Welcome/ Intro Quotes:

Co Host: Wesley King Consulting: https://weskingco.com/

Neva Nicole, aka Nicole Fairfield's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nicole-Fairfield/author/B0DNCZF7WS?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Some organizations advocate for having two lifeguards on duty at all times to enhance safety. For instance, the Redwoods Group emphasizes that having two lifeguards ensures better coverage, allows for adequate breaks, and facilitates more effective emergency responses.

• redwoodsgroup.com

Local regulations also influence staffing requirements. For example, Loudoun County, Virginia, mandates that there must be at least one lifeguard for every 50 patrons in the pool area.

• CodeLibrary

In contrast, some facilities may operate with a single lifeguard, especially during off-peak hours or in smaller pools. A Reddit discussion highlights that some facilities have operated with a 1:40 lifeguard-to-patron ratio, though this is considered on the stricter side.

• Reddit

It's important to note that the lifeguard shortage in the U.S. has led to early closures of public pools, potentially affecting safety and staffing levels.

• Pool Magazine

Lifeguard Chart on the youtube:

c3abb330-69b5-412e-bf17-c2d21a6c140a

Prerequisite Swim Test - Key Contrast: Most programs require swimming 300-550 yards, with USLA and the US Coast Guard requiring the longest distances (500 meters). Treading water for 2 minutes using only legs is common across all programs.

Training Structure - Key Contrast: All programs combine online learning with in-person training, but USLA and the US Coast Guard emphasize more in-person training with limited online components.

Key Skills Taught - Key Contrast: USLA has a focus on open-water rescues, whereas others focus on pool and general water rescue skills. The US Coast Guard includes maritime safety and rescue techniques as part of their curriculum.

1. Lifeguard Pro

Some organizations offer a "Lifeguard Pro" course, which is often promoted as an online certification or hybrid course. It can include an online component for theory-based learning, such as CPR and First Aid, but typically still requires in-person, hands-on training for water rescue skills. However, some providers may advertise a limited training option where you can learn the theory online and then perform the in-water test separately.

Note: If you're not seeing any in-water requirements, the certification might only cover CPR/First Aid and theory-based content. It's possible that a local provider may have specific adjustments.

2. Lifeguarding of America

This organization may also offer a similar hybrid or online course for CPR, AED, First Aid, and other non-water skills. They may allow the skills portion to be completed separately or in a more flexible format, particularly during busy seasons when in-person training might be difficult.

However, full certification that allows you to work as a lifeguard usually still requires practical, in-water skill assessments to ensure competence in rescue techniques.

You may of noticed | you may of said “Hey where is JEA?” I did not include it on the certification chart, because…. It is not a certification…

Jeff Ellis & Associates (JEA) is a lifeguard licensing organization, and they operate a bit differently than traditional lifeguard certification programs. While many lifeguard certification programs offer a certificate, JEA provides a license to work at certain facilities where they are the contracted provider for lifeguard services. Here's a breakdown of how it compares to other lifeguard certifications and how their process works:

chart for JEA on youtube: 0553c601-ea72-4c68-9a5e-d7b9e2bdff3e

JEA’s lifeguard license is ideal if you're looking to work at a specific facility or with organizations that contract with JEA, and you want to ensure you receive ongoing training. However, it’s facility-specific, meaning you’ll need to work for a facility that specifically uses JEA for their lifeguard services.

Other certifications, like those from the American Red Cross or YMCA, offer more flexibility in terms of where you can work, as they are recognized by a wide range of facilities across the country.