The summer season brings a surge in demand for qualified and certified lifeguards. Sheltered from all visitors and prospective beachgoers, poolside and water park operations become fully implicated in the search for certified lifeguards. Managers of facilities and aquatic directors who are actionable would be mindful that proactive planning is the safest and most effective way of ensuring a successful summer event: certifying that all seats for lifeguards are filled well ahead with certified professionals before the start of the season. Of course, perhaps the most important aspect of this preparation is the recertification lifeguard.
In this blog post, we will explore why the perfect time now to address the matter of recertifying lifeguards with information on how the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) could help you stay ahead of the curve.
Why Timing Matters: The Lifeguard Recertification Deadline
To be clear, lifeguard certification is not something you get and forget; the lifeguard has to undergo recertification as scheduled to hone the skills mastered and be up to date on new or changed safety protocols. Most include American Lifeguard Association certifications, which are valid for two years. Beyond that, recertification must occur to regain those credentials.
Timing is everything with lifeguard recertification. Waiting until just before the busiest time of the year to recertify leaves facilities seriously understaffed. Just picture the chaos of having to send would-be swimmers away or close off parts of the pool because your lifeguard’s certifications have expired. That scenario is a potential safety hazard and a huge reputational detriment to your facility.
Early in the months leading into summer is the best time to address lifeguard recertification so that your team is fully prepared and compliant when the season begins. Such an approach allows the identification of any staff shortage and makes arrangements for filling soon thereafter before the situation becomes troublesome.
The Provision of Lifeguard Recertification by ALA
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) is arguably one of the most eminent organizations in the aquatic safety realm. ALA follows thorough training schemes with great adherence to quality; ALA lifeguard recertification programs are well-acknowledged to be tough and accommodating. The objective of these recertification programs is to revitalize skills for lifeguards while imparting new fences and readiness for any eventuality.
Flexibility stands out as an attractive feature of ALA recertification courses. These courses can be attended on-site and online, depending on the choice of the lifeguard. It is thus easier for the lifeguard to take up the recertification course without disturbing his work schedule or private life.
Another great feature of the ALA is that its recertification classes for lifeguards are conducted by instructors who have considerable verbal instruction that is set against the backdrop of actual field experience. In this way, lifeguards gain not strictly technically fitting recertification, but exposure to tips that are much more helpful for bringing them into efficient performance on the field.
Benefits of Early Recertification for Lifeguards
Addressing the recertification of lifeguards well before summer offers various advantages, for lifeguards and facility managers. Here is but a weak handful:
1. Avoiding the Last-Minute Rush
Every summer approaching brings with it an increase in demand for recertification courses. By encouraging your lifeguards to get recertified early, you can save them the headaches of competing for the limited availability of spots in such popular courses. Also, it allows your lifeguards months and months to complete their training without hurrying.
2. Ensure Safety Standards
Lifeguard certification, as they say, is not only a good idea; it is the law. For facilities that have employed un-certified lifeguards, legal troubles in the form of fines, lawsuits, and even shutdowns might come knocking. By getting your American lifeguard recertification early on, you get approval for your facility.
3. Team Morale and Confidence Boost
Lifeguards who are confident in their skills perform well in case of emergencies. Early completion of recertification offers lifeguards a relaxed space for knowledge updating and skill practice. This will help develop the lifeguard’s confidence and performance in the summertime, which can be stressful.
4. Identify and Bridge Skill Gaps
A recertification course is an excellent opportunity to assess your team’s strengths and weaknesses. If some lifeguards lack certain skills, you could arrange for further corrective training or support to lift their capability. This way, your whole team will function at the highest level of competence.
5. Enhance Your Facility’s Reputation
A recognized sign of a good establishment is a well-trained and certified lifeguard team. Parents and visitors would feel much more comfortable and trust a facility that invests not only in safety but also in professionalism. By ensuring that your lifeguards are recertified and ready to go, you are enhancing your facility’s reputation and will attract even more visitors.
How to Encourage Lifeguard Recertification
If you are a facility manager or aquatic director, you can be a part of encouraging their early recertification. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Importance of Recertification
Ensure that your lifeguards learn why recertification is so important. It’s not just ticking a box; it’s an opportunity for them to refresh their skills and learn new techniques to keep everyone safe at your facility.
2. Give Bonuses
Another thing to entice those who attended early renewal is a prize like a cash bonus, a gift card, or extra time off. Engaging awards can motivate lifeguards to take action and complete their training ahead of schedule.
3. On-Site Reschedule Courses of Re-education
Let the recertification courses be conducted in your facility. This makes it more comfortable for your lifeguards to attend. It gives a strong impression showing you are there for their professional development.
4. Partner With the American Lifeguard Association
The ALA offers customized training solutions for facilities of any size. A partnership with the ALA will ensure that lifeguards receive well-trained instruction for specific needs.
Final Word: Start Preparing Now for a Safe and Successful Summer
Summer is the best time to fill seats for lifeguards. It starts with the recertification of lifeguards. This early intervention will ensure that your facility can be manned by certified professionals who can efficiently handle the large volume of holiday traffic.
The American Lifeguard Association will be the trusted partner for this. Because of its flexible recertification options, experienced instructors as well as an uncompromising commitment to excellence, the ALA is well-qualified to help you build a lifeguard team that is second to none. Start planning for lifeguard recertification today and set the stage for a safe and successful summer.
When it comes to lifeguard recertification, timing is everything. Be prepared to reap the benefits of acting today come summer.
