If you are thinking about becoming a lifeguard, it’s important to note that lifeguarding means much more than just swimming well. A high-level of concentration and attentiveness are some of the most important qualities of a good lifeguard. While public perception might consider lifeguarding to be all about swimming well and rescuing those who struggle, most lifeguards spend their entire shift being attentive to the water and enforcing pool rules and may not even enter the water to make a rescue.

So, before deciding to become a lifeguard, ask yourself a few questions:

Am I a responsible person?

Do I like interacting with the public?

Can I talk to adults in an authoritative manner while being professional?

Can I be attentive and focused for an extended period of time?

If your answers to these questions is yes, then you might be ready to take the test! Lifeguarding is a rewarding job that teaches you great life skills like communication, responsibility, and dependability. If you like helping people and enjoy spending time by the pool, why not give it a try?

Sure, swimming is still a big part of the picture, but if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum swimming requirements then the Lifeguard Pre-Test, American Red Cross program will help you find out. MIT Recreation offers this course at just a $20 minimum fee, just in case participants are unsure if they will pass. Before learning rescues and other lifeguarding skills, the pre-test makes sure you have your swimming skills in order to successfully perform them. The following pre-test video will demonstrate what this course covers.

Lifeguard Pre-Test Video