Training Center:
Our ocean lifeguard training program is conducted at Huntington State Beach. This facility provides constantly changing currents and large surf, both of which contribute to preparing each candidate for the everyday conditions he/she may encounter during employment with the California State Lifeguards. Huntington Beach headquarters houses our training classroom (shown above). As part of your preparation to enter training, you should become familiar with the ocean conditions that Huntington Beach has to offer.
What to Expect During Lifeguard Training:
Lifeguard training is eight days long, seven days in actuality since the last day is spent entirely on testing. In this limited time, we are expected to certify all trainees in DPR Advanced First Aid, C.P.R, Communicable Disease Prevention, along with all of the environmental and lifeguarding related topics. In addition, many hours are spent on a variety of practical skills necessary for the job. Due to the massive amounts of lecture material and practical exercises to be completed by the end of training, we keep to a very tight schedual. There will be a lot of barefoot running in mostly soft sand with emphasis on sprints, in addition to a 4 mile distance run. While most of the running will consist of short sprints to the water and back, it will add up to a couple of miles a day. Be prepared mentally and physically for large surf, cold water, and wind. Don't underestimate the running portion of training and the use of fins.
Recommended Preparation:
Work out in the ocean/pool with your fins, stressing sprints up to 200 yards. Work on barefoot, soft sand sprint runnining, and prepare for the 4 mile distance run. Try to get in the ocean as much as possible. Practice ins- and -outs through the surfline and back (with fins) stressing speed and proper current judgement. Study the ocean. Study up on CPR/AED, First Aid, and Lifeguard topics as much as possible prior to attending training. The long days don't lend themselves to intense late night study sessions. Prepare yourself for the task at hand and you will embark upon one of the most rewarding jobs in the world.
Train hard, study diligently, and prepare for the job of a lifetime! STATE LIFEGUARD FOR LIFE! |
