Lifeguard Certification and Training

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Whether it be at a private pool, public beach, waterpark or some other type of aquatic facility, every lifeguard has a duty to prevent and quickly respond to any emergencies that arise.

Unfortunately, there are countless instances of lifeguards failing to fulfill their obligations and severe injuries or even fatalities occurring as a result. For example, Jed Dietrich, Esq. secured a $7 Million settlement for a woman who suffered a permanent brain injury as a result of a near-drowning at a public pool because the lifeguards on duty had not been paying attention.

The Dietrich Legal Team will zealously battle with insurance companies, cities, towns, villages and other governmental entities to attempt to obtain the best result for your injury claim. If you, or a loved one, suffered a serious injury, near-drowning or drowning in a swimming pool or other aquatic facility, contact Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his top rated team of negligent lifeguard injury and drowning lawyers at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. for a free consultation. Our team is available 24 hours per day and 7 days per week at 716-839-3939 or by filling out the online consultation form.

Lifeguard Certification And Training Requirements

When swimming at a public swimming pool or beach watched over by a lifeguard, people expect that the lifeguards on duty are adequately trained, properly certified and can sufficiently fulfill their duties. Guests at aquatic facilities deserve to be protected by well-trained professional lifeguards. Lifeguards must be experienced enough to be able to properly assess water conditions and unsafe situations.

There are no federal standards on how lifeguards should be certified and trained. Nevertheless, most states have statutes requiring lifeguards to meet certain requirements. For example, in the State of New York, to become certified, lifeguards are required to meet a stringent prerequisite criterion and obtain the appropriate certifications from qualified courses, schools or on-the-job training programs.

Depending on the supervision level the standards for aquatic/lifeguard certifications vary. To be hired by the NYS Parks system, lifeguards must meet the following qualifications:

1. Be at least 16 years old.
2. Before beginning employment, all lifeguards are required to possess satisfactory and current certifications in the below American Red Cross courses or equivalent:
   1. Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED with Waterfront Skills Module, in all parts of the state except NYC.
   2. CPR/AED for Professional Rescuer and Healthcare Providers, which includes both Child and Adult AED.
   3. First Aid, if the Lifeguard Training course did not already include it.
   4. Waterpark Lifeguarding certification for all lifeguards working at a park containing water slides

Supervising lifeguards must be no less than 18 years old, have 2 or more seasons of lifeguarding experience and possess at least Supervision Level IIB certification.

Practicing law the Dietrich way, we are: determined, disciplined and dedicated to seeking the best possible outcome for your case. Jed Dietrich, Esq., recognized as a Best Lawyer of America, and his team at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. are highly experienced and top rated personal injury attorneys who are passionate about fighting for people who are injured because of someone else’s negligence. Insurance companies have paid Jed Dietrich, Esq. in excess of $175 million to resolve injury claims. Our very experienced, aggressive, tenacious and hardworking team of unqualified lifeguard drowning and injury accident lawyers will fight to obtain the best result for YOU!

CPR Training

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certifications are only valid for 1 year after completion of the course, regardless of the expiration date on the card. In addition to the above requirements, candidates must go through an interview to evaluate their abilities to communicate effectively and maturity levels. Lifeguards must also meet vision and hearing requirements and submit a physician’s certificate.

One of the most essential requirements of being a certified lifeguard is knowing how to perform CPR. There is no excuse for a lifeguard failing to perform CPR when a victim is in need. It is the professional duty of all lifeguards to use their training to provide sufficient medical care and other vital services to help minimize a victim’s injuries and save lives. In cases where lifeguards fail to respond accordingly, cannot remember training or freeze during a rescue attempt, they may be held responsible. In most cases that involve insufficiently trained or uncertified lifeguards, other parties may also be held liable for your injuries. For instance, the owner and/or manager of a resort may share responsibility for failing to train and hire capable lifeguards.

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Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!

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