Far from the image of a passive individual at the approach to the beaches, the lifeguard (MNS) is a profile in high demand due to a strong shortage in France.
The profession thus offers particularly interesting employability.
WHAT IS A LIFEGUARD?
The business integrates two distinct sectors, which are aquatics in the swimming pool, and the leisure area in connection with a surface for swimming in nature.
The profile, therefore, cultivates a certain versatility: surveillance and active prevention through qualities of pedagogue and good communicator, levelled responsiveness depending on a given situation (information, questioning, transmission of instructions), and benevolence in connection with a reception and willingness to transmit to the public.
A good swimmer will not necessarily make a good lifeguard, because the will to transmit, empathy, and hospitality must be essential drivers.
A HIGHLY DEMANDED PROFILE: GUARANTEED JOB
If the desire to share is an essential leitmotif for projecting oneself into the profession, it does not require major technical qualities whereas it hires with a vengeance and makes it possible to earn a good living: indeed, the lifeguard is a profile in high demand, especially by all structures incorporating aquatic spaces. There are many more vacancies than positions occupied today.
WHERE IS IT HIRING?
A Lifeguard may also be brought to outdoor bathing areas to work under a seasonal contract, in particular in the summer. This allows him to gain flexibility if he does not particularly want to be sedentary and if he wishes to discover different regions since the whole of France is recruiting here. Whether municipalities or aquatic centres, Lifeguard classes near me can easily find contracts for a full year.
Finally, he can carry out this job simultaneously with another activity parallel, in the form of part-time: he can be a surfing or sailing instructor for example at the same time.
In terms of prospects, this profession is a great open door to leisure centres: indeed sports activities in swimming pools are at the confluence of other fitness activities such as (aqua)cycling, or (aqua) Zumba for example.
He can then professionalize himself to acquire other skills related to sports coaching, and evolve in the gym.
WHAT TRAINING TO CHOOSE TO ACCESS THE PROFESSION?
The American Lifeguard Association has a number of training programs to make you a certified lifeguard. There are two different diplomas not to be confused with: the BNSSA, which is the first and is essential to start working in an aquatic environment. Only, it essentially allows you to carry out a job of surveillance and prevention, which also requires having the PSE1 (first aid in a level 1 team).
To be a lifeguard, you must pass another diploma, requiring you to pass physical and technical tests to enter training. The American Lifeguard Association has the easiest way is to enter the profession through their basic level lifeguard training programs. This organization and others like it offer training financing methods and end-to-end support for candidates.
Also Read About: Can lifeguards teach swimming?
WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES?
Although everyone can apply, you still have to pass the training entry tests, but rest assured, they remain affordable with reasonable training.
Knowing how to swim 800m freestyle in less than 15 minutes requires above all having a healthy lifestyle.
HOW LONG OF TRAINING? AM I PAID?
The candidate can choose the duration of his training out of 9, 12 or 18. The training always takes place alternately with a supervised training part and the other working in a structure (aquatic area, etc.).
The training provides concrete concepts directly applicable in the field.
There are different aspects of knowledge of the human body or the regulation of leisure areas, experience in the field will above all make it possible to link this knowledge together.
Finally, at the end of the training, you will receive a certificate to be able to apply for a job at a public or private place to serve as a professional lifeguard.