Everything you need to know about lifeguarding!

“The sea is a space of rigor and freedom. 

A big fan of the aquatic world, being a lifeguard is more than a job in its own right, it's a real passion. In addition to being athletic and in perfect coordination with water and aware of its dangers, he is also concerned about the lives of others by being attentive, by putting all his senses on the alert, to be ready to help at all moment a person in distress.

What is a lifeguard?

• Often associated with a good swimmer, the lifeguard is a person who is in charge of the safety of bathers whether in an artificial aquatic space such as swimming pools, water parks, bodies of water or on seafronts such as beaches. of the coast allowing swimming.

• Two very distinct sectors but where the danger can be different. It is therefore important for a rescuer at sea , for example, to have a real knowledge of the sea and know how to apprehend the danger, an implacable reactivity because the life of people is in his hands.

• Whether on the beaches or in the pool, it is essential to have versatile skills such as monitoring and prevention , teaching skills , listening, being a good communicator, being reactive  in a difficult situation. he intervention involves information, questioning and the transmission of safety instructions to users.

• It is also essential to have goodwill in connection with the reception and the desire to transmit to the public. In addition to surveillance , he is also there to enforce the rules of good conduct on the premises.

• His role is not only to supervise swimming, he also provides swimming lessons to everyone, from baby swimmers to the elderly. He supervises aquatic activities in aquatic complexes, supervises Marseille swimming activities but also gives aquagym, aqua yoga, aquabike, aqua fitness classes... or any other activity. It is also the transmission of a passion to the youngest through the awakening of swimming in children's clubs.

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What skills are required?

A lifeguard must be a very good swimmer.

It is essential to be an excellent swimmer , to have a high level of swimming or to have a sporting ability to practice a water sport, to have a good knowledge of first aid gestures, absolute composure during drowning interventions but also like to share and exchange on his passion while being a pedagogue, benevolent and attentive to people.

You can become a lifeguard or lifeguard at sea following training including the teaching and safety of aquatic activities. This ranges from the bac level with the ETAPS diploma (territorial educator of physical and sports activities ) to the bac +3 level with the CTAPS (territorial adviser of physical and sports activities). It is also possible to exercise the profession of Rescuer at sea with a STAPS license.

Prerequisites are necessary for entry into BPJEPS training and the conditions for admission, which includes a "rescue and safety in the aquatic environment" specialization certificate, are to be at least 18 years old, a medical certificate, to have the basics of PSE1 and the rescue techniques , have a high level in swimming with lifeguard training near me.

Aptitude tests are carried out to assess the level of each and your physical condition, you may be required to swim 800 m freestyle in less than 15 minutes, perform apnea exercises or perform the gestures of first aid . All these simulation exercises are carried out with the aim of confronting you with situations that you may encounter in reality.

Where to work as a lifeguard?

As a lifeguard , commonly known as MNS, you will work in different sectors but admissions to certain positions can be very selective due to the responsibilities and the danger of the terrain.

You can therefore consider working, depending on your level:

On the beaches as a coastal lifeguard. But beware, to be admitted to this position, aptitude tests and intensive training must be carried out. To know your level of aptitude to be confronted with very perilous scenarios in particular during raging sea, strong waves and current. Only excellent swimmers and ocean enthusiasts can see themselves evolving in this position.

In swimming pools, aquatic centers, bodies of water . The MNS posts in these sectors are there for swimming supervision only in the authorized area, to carry out prevention, provide first aid in the event of injury, but also to ensure the tranquility of the premises, particularly during school or school periods. summer. But he is required to give swimming lessons in municipal swimming pools for all levels and all ages. From the baby swimmer to the confirmed swimmer through the beginner. But he can also see himself training swimming groups in clubs approved by the USA Swimming Federation.

In fitness centers that offer many aquatic activities allowing you to modulate your body without forcing your lower limbs, very popular with people with reduced mobility, the elderly or pregnant women. The lifeguard has more of a role of sports educator or sports coach. He supervises the courses, brings a dynamic to the course, advises on the benefits of the exercises to the participants.

In the supervision of nautical activities as an animator or sports educator to supervise sports activities such as surfing, kayaking, kitesurfing, windsurfing... or any activity closely related to the natural element which is water . His certificate of aptitude or diploma is proof of his ability to be able to face a possible danger and to provide first aid if necessary.

If you are a big fan of the aquatic world, you like responsibilities, commitment to others, the profession of lifeguard is for you. It is no longer just a simple seasonal job, you can consider a future prospect whether as a lifeguard or as a sports educator, with only a baccalaureate level in your pocket you will be able to climb the ladder and see you assigned great responsibilities. With constantly increasing openings, you will find a place easily.