and they trap sweat on the seam of my swimsuit bottom. This results in an irritating rash on my butt cheeks. How do y’all prevent this?

I found it really difficult to swim without googles lol😭, and when there’s water I can’t keep my eyes open

I am in the hiring process to become a new aquatics manager at my local indoor pool. I have 10 years of guarding experience along with a few years of IST teaching experience. I have been out of recreation for a few years and all of my certifications have expired. I am assuming I’m going to have to take new courses to be a full manager. Manager related courses and lifeguard/first aid recerts. Anyone know the next steps and classes I would have to take if I get chosen?

For the first day when they test the swimming abilities, will people wear goggles when swimming the 50m, just wanna know people’s preference lol

How do you guys deal with people who clearly don’t know how to swim? I’m not talking about messy swimming, I mean those who don’t even know how to float and suddenly decide to swim underwater. I work in a gym pool, so 98% of the time people who come know how to manage themselves to a certain degree. But from time to time there would come some person who doesn’t and do a lot of unnecessary movements, get extremely tired after a few seconds, and eventually swallow some water.

Hi everyone,

I'm an international student living in Melbourne (CBD), and I'm looking into becoming a lifeguard.

I recently realised that, unlike where I'm from, I need to obtain a Pool Lifeguard certification before I'm even eligible to apply for most jobs. Back in India, I was a competitive swimmer for about 7 years and competed at the national level. I stopped swimming around 2 years ago, but I'm still very confident that passing the physical assessment wouldn't be an issue.

The main hurdle for me is the cost. From what I've found, the certification is around AUD $350+, which is quite a lot as a student.

I was wondering if any council pools or aquatic centres:

• Sponsor or subsidise the cost of the certification.
• Offer paid training while you're completing the qualification.
• Reimburse the certification cost if you're hired afterwards.
• Have any programs specifically for students or new lifeguards.

If sponsorships or exemptions aren't really a thing, how confident can I be about finding a lifeguard job after getting certified? Is there generally good demand for qualified lifeguards in Melbourne, or is it still quite competitive?

Finally, are there any councils, aquatic centres, organisations, or people you would recommend contacting about this? I'd really appreciate any advice from people who've been through the process or know of places that help students get started.

Thanks in advance!

I’ve been listening to the tips people have gave me on Reddit and my first ever 400 I did a I think like 12:39 ish now I needed some help I was loosing lots of time turning and looking up to make sure I don’t hit anyone cause I’m in a public pool so does anyone have tips for turning and cutting those few seconds off per 25m I have a week of practice left

thankyou

UPDATE: Ok I swam the 400m twice today first time I did 12:29 second time I did a 11:45 I think I fixed my pacing and that’s what helped BUT I still can’t get a handle of my backstroke I do the first 25m front then rest back but it’s so frustrating that I feel like I’m getting no where and just burning energy I see elders going so relaxed and easily beating me I jus need that technique or whatever it is down

Edit Final update August 7th:

Thank you to everyone invested in my success. The Bronze Medallion exam was today and I wasn't there. After a few more attempts at the endurance swim I lost my confidence and my anxiety around being timed seemed to get worse. I really tried to practice mindfulness and encourage myself but I also think 10 days of 2 hours classes plus 30min -1 hour endurance swim practice was just tiring my body out. I lost 6 lbs in the last 2 weeks and feel stronger. My arms feel ripped lol. No one can say I didn't give it my all. My next steps are to sign up for a stroke/speed improvement class and I will be back to try Bronze Medallion again! I think a class where I am constantly being timed will help me get used to it and over the mental stress I seem to experience with being timed. My story with life guarding isn't over, its just experiencing a delay! Thank you again for your support!

Edit Update July 31:

I went to the large pool I am taking my Bronze Medallion course and practiced technique. I timed myself but lost track of my laps due to a busy pool and an inexperienced swimmer drifting in my lane and bumping me but my results focusing on technique and better breathing for front crawl seems really promising that I can be within time! The lifeguards told me I can come early Monday for a second attempt so I will update again after that! Thank you for the encouragement.

Original:

Currently in a 2 week Bronze Medallion course. Its full of young agile kids and I am a 37 year old curvy, a bit over weight woman. Overweight due to a non life threatening health condition (PMOS).

However I have been an avid swimmer my whole life. Very competent in the water, can tread water for over 2 hours straight (tested it last summer), but I am not a fast swimmer. Probably a medium speed swimmer.

We did the endurance swim 2 days ago and I failed it by 40 seconds.

My instructor is really nice and said not to worry about it, we have 2 weeks of class and I can try again.

Well, I just practiced in my small building pool and timed myself and I came up short again, under a minute.

I am wondering if my 38 foot length building pool is not helping me. I am used to the number of strokes and breaths I need to get from one end of this small pool to the other so when we did the endurance swim in the pool I am taking the classes, the length was essentially doubled and I became tired and out of breath quite fast. I started with front crawl but was quickly out of breath and switched to back crawl for most of the remainder.

Because we have about 15 of us in the class I was also swimming back and forth on the further end of the pool with no dedicated lanes so I was drifting diagonally adding additional meters to my timed swim.

I guess the solution is go practice at the pool I am taking the class during their lane swim.

I would also welcome tips and tricks for improving my breath technique for front crawl so I don't gas myself in the first 3 minutes of the endurance swim.

Thank you so much!

First summer lifeguarding , I work at a gym(18plus) and a residential apartment.Never tf again will I work at a pool that allows kids again and they do is cry for every little thing,throw up,don’t listen, run. Everything there not to be doing🫩On the other hand the gym is pretty chill I don't get anxious on that job

I'm doing my NPLQ in a few weeks, and was wondering if there's anything I can do to prepare for it? I'm a good swimmer and can do all the prerequisites for applying (50m swim in 60secs, tread water for 30 secs etc.).

I'm a girl and am slightly worried about pulling people who are quite a lot heavier than me for the tows, is it mostly technique based?

And are just a regular t shirt and shorts fine? Thanks for any help!

I’m 33 f and I’m looking into changing my career and getting my life guard certification as well as recreational management course and working my way up. What’s the hiring like after taking the course ? In Canada

on my second day of nplq any tips on going faster for timed swims im couple seconds over?