As a lifeguard, keeping your certifications and qualifications up to date is crucial for maintaining employment and ensuring you are properly trained to respond to emergencies when needed. However, finding the time to complete lifeguard recertification requirements like CPR, first aid, and skill proficiency demonstrations can be challenging when juggling a busy work schedule.
The American Lifeguard Association understands balancing the demands of the job with continuing education is no easy task. Here are some helpful tips and strategies for managing work responsibilities while meeting all recertification requirements on time.
Plan Ahead for Lifeguard Recertification Dates
Being proactive is key. As soon as you earn your initial certifications, note the expiration dates in your calendar so lifeguard recertification does not sneak up on you. Facilities that employ lifeguards should also clearly communicate lifeguard recertification deadlines to allow staff adequate preparation.
By planning well in advance, you have flexibility to schedule lifeguard recertification courses, CPR/first aid classes, and skill assessment practices around shifts instead of rushing at the last minute. Proper preparation ensures ongoing compliance with the rigorous training standards set by the American Lifeguard Association to maintain proficiency and up-to-date knowledge.
Request Time Off for Classes
When signing up for the classes and training needed for recertification, select options that fall on your scheduled days off whenever possible. Speaking with your manager or supervisor in advance is also recommended to formally request necessary time off for recertification requirements.
Most employers understand the importance of keeping certifications current for safety purposes. To compromise, consider offering to make up any missed shifts by agreeing to extra hours on other days. Communication is key to finding a solution that satisfies both work and continuing education obligations.
Complete Online or Self-Paced Components Off Duty
Many certification renewal courses through the American Lifeguard Association now offer flexible online or self-study components that can be completed outside normal work hours on your own time. Options like online reading assignments, videos, and quizzes allow learning requirements to be fulfilled without disrupting your work schedule.
Consider setting aside time each evening or day off to chip away at online recertification material at your own pace. Studying a little each day makes the content more manageable to complete prior to upcoming skills assessments or classes.
Practice Skills and Prep On Breaks
Fitting in skills practice can be tricky with a busy work schedule. Lifeguards can maximize time on the job by utilizing meal and downtime breaks productively. For example, fitting in laps in the pool, practicing spinals during slow periods, or doing CPR review with a colleague allows skills to stay sharp even on busy workdays.
You can also reserve the off-season or slow days to concentrate more fully on intensive skills prep with peers when facilities are less busy. Making the most of all available time helps balance recertification requirements and maintaining proficiency with other work responsibilities.
Collaborate with Coworkers for Coverage
Finding coverage for shifts you need to miss can be easier said than done with a small summer staff. However, coworkers at your facilities are likely in the same recertification boat. Consider teaming up to swap shifts for classes and trainings by trading days off in advance.
This allows peers to attend necessary courses while still fully staffing waterfronts. Alternatively, coworkers may be willing to pick up extra hours for those needing time away. Fostering cooperation and teamwork can go a long way in helping lifeguards manage work schedules through the recertification process each season.
Communicate with Supervisors
Always keeping managers informed about recertification deadlines and plans for accommodating requirements on the calendar is useful. In most cases, they want to ensure certifications stay current as much as you do. As long as plenty of notice is provided for scheduling purposes, supervisors are generally receptive to requests for minimum time off needed.
Staying in open communication makes it easier to work collaboratively towards finding reasonable solutions. The American Lifeguard Association advocates for reasonable policies from employers that support ongoing certification compliance through continued education. Read more information click here.
Final Words
Balancing work responsibilities with staying up to date on training is an ongoing challenge face by many lifeguards. However, with diligent planning, teamwork with coworkers, and open communication from employers, mandatory recertification can be smoothly incorporated into lifeguard schedules each season.
Keeping certifications current ensures lifeguards maintain the highest levels of knowledge and skills set through the American Lifeguard Association to always be prepared for any aquatic emergencies. Proper certification management also guarantees continued employment eligibility in most jurisdictions. With the right strategies, work-life-study balance is entirely achievable.
