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As a certified lifeguard, it’s important to keep your skills up to date in order to provide the highest level of safety for swimmers. The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) sets standard renewal requirements to ensure lifeguards maintain their knowledge and ability to handle emergencies effectively. Let’s take a look at what it takes to renew your lifeguard certificate.

Refreshing Your Skills is Key

The primary requirement for renewing your lifeguard certification through the ALA is completing a refresher course. This allows you to refresh your skills in CPR, first aid, surveillance techniques, and rescue protocols. ALA refresher courses are offered throughout the year at partner facilities across the country. The length of refresher courses may vary, but most take between 4-8 hours to complete.

During the refresher, you will be retested on your water rescue skills, first aid/CPR procedures, and scenario-based challenges. Instructors will evaluate your ability to quickly and appropriately respond to different emergencies. Refreshing these lifeguarding skills regularly is vital, as it ensures you are prepared to take effective action in any situation that may arise.

Certification Renewal Timelines

The timeline for renewing your lifeguard certificate depends on the level of certification you hold:

Basic Lifeguard: Must complete a refresher course annually. Certification is valid for one year.
Advanced Lifeguard: Must complete a refresher course every two years. Certification is valid for two years.
Head Lifeguard: Must complete a refresher course every three years. Certification is valid for three years.

It’s important to plan ahead to complete your refresher training before your current certification expires. Allow enough time to sign up for a course near the end date listed on your card. Failing to renew on time may result in needing to complete full lifeguard certification training again from scratch.

Continuing Education is Encouraged

While the minimum requirement is to complete a refresher course based on your certification level, the ALA strongly encourages lifeguards to pursue additional training opportunities whenever possible. This could include:

Taking advanced certification courses like Water Park Lifeguard, Pool Operator, etc.
Completing supplemental training in areas like spinal injury management, drowning prevention, or aquatic safety management.
Attending state or regional lifeguard conferences for the latest developments and best practices.
Seeking professional development through a lifeguard instructor certification program.

Going above and beyond the basic renewal requirements helps you expand your knowledge and skills to an expert level. It also demonstrates a serious commitment to safety for any potential employer or aquatic facility.

Keep Documentation Handy

It’s important that lifeguards always have documentation readily available showing their certification is up to date. The ALA provides digital wallet cards that list:

The lifeguard’s name
Certification level
Date of certification/renewal
Expiration date

Employers and facilities often require proof of current certification. Additionally, having this digital card easily accessible, such as on a mobile device, allows lifeguards to smoothly verify their qualifications if needed for emergencies that occur away from their primary workplace. Read more information click here.

Maintain Your Certification with the ALA

In summary, following the straightforward renewal guidelines set by the American Lifeguard Association is the key to keeping certification current and skills sharp. Completing periodic refresher training on schedule ensures a lifeguard remains fully qualified and prepared to act in every emergency situation.

Committing to continued learning beyond the minimum also takes an already essential job to the next level of excellence. Maintaining proper certification documentation provides important proof of qualifications as well. With the proper renewal process, lifeguards can safely serve their communities for many seasons to come.