How to Prepare for a Lifeguard Instructor Class
Do you have high ambitions to become a lifeguard instructor? Wondering how to prepare for an instructor course or looking for advice on instructor training?
If so, we've compiled all the information that you need to know about preparing below. From knowing what to expect when you take the class, to ensure that you're ready for the practical assessment, there are lots of ways that you can prepare. Let's tackle the lifeguard instructor class with a splash! Are you ready?
Preparing for your Lifeguard Instructor Class
It's essential to be prepared for your lifeguard training to increase your chances of passing the required tests. There are different parts to an instructor course inclusive of practical and written assignments to complete.
What is a Lifeguard Instructor?
A lifeguard instructor is the professional responsible for training lifeguards for their important roles. If you're interested in becoming an instructor, you will have to pass a lifeguarding instructor course in order to teach lifeguards. Like with lifeguard training, you'll be required to pass a number of assessments including shallow water lifeguarding, administering emergency oxygen, and much more.
Instructor training is challenging, and for a good reason too. You'll be teaching other lifeguard candidates all they need to know about what it takes to become a life-saving lifeguard!
What will the training involve?
For those that want to learn more about what an instructor course entails, you're in luck. While the training is far more intense than a normal lifeguarding class, it's certainly a rewarding career path to choose. You'll find the certification requirements and prerequisites for the instructor course below.
Prerequisites
- Be at least 17 years old before the last day of the instructor course
- Possess one of the following: an American Aquatics and Safety Training certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, a current American Aquatics and Safety Training certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid and the Professional Rescuer or an American Aquatics and Safety Training certificate for CPR/AED for Lifeguards or the American Aquatics and Safety Training certificate for CPR/AED
- Successfully complete an online Orientation to the American Aquatics and Safety Training
- Successfully complete the online Orientation to the Lifeguarding course
- Pass the online Lifeguarding Instructor Precourse Exam with a score of at least 80%
- Complete the precourse session successfully
- Obtain the Lifeguarding Instructor Manual and Lifeguarding Manual once you have completed the Pre-course Session
Instructor certification requirements
- Complete the online session successfully
- Complete the prerequisite session successfully
- Complete all of the instructor course activities as well as the four practice-teaching assignments set
- Attend and participate in all course sessions
- Pass the Bloodborne Pathogens Training Instructor Self-Study Test with a minimum score of 80%
- Pass the basic-level Administering Emergency Oxygen final written exam with a minimum score of 80%
- Pass theinstructorcourse final written exam with a minimum score of 80%
Note that in order to score 80% on any instructor written test, you must get 32 of 40 questions correct. This is a high score, so it's always recommended toprepareas much as possible!
How can I prepare?
Now that you have a clear idea of what the instructor training involves, you are probably wondering how to prepare for alifeguard instructorclass and the accompanying exams. You're one step closer to teaching others how to become alifeguard,but the first step is to ensure you pass the course yourself!
You should study where you can for all elements of the written tests that you will be required to pass. There are many useful resources online, where you can practice the various tests and study the information that you need to know to be a lifeguard instructor.
In addition to the written tests, you're going to be assessed on a number of practical skills needed to teach others. Instructor candidates must demonstrate a number of skills, including water skills, CPR, First Aid training, and personal skills too. We recommend practicing for all of these aspects of lifeguard instructor training and practicing to complete the pre-course listed above too.
Outside of practical tests and written examinations, you will be rated on personal qualities, including:
- Your maturity and responsibility skills
- Whether you are punctual to classes
- Whether you return from breaks promptly
- If you've completed assigned homework
- How prepared you are for classes
- Behavior
- Your reaction to feedback
- Ability to treat others respectfully
You will also be required to complete a practice-teaching self-evaluation form, so it's a good idea to know what sort of questions this will involve. Practice teaching assignments require you to teach successfully and reflect on different aspects, and will help you to become a better instructor overall!
