Ocean Lifeguard Training

Working as an ocean lifeguard is necessarily more complicated than working as a lifeguard for a controlled environment like a swimming pool. Ocean rescue techniques can be hampered by severe weather and the tide, not to mention a much larger area for patrol. Ocean lifeguards receive extensive training to conduct rescue operations, and they also have to pass rigorous fitness tests to ensure that they are able to fulfill their duties during emergency situations.

Fitness Requirements

• Ocean lifeguards, sometimes called ocean safety officers or beach lifeguards, have to pass rigorous fitness testing requirements to be accepted into a program. Swimming tests are an obvious requirement, designed to prove an adequate level of fitness and swimming strength. Tests will require at least one extended swim that may also be timed. Other fitness requirements may include swimming required distances with weights and equipment or swimming in strong currents. Fitness testing may also include timed distance running and other stamina-based tests.

First Responder Training

• Ocean lifeguards are often the first qualified individuals on the scene during an emergency. For this reason, ocean lifeguards receive first responder training. First responder training is more extensive than first aid training and is designed to help responders conduct life-sustaining techniques while waiting for an emergency medical response team. First responder training may include learning how to immobilize serious breaks and apply splints, control severe bleeding, stabilize spinal injuries and use an automated external defibrillator for victims whose hearts have stopped. Ocean lifeguard training programs may require first responder certification for admittance.

CPR and First Aid Water Training

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR is an essential skill for any type of lifeguard. Ocean lifeguards require more extensive CPR training that includes CPR techniques for adults, children and infants, as well as techniques for performing CPR in the water during a variety of surf conditions. First aid skills for ocean lifeguards also will require special training for performing medical aid in the water, including stabilizing injuries, stopping bleeding and preventing shock.

Rescue Vehicles

• Ocean lifeguards also often will receive training in the use of rescue vehicles for victims that are too far from the shore, trapped in dangerous areas or caught in a severe undertow. Rescue vehicles an ocean lifeguard may be trained on include rescue boats and personal watercraft like jet skis or wave runners. Additional vehicle training may include ATVs, and lifeguards may need to show they are licensed to drive trucks or other beach vehicles.

Water Rescue Techniques and Equipment

• Ocean lifeguards will be trained in a variety of water rescue techniques. Some of these techniques include approaching and restraining victims who are violently thrashing and how to assess and treat victims who are unconscious. Additional training may include different types of diving techniques for reaching victims from the land. Lifeguards will also need training on using rescue equipment like flotation devices, rescue lines and water-rescue-based medical equipment. Finally, ocean lifeguards are responsible for letting swimmers and surfers know when dangerous conditions exist.