Taking on the role of a Lifesaving Instructor or Swim for Life® Instructor is truly fulfilling as it enables one to teach lifesaving skills as well as swimming safety techniques. That said, if your aim is to continue teaching after achieving full certification, you will have to ensure to get recertified periodically. This helps ensure that you are aware of changing procedures and standards.
The American Lifeguard Association has programs that help instructors obtain their recertification and also aids instructors in remaining qualified throughout their career.
Why Recertification is Important
Recertification is important because it is as useful for the instructor as it is for the students. Below are a few important aspects of recertification:
Stay Up to Date: Just like every other area of life, water safety and lifesaving strategies change and improve with time. In order to stay relevant, recertification guarantees that you know the latest practices.
Legal Compliance: Keeping in mind the policies and rules set by certain employers and organizations, having an up-to-date certification is non-negotiable if compliance with safety regulations is to be achieved.
Maintain Your Teaching Ability: As an instructor, you are mandated with Providing the highest level of training and standards ever expected. To stay relevant, recertification goes a long way in strengthening your credibility.
Enhance Job Opportunities: In many organizations and institutions, only certifiably skilled instructors are hired.
Who Requires Recertification?
Before continuing to teach and or lead Lifesaving & Swim for Life® classes, instructors must complete their recertification processes prior to their certification expiration. If your certification has expired, you might have to take some extra refresher courses to get back into active status.
Recertification Requirements
To be considered for Lifesaving and Swim for Life Instructor recertification, applicants usually must:
- Possess a valid or recently expired version of the Lifesaving & Swim for Life® Instructor certification.
- Successfully complete the in person or remote recertification course required.
- Successfully complete skills and knowledge tests outlined by the certifying authority.
- Provide proof of proficiency in CPR, First Aid, and other lifesaving skills.
American Lifeguard Association has many convenient recertification options to fit any schedule or learning style.
Steps for Recertification
The following steps will make the certificate reinvention conveniently easy:
Verify Your Certification
Before attempting the recertification process, you need to find out the expiration date on your current certification. If the certification has expired, there is a possibility that you will need to take a refresher course or sitting through a complete instructor course.
Sign Up for Recertification Program
The American Lifeguard Association offer both remote and face-to-face recertification classes. Select the one that best caters to your personal preferences.
Finish The Required Training
Some of the topics attended in the recertification course include:
- Life saving skills and rescusing techniques
- Water safety instructor
- First Aid and CPR/AED review
- Instructions for various ages Teaching methods
- Emergency procedures
Complete The Knowledge and Skills Evaluation
A candidate must demonstrate the following competencies in order to complete the recertification training:
- Knowledge of CPR and First Aid
- Teaching skills for Swim for Life® courses
- Updated lifesaving skills
- Emergency response skills
Obtain An Updated Certificate
With successful attendance of the recertification course and all required assessment components, participants are guaranteed an updated Lifesaving & Swim for Life® Instructor certification. This document allows participants to further educate and assist others in learning important water safety skills.
Where To Be Recertified
The American Lifeguard Association is a trusted resource for high quality Lifesaving & Swim for Life® Instructor recertification programs. You can go to their site to see which courses are currently offered and enroll in a recertification course that works best for you.
Why You Should Consider the American Lifeguard Association
By selecting the American Lifeguard Association for your recertification, you will be able to enjoy the following benefits:
- Training options made available to you are flexible in nature (both virtual and face-to-face trainings available)
- Instructors are experienced and qualified
- You will always have access to current training materials
- You will get a highly regarded certification
- You will receive additional support and professional growth services
Questions and Answers On Recertification
How frequent should I renew my certification?
This is not uniform across board, but most instructors are expected to renew their certification within a two to three year time frame.
Do you offer virtual recertification classes?
Indeed, the American Lifeguard Association provides online lifeguard recertification courses for instructors who wish to learn in a non-traditional setting.
What happens If I have not renewed my certification for a long time?
Once your certification is out of date, there are likely some retraining that you must fulfill or you will be forced to take the complete instructor course in order to qualify for recertification.
Is there a practical skills assessment component?
Yes, to successfully complete the recertification course, all instructors are required to demonstrate essential lifesaving skills.
Where can I find information about recertification registration?
You can check the American Lifeguard Association website for information on new recertification courses offered and register through the portal.
Final Words
It is essential to keep your Lifesaving & Swim for Life® Instructor certification active for your career in teaching lifesaving and water safety skills. The American Lifeguard Association offers a simple and efficient method for recertification, allowing you to maintain your status as an instructor. Avoid allowing your certification to run out by enrolling in a recertification class today, and keep having an impact in water safety education!
