Being a lifeguard is a rewarding job that takes a lot of heart and skill. It is an honorable job where men and women are in charge of guarding those in the water and making sure they are safe from harm. In order to provide the correct amount of protection, they must have a special set of lifeguard requirements in order to be hired.
The most important requirement to have is to be able to swim incredibly well. It isn't enough to be able to do the doggie paddle or swim a short distance; they must have excellent skills at a level above the typical person and pass several tests. Some lifeguards may rigorously train before each season to brush up on their skills.
First aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training are also important lifeguard requirements. Completing a class through the Red Cross or another local organization can help the individual get certification, which acknowledges that he passed the proper classes and tests. When a victim is rescued from the water or there is an emergency on the beach, the lifeguards are the first line of help, so they must be adept in being able to provide the correct help when necessary.
Another one of the lifeguard requirements is to have zero fear of the water or hesitation to help in an emergency situation. Mere seconds can make a huge difference when a victim is in the water. The lifeguard cannot hesitate and must be able to think clearly no matter what the situation is.
Extreme focus is an extremely important trait for a lifeguard to have. There can be many distractions around him, whether it be kids screaming while they play or attractive women sauntering down the beach. The lifeguard must be able to keep his eyes focused on the water in a search for anyone who is in impending danger or already needs help.
Lifeguards must be able to have superior breathing skills by being able to hold their breath for an extended period of time. In the instance that a victim is in danger, a lifeguard must be able to get to him and be able to dive underwater to reach him. Without excellent breathing skills as part of their lifeguard requirements, they could put themselves in danger and be unable to help those who need it.
All of the lifeguard requirements in place are what make lifeguards capable of watching the beaches and helping those in need. Without the rigorous tests and extreme standards placed on the lifeguards, there would be sub par people in charge of all the lives that grace the beaches and waters. It is because of them that visitors to beaches and pools can enjoy the water and swim freely.