Are you debating a
career as a lifeguard and wondering how you can boost your fitness ready for that
all important exam? A lot of tradition
Lifeguard fitness authors simply say 'Get in the pool' but there is so much
more to being a beach lifeguard then just doing the lengths.
We asked one of our
Lifeguard Assessors what a perspective candidate can do over the summer to help
them achieve their beach lifeguard awards.
1. Stay in the pool: Its worth keeping on top of that pool
swimming as it is there that you will hone your speed, stamina and technique
for that all important timed swim.
Practice your distance swims, sprints and other elements of the
assessment.
2. Hit the sea: Getting some sea swim time is also a huge
advantage, why? because swimming in the
sea is totally different to swimming in the pool. You need a totally different set of
techniques plus you need to acclimatise to the environment.
3. Go surfing: Being able to cope with surf is a fundamental part of the beach lifeguards job and having overcome the fears and unpredictability of the surf early on will clear the way for your instructors to really build you up as a waterman. Why not take surf lessons? This way you will learn the basics of board work, how to read waves and overcome any fears? Alternatively just adding a few simple surf sessions yourself would be beneficial. Go swimming or take a body board. Just be sure to always visit a lifeguarded beach.
4. Join a beach fitness class: Why not trade in that winter gym membership and turn the beach into your gym? Loads of fitness centers are now offering outdoor sessions and if not, why not do it yourself?
5. Start running: Both the lifeguard course, exam and employment fitness tests involve some form of beach running. So you can run on a track that's great, but can you run on soft sand? Introducing a beach run element to your fitness will once again build on that speed and stamina of yours but will also start to acclimatise you to the environment you will be tested on so why not get the head start?
6. A healthy, balanced diet: Your body will crave those extra nutrients as you work it harder. Giving your body the right fuel when exercising is key. Make sure you get a balanced diet and cut down on the summer alcohol to give your body the energy it needs.
7. Get involved in water sports: It doesn't have to be surfing. Having experience in any kind of water sport would be seen as a huge advantage when you finally apply for the job.
8. Volunteer: Many organisations, including the RNLI and Surf Lifesaving clubs, regularly recruit volunteers to patrol their beaches or support their patrols. This is a perfect opportunity to build your CV, gain experience and get a foot in the door and the best part is you don't even need to be a qualified lifeguard as many of these organisations have support roles meaning you can shadow a team and learn on the job.
9. October: If you are looking to be qualified for the following season get your course for around October time the previous year. Why? well most lifeguard services start recruiting in February and if you already hold an award you won't need to wait around to get your exam. Plus early season courses are usually oversubscribed and therefore harder to get on.
10. Research: Summer is the perfect time to do a bit of research to learn more about the actual role. Stories of rescues will soon be hitting the newspapers so why not have a read and see what it's really all about? Head down to the beach and visit your local lifeguards and ask them for their advice on training and recruitment.
3. Go surfing: Being able to cope with surf is a fundamental part of the beach lifeguards job and having overcome the fears and unpredictability of the surf early on will clear the way for your instructors to really build you up as a waterman. Why not take surf lessons? This way you will learn the basics of board work, how to read waves and overcome any fears? Alternatively just adding a few simple surf sessions yourself would be beneficial. Go swimming or take a body board. Just be sure to always visit a lifeguarded beach.
4. Join a beach fitness class: Why not trade in that winter gym membership and turn the beach into your gym? Loads of fitness centers are now offering outdoor sessions and if not, why not do it yourself?
5. Start running: Both the lifeguard course, exam and employment fitness tests involve some form of beach running. So you can run on a track that's great, but can you run on soft sand? Introducing a beach run element to your fitness will once again build on that speed and stamina of yours but will also start to acclimatise you to the environment you will be tested on so why not get the head start?
6. A healthy, balanced diet: Your body will crave those extra nutrients as you work it harder. Giving your body the right fuel when exercising is key. Make sure you get a balanced diet and cut down on the summer alcohol to give your body the energy it needs.
7. Get involved in water sports: It doesn't have to be surfing. Having experience in any kind of water sport would be seen as a huge advantage when you finally apply for the job.
8. Volunteer: Many organisations, including the RNLI and Surf Lifesaving clubs, regularly recruit volunteers to patrol their beaches or support their patrols. This is a perfect opportunity to build your CV, gain experience and get a foot in the door and the best part is you don't even need to be a qualified lifeguard as many of these organisations have support roles meaning you can shadow a team and learn on the job.
9. October: If you are looking to be qualified for the following season get your course for around October time the previous year. Why? well most lifeguard services start recruiting in February and if you already hold an award you won't need to wait around to get your exam. Plus early season courses are usually oversubscribed and therefore harder to get on.
10. Research: Summer is the perfect time to do a bit of research to learn more about the actual role. Stories of rescues will soon be hitting the newspapers so why not have a read and see what it's really all about? Head down to the beach and visit your local lifeguards and ask them for their advice on training and recruitment.
Remember it's not
just a case of finishing a course. That's
just the beginning. Getting out there and experiencing the environment early will
help make you develop as a much stronger,
more attractive candidate.
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