HOW TO BECOME A LIFEGUARD AND WHAT TO DO TO GET CERTIFIED
Lifeguards are little guardian angels. On long days at sea, they are always there. To control the sea, which often swallows people and things. Following the flow of the waves. To help us, come what may. Who else to turn to when a jellyfish stings us? Or when a hedgehog thorn penetrates the foot? The lifeguard. Lifeguard training is the biggest reference when you are at sea and in the pool. And he is much more than a drowning saviour, but a true gem that helps in any situation, in any problem. So this is not a trivial job. That’s why you have to make a very specific path to becoming a lifeguard and getting the license.
Helping Others
The first thing to know in order to understand how to become a lifeguard is that you must have a certain predisposition. In fact, it is a job that requires immense passion and also a good dose of patience. Therefore, you absolutely must have the attitude and willingness to want to help others.
The Role Of The Lifeguard
The lifeguard has, however, above all the other tasks it performs, a fundamental role. Which is precisely to ensure the safety of the area of operation. And because it is sea, sand, sun and waves, it must have very specific characteristics. First, an absolutely trained body. And, of course, excellent swimming skills, even in difficult situations. Also, he must be a very active person with a penchant for teamwork. Another key characteristic of a good lifeguard is that he does not have to suffer from any form of anxiety.
How To Become A Lifeguard
To officially and proudly say that you are a lifeguard, you need a very special license. No, muscles and the red Baywatch bathing suit are not enough. To be able to exercise this splendid profession – which has to do with the sea, but also with goodwill towards people – you need a lifeguard certificate. To this, swimming licenses can be added. The road, then, is all downhill. In fact, the demand for lifeguards in the summer months is always high.
How To Get The Patent: Prerequisites
The patent that attests to the professionalism of the lifeguard is obtained with hours of training and examinations with state authorities. Therefore, it can be said that – like any public contest or certification – essential prerequisites are necessary for obtaining it. And it’s not just those listed above that pertain to psychophysical characteristics. In order to obtain a lifeguard training and certificate, in fact, it is necessary to be at least 16 years old; have Italian nationality or a national of a European Union country or a regular residence permit.
Training
In order to obtain the certificate that attests to the profession of “lifeguard”, it will be necessary to carry out specific training courses. These are lifeguard courses near me in which the practical activity is the master’s degree, but which are followed by several hours of technical-theoretical training. Notions are then an excellent complement to practical activities.
The Courses In Detail
First of all, it is important to know that the courses are available and are activated throughout the national territory. This is very important because everyone should be able to do this job. That does not only concern the sea, but also the world of swimming pools and lakes. And therefore the mountain, in many cases. In the courses, specific subjects are studied: among these are the notions of first aid, fundamental for any lifeguard. Anatomy is also studied and, in order to get out of bodies, atmospheric phenomena. There is still talk of pool water treatment, as well as responsibility and safety. Environmental protection is also very important. They also follow courses in defibrillator use and oxygen administration. Whenever you meet a lifeguard, therefore, you can be sure that this person knows how to take care of others.
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Examination, Certificate And Patent
At the end of the course, you will have to take an exam. This takes place in front of a Port Authority officer and will target everything learned in the course, both practical and theoretical. The certificate is thus obtained, to which the patent is added. The latter can be of three types and will be like a driver’s license, a very clear demonstration that you can do this job. There are three types of patents : P (for swimming pools), IP (for inland waters, i.e. lakes and swimming pools ), and MIP (valid for sea, inland waters and swimming pools ).).
Certificate Duration
Once the certificate has been obtained, since it works more or less for any professional order, it will have to be updated from time to time. In fact, the certificate remains valid for two years. At the end of this period, however, it will be necessary to pay an amount to the company where it was obtained. Even so, it’s still a very low price to make one of the most beautiful and satisfying jobs in the world. Where you give a lot and learn the same.
Is it Worth Being a lifeguard?
As you can imagine, in most cases the lifeguard’s job is purely seasonal. In fact, most lifeguards are required in the summer, along Italy’s long coasts. Of course, in many cases the beaches are free and without lifeguards, but there are more and more those equipped with establishments and guardhouses for lifeguards. We must remember, then, that there are lifeguards who work all year round: they are the ones who stay in the pool. And maybe they take less risk, but they still do a good job. The one for which, of course, others are always grateful.