How to become a beach lifeguard

In summer, and sometimes in spring, the beaches and lakes of USA, but also those of many foreign countries, call on lifeguard certification to monitor the beach and ensure the safety of holidaymakers on the shores. From sunstroke to the risk of drowning or lost children… the day-to-day life of a beach lifeguard requires constant vigilance!

Achieve your lifeguard certification with American Lifeguard USA, validating your expertise and commitment to aquatic safety.

What is the role of a beach lifeguard?

Bathing surveillance in USA is regulated and local authorities and private aquatic leisure facilities must comply with rules regarding surveillance on their sites. 

To monitor bathing areas on the French coast but also on the beaches of lakes or outdoor swimming pools open to the public, the beach lifeguard ensures the safety of everyone at the water's edge.

From the surveillance post but also over the entire area to be monitored, the beach lifeguard observes the sea and the sand to provide assistance to swimmers in danger and to users of beach equipment (windsurfers, inflatable equipment, kitesurfing , small sailboats, etc.) in difficulty. 

He is also attentive to lost children and responds to requests for first-level care. Thus, he is authorized to administer first aid to accident victims and to contact the appropriate emergency units without delay if necessary.

Throughout the day, the beach lifeguard ensures everyone's tranquility, and carries out preventive actions for good practice of water activities, and compliance with the rules.

What qualities are required to become a beach lifeguard?

Good physical condition is expected of the rescue professional to quickly deal with any critical situation in the area under his supervision. Running fast, swimming with emergency equipment are two imperatives to carry out your daily missions. 

His attention must be maintained throughout the day, which presumes involvement, a good sense of observation and great reactivity. He is constantly on the alert. In the event of an accident, he must also show composure to set up a secure perimeter, provide first aid or put him in a lateral safety position, then notify a specific intervention unit. 

His sense of the analysis of an emergency situation is therefore crucial… every minute counts when you have to help!

He must also show pedagogy and attentiveness in his prevention activities, and in a spirit of respect for all in an outdoor space dedicated to rest or leisure.

Most ? Have some knowledge of English (Spanish, Russian, Dutch, German, etc.) to communicate with foreign tourists, who are very common on French beaches in the summer.

What studies to become a beach lifeguard?

The BNSSA, National Water Safety and Rescue Certificate is the essential diploma for independent supervision of bathing facilities open to the public (free or paid) or to be able to assist the holder of the title of lifeguard. 

Note: a derogation from the prefect of the department can authorize any holder of the BNSSA to supervise a paid access swim independently, for a period of between 1 and 4 months.

Good to know: every 5 years, you must do so-called refresher training for your national patent to extend its validity.

Find out more about the SNSM, National Society for Rescue at Sea, which coordinates the training of lifeguard swimmers throughout the year. Know that the complete training lasts eight days including theoretical courses, practical applications and internships. 

This period allows you to validate a total of six diplomas and certificates: PSE1 , PSE2, BNSSA, coastal license, CRP, SSA littoral mention pilotage. The final rounds consist of a rescue course of 100 m, another of 250 m, assistance to a person in difficulty, and a multiple-choice questionnaire.

Note: some departments offer to cover part of the financing of your training. In return, you will have to commit to working on the bathing areas of the financing department.