Lifeguard Training

Have you ever wondered what kind of training lifeguards at Water Country USA go through prior to sitting in the guard chair at Surfer’s Bay?

Lifeguard training class demonstrations

Shallow Water Lifeguards (guards less than 4 feet of water) and Deep Water Lifeguards at our water park all attend a class from the American Red Cross called CPR/AED for Lifeguards. They are also required to pass a written and a practical skills test as well as demonstrate rescues skills in the water.

Water Country USA requires additional tests above and beyond what the ARC requires to ensure our guards are in top physical condition. Lifeguards must swim a 300-yard test, and a brick retrieval. Guards must tread water with a 10-pound brick, complete a 50-yard approach stroke within 45 seconds and complete a scan test (observe the pool for 10 seconds and then remember what they observed).

Both Shallow Water and Deep Water Lifeguards also attend a Standard Operating Procedures Class. During the class they tour each ride in the park and learn the proper procedures to operate that ride. They must then demonstrate those procedures and pass a written test.

Guards who return to Water Country USA from the year before are required to take a rehire class. During the class they must again demonstrate their skills in the water and retake the written test. The Red Cross certifications are good for three years but we require our guards to demonstrate their skills every year.

During the season our Shallow Water and Deep Water Lifeguards are also required to attend in-services to practice skills. They are also audited on different skills during the summer.

Now you know what it takes to be a lifeguard at Water Country USA. You can rest assured that you and your family are in goods hands at our park. We’ll see you soon.

Cynthia
Park Operations Manager at Water Country USA