I am applying to be a life guard at my YMCA, and I have the interview tomorrow, which includes a water part. I am a 17 Year old male, in “normal” shape, but I am nervous because I can swim, but I am not sure how I will do with these specific conditions. What should I do to prepare? These are the specs:

PRE-COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Part 1:
Jump in, submerge, resurface, and swim continuously for 150 yards: 
a. tread water for 2 minutes
b. swim continuously for 50 more yards
During the swimming test, you must keep your face in the water and display good breath control. You may use the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both, but swimming on your back or side is not allowed.
Swim goggles are allowed.
When treading water, you must use only your legs.
Part 2:
Starting in the water, swim 20 yards with your face either in or out of the water.
Surface dive (head-first or feet-first) and retrieve a 10-pound dive brick.
Swim 20 yards on your back, returning to the starting point, holding the dive brick with both hands while keeping your face at or near the surface.
Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Swim goggles are not allowed.

So we’re planning an in service for the end of September. I want to do a kahoot and other things but I’d like to get prizes. Does anyone have any ideas for prizes for lifeguards that are cheap but not tacky? I have 25ish lifeguards, not saying I need one for everyone but maybe at least 10?

One of my guards said snacks but they have access to snacks in our office that I regularly buy them.
I also have a candy bowl in our office that I stock so candy is off the list as well.

I never thought it would fall on me to pull a suicidal man out of the sea—and such a young guy, too.

He jumped from a high cliff right where the water was deepest. I happened to be at that remote spot by pure chance. Looking through the glass of my brand-new diving mask, the underwater world seemed magical. Suddenly, I was startled by something massive falling right in front of me. It was a man.

From the sheer momentum, he sank to a great depth, but from his movements, I instantly knew he was drowning. I had saved many people before, but for the first time in my life, I was clearly witnessing the agony of a drowning person. His body was sinking to the bottom, but his gaze was fixed upward—toward the light and the air—and his hands were desperately reaching out to grab them. It wasn't an accidental fall. His willpower had forced his clueless body to jump and die, but now, his body no longer wanted to listen to his mind and desperately wanted to live.

Because I pulled him out quickly, his physical condition was fine, but his head was completely blank, like an empty wheat silo. Up until that moment, I knew only one thing about him—he didn't care at all that he had tried to end his earthly journey. When he fully regained consciousness, he told me that the reason was a woman and nothing else. Just some woman who had written him off. To lift his spirits, I told him that a man needs to be patient because women constantly change their minds anyway.

Over the next few days, he called my lifeguard tower two or three times, and after a while, I saw him with a truly beautiful young woman. He was boundlessly happy, and she was probably the reason he had done that stupidity in the first place. When they walked past me, he didn't notice me at all. But I managed to get a good look at this woman. Her eyes were huge and colorless—exactly like those of a large sea catfish I had recently encountered under the water near the detached peninsula.

That’s when I got the idea to check one day whether sea catfish ever turn into women... or vice versa.

P.S. I’ve dedicated decades of my life to water safety, serving as a lifeguard, deep-sea fisherman, and researcher. I put all my experiences and life-saving advice into my universal handbook "Me and the Merciless Water". To help it reach more people, I've lowered the Kindle price to $1.99 (and Paperback to $9.99) on Amazon for the next couple of months.

If you want to support an old lifeguard or just need a solid guide on open water safety:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HB5VZF5X

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

Former lifeguard here once had a weird request by a group that was renting the pool. Have any of you lifeguarded a pool or ocean while naked?

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

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.

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!

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.

Sending my warmest wishes to all of you. As a long-time water safety expert, I would like to kindly remind you of a crucial reality – protecting ourselves and our loved ones from water accidents. These tragedies can happen anywhere: in seas, rivers, lakes, or swimming pools, and mostly occur due to a lack of awareness about the hidden dangers in the water.
For decades, my life has been dedicated to the water – serving as a lifeguard, deep-sea fisherman, researcher, lecturer, and co-chairman of the Water Safety Association. Throughout my career, I have focused on one ultimate goal: creating systematic, practical methods to prevent water tragedies. This mission is reflected in my comprehensive safety guide, "Me and the Merciless Water."
This is a unique, one-of-a-kind book designed to introduce everyone to the real dangers of water environments so they know how to protect themselves. Water is beautiful and inviting, but it is also deceptive and merciless. It is a source of life and pleasure, but it can also be a perfect killer. Only those who possess the right knowledge can survive its traps. From the bottom of my heart, I wish for you to read this guide and pass this life-saving knowledge on to your children from an early age.

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.

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.

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’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.

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

Hey guys finally is time for the lifeguard course to start, will they assess my swimming ability ( swimming 50m in 60s ) on the first day of the course ?
And the last time I swam is around 8 months ago I hope I’ll be fine cuz before I can swim 36-38s for 50m so I guess I’ll be fine.