The whole nation was mesmerized by the amazing visuals and stories of the famous soap “Baywatch”. The superb qualities and approach by the lifeguards and their regular encounters with human life inspired a lot of people to dream about being one himself/ herself. So all it should take is to be an expert swimmer and be able to sport a great body while looking to save people in trouble around water, right? Well, not exactly when you do a reality check. It requires a valid certification to be a lifeguard in Long Island.
Who is a lifeguard?
A lifeguard is a person who is responsible to ensure everyone’s safety while around or in to the water. It does not necessarily restrict the functions of a lifeguard to only swimming or inside water theatrics but also issues faced outside water, around it. So his/ her responsibilities are not only limited to the sea beach and surroundings; his/ her services are to be hired even for a swimming pool or a water park for supervising safety of people. In fact, if you are holding a pool party in Long Island, it is a must to have a lifeguard who has completed certification.
Who can be a lifeguard?
Well, almost anyone who is at least 15 years old. There is no other restriction put on being a lifeguard. Of course, since one has to be able to save people in water too in case of an emergency, there are certain swimming exercises one should be able to execute successfully in order to be a lifeguard. Whether you are looking to it as a part time work or the passion of your life, you are welcome to try your hand at it.
Why look for a certification course?
So why does a person require a certification? Why can a person who knows swimming well enough and is well built simply not become a lifeguard? Well, it is the same reason why a person who has gone through a few medical journals and/ or studied about medicines through a few books cannot become a medical practitioner. End of the day, it is a specialized and professional service that requires proper training, practice and an examination process in place to verify the level of learning the requisites well enough to be able to perform professionally.
Hence, a certification course is a must for an aspiring lifeguard. Not only on paper but even in reality it enhances your skill set and understanding of situations that may arise in real life scenario. While you might even be a professional swimmer, there are certain guidelines and techniques to be followed which are an essential part of the lifeguard’s job. So if you are actually looking forward to be able to help people, you should be looking for a certification.
In Long Island, a lifeguard certification is invaluable in other senses too as it is mandatory to have a certified lifeguard around for even a pool party. If you are wondering why, it is simply to ensure there is a well trained professional around to guard any threat; thereby assuring the patrons and the guests that fun will not go sour, no matter come what may.