Be more.
Be a JEM Leader.
All lifeguards are trained under the Ellis & Associates International Lifeguard Training Program™. This program is world-renowned for its quality in training top-tier lifeguards, ready to prevent any potential aquatic risks and to be prepared to handle any unexpected emergency.
Requirements
At first, it may seem daunting at the idea that you will have to go through traning, especially as a lifeguard, before you even step foot in that lifeguard chair!
However, it is completely normal to be a little nervous before your first class. You don’t need to have a swim team background; basic swimming skills, endurance, and the will to try is all you need.
To help ease some of the unknown, here is how you can both physically and mentally prep for your lifeguard class before attending.
On the day you arrive to class before you begin your classroom and water rescue portion we will test everyone to make sure they have the swimming skills they need to effectively perform a water rescue.
You will go through 1 of 4 types of swim pre-requisites:
*For the swim portion of the pre-requisites, Backstroke, “doggy paddling,” or stopping in the middle of the swim will not be considered passing
Shallow Lifeguard
- 50 yard swim non-stop utilizing only the front crawl (freestyle) and/or breaststroke.
- In shallow water of 5 feet, swim underwater a distance of 10 feet to retrieve a 10 lbs brick from the bottom of the pool.
Pool Lifeguard
- 100 yard swim non-stop utilizing only the front crawl (freestyle) and/or breaststroke.
- From the deepest part of the pool, feet first surface dive to retrieve a 10 lbs brick at the bottom of the pool..In deep water, tread water utilizing only your legs and not your arms/hands for 2 minutes.
Special Facilities Lifeguard (with Wavepool)
- 200 yard swim non-stop utilizing only the front crawl (freestyle) and/or breaststroke.
- From the deepest part of the pool, feet first surface dive to retrieve a 10 lbs brick at the bottom of the pool.
- In deep water, tread water utilizing only your legs and not your arms/hands for 2 minutes.
Special Facilities Lifeguard (Open Water)
- 200 yard swim non-stop utilizing only the front crawl (freestyle) and/or breaststroke.
- From the deepest part of the pool, feet first surface dive to retrieve a 10 lbs brick at the bottom of the pool.
- In deep water, tread water utilizing only your legs and not your arms/hands for 2 minutes.
Ready to get started?
WHAT YOU’LL BE TRAINED IN CLASS
There is so much learning that goes into becoming a lifeguard. However, with the way we have our classes set up, you’ll be able to learn the important lifesaving material easily while also having fun in your class.
There are many cool new skills you’ll acquire in class, so we don’t want to spoil it by listing them all here! However, these are the main pillars of training you’ll go through
- Active water rescues
- Unconscious water rescues
- CPR (Adult, Child, Infant)
- FBAO/Choking (Adult, Child, Infant)
- First Aid
- Spinal Rescues and Spinal Management
- Full water etrication and on-deck care.
Next Steps
Once you finish your initial class, you will then be provided facility and OJT (on-the-job training) to help you familiarize yourself with the facility you’ll be working at.
During this time you will also be provided your uniform. Congrats! You are ready to start your first shift!
Resources
Holiday In-services: A Spooky Good Time
The holidays can be one of the best times to use festive fun to build stronger connections and encourage critical thinking. While mandatory in-service trainings can be a total bummer for the unwilling lifeguard, they can also present an opportunity to think outside of the box
𝗝𝗘𝗠 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 – 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝘼𝙣𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙬𝙨
I first started in aquatics (and JEM) in 2017 at Sandy Beach Waterpark in Georgia. It’s funny because I quit my previous job and was contacted by JEM that very same evening about training still being available for cashiers and lifeguards.
Working in IL and Traveling with JEM
I am blessed to be working with Jeff Ellis Management. Each and every day I have worked with the company has been the most fulfilling venture I have ever pursued. One part of what makes working for Jeff Ellis Management so exciting is the work travel opportunities.