As summer nears and the weather gets warmer, the world's countless beaches, pools, and water resorts will begin to flood with people. And when this happens, these happy vacationers will be swimming under the watchful eye of a trained and certified lifeguard. 

Lifeguards are entrusted with the awesome responsibility of keeping a large number of people safe and free of danger. They must be able to respond immediately when an issue occurs.

Lifeguarding is an excellent way for people to develop useful life skills while also earning some money on the side. Passing a lifeguard course means that you possess the discipline and knowledge necessary to save lives should the situation call for it. 

There are a lot of reasons to become a lifeguard. Keep reading to learn the 4 biggest benefits.

1. You Learn How to Work in a Team

Many swimming facilities utilize more than one lifeguard at a time. When this happens, each lifeguard will often be responsible for watching a different "zone". The lifeguards here need to have an excellent understanding of the areas they are responsible for as well as what their colleagues are responsible for. 

During a life-saving scenario, at least one lifeguard will have to leave their post in order to perform the rescue. This means they must be able to quickly and effectively communicate to their fellow lifeguards what is going on and what help is required to make sure the swimmer is safe while also not compromising the safety of the other patrons.

2. You Develop Leadership Skills

Lifeguards sometimes have to deal with rowdy and unruly patrons. Despite this, they must always be alert and coolheaded. When a crisis occurs, you will need to be able to act immediately and be able to delegate to others. 

Lifeguards must exhibit strong communication skills on the job to effectively inform their fellow lifeguards and swimmers.

3. You Save Lives

The job title says it all. Being a lifeguard gives you the reward as well as the confidence that you now have the skills to help save a life in danger.

Lifeguards learn first aid and CPR skills, which are always beneficial to know. When training to be a lifeguard, be sure to learn from an organization that specializes in these classes, such as at sstworldwide.com. 

Someone who can successfully perform CPR as well as unconscious protocols, aquatic rescues, and spinal immobilization services offers a great benefit to those around them and the community at large. 

4. You Gain Valuable Experience 

Being a lifeguard will put great skills on your resume. These not only include the ones above but also self-confidence and being able to work well in high-pressure situations. You will also learn how to diffuse tense situations and delegate responsibilities among your peers.

Lifeguarding is a job that can be done literally anywhere in the world. From far off private beaches in the Bahamas to your neighborhood public pool, lifeguards are in demand everywhere. 

Being a trained lifeguard can lead to other career opportunities as well, especially in aquatics. Many pool managers as well as athletics and country clubs directors start out as lifeguards.

Lifeguarding can also be a great stepping stone to a first responder job such as an emergency medical technician (EMT). 

Conclusion

Lifeguarding is more than just a way for teenagers to pass the time and earn some money when school is out. It is a way for you to learn lifesaving skills and offers a variety of potential career opportunities. Remember to stay safe this summer and consider learning how to keep others safe as well.