How to become a lifeguard?

In charge of supervising the beaches and the activities around a body of water, the lifeguard class near me ensures compliance with safety measures in order to avoid any risk of accident. Trained in first aid, he intervenes in emergencies and gives swimming lessons. If you want to become a lifeguard, find out everything you need to know in this article.

What is a lifeguard?

Also called coastguard, first aider or lifeguard (MNS), the lifeguard ensures the safety of activities around a body of water: swimming pool, beaches, lakes, etc. Lifeguard in its female version, this professional lifeguard gives safety instructions to swimmers and boaters and ensures that they are respected.

In the event of an incident, the lifeguards are the first to intervene to provide first aid.

Working in municipal swimming pools, hotels or hotel complexes or any other establishment with a swimming area, this profession is most often seasonal. However, some positions offer year-round work, particularly in indoor aquatic facilities.

At the beach, the lifeguards are easily recognizable on their high seat and are in this case called lifeguards or first aiders. This position allows them to have a clear 360° view of the scene and to better perceive any possible need for rapid intervention.

Working as a team, they monitor a large space and a significant number of people.

Lifeguard duties

Lifeguards have many responsibilities:

Monitor swimming pools and beaches  

they must make known the safety rules in force and ensure that they are respected. Also responsible for consulting the weather conditions, they may have to prohibit swimming if necessary.

Ensure the good condition of rescue and leisure equipment 

Faulty equipment must be put aside to avoid any risk of accident. In swimming pools, the level of chemical agents present in the water must be checked.

Intervene in an emergency 

Responsible for the safety of people in a bathing area, lifeguards come to the aid of people in distress by providing first aid or calling for help if necessary.

Evacuate the premises in the event of an extreme emergency (eg natural disaster or fire).

Clean pool or beach and facilities.

Give swimming lessons .

Prepare a report on the state of equipment, incidents that have occurred or any other element that deserves the attention of supervisors.

Ensure the animation of various aquatic activities : aquagym, aquafitness, waterpolo, etc.

How to become a lifeguard?

The first thing to do is to obtain the BNSSA or National Water Safety and Rescue Certificate. This diploma is obtained after the third and must be renewed every 5 years.

For a lifeguard position, the lifeguard certificate (BS) may be sufficient.

Other complementary diplomas, from bac to bac +3 level, may be requested to acquire the skills necessary to exercise this profession.

Baccalaureate standard

Professional certificate for youth, popular education and sport (BPJEPS) aquatic activities and swimming option.

Bac +2 level

State diploma in youth, popular education and sport (DEJEPS), specialty rescue and safety in aquatic environments.

Bac +3 level

STAPS license sports training specialty swimming.

Higher State Diploma in Youth, Popular Education and Sport (DESJEPS).

On the other hand, the territorial competition APS (physical and sports activities) level B makes it possible to become a territorial agent and lifeguard in a municipal swimming pool. Every year, lifeguards must undergo PSE1 training (level 1 team first aid) in order to get up to speed.

The main qualities of a lifeguard

Several personal qualities are essential to exercise this profession:

Being an excellent swimmer

First quality, like that of loving the aquatic environment in general.

Be meticulous, attentive and observant

All people present at the pool or the beach are under the responsibility of the lifeguards.

Have a sense of pedagogy and patience  

Whether it is to give safety instructions or swimming lessons, pedagogy is an important quality. The days can be long and boring, so patience is also required.

Be vigilant and responsive 

lifeguards must always be ready to intervene in the event of an emergency, and therefore be in excellent physical condition.

Have a sense of relationship 

In constant contact with the public, it is necessary to be sociable and at ease with others.

Know how to show composure 

In the event of an accident, all lifeguards must remain in possession of their means and make the right decisions at the right time.

How much does a lifeguard earn?

The remuneration of lifeguards depends on several factors:

The level of qualification  : the more a lifeguard is qualified, the higher his remuneration will be.

The level of experience  : beginners receive a salary equivalent to the minimum wage.

The type of employer .

The level of responsibility  : some professionals may only be assigned the supervision of swimming while others must also ensure the safety of equipment, the hygiene of pools, etc.