Summary
Roles of the lifeguard
To watch
The lifeguard provides surveillance and first aid in the aquatic environment. He knows rescue and accident prevention techniques, particularly with regard to:
- access to the pool;
- supporting people;
- authorized and prohibited outfits;
- equipment…
He works in collaboration with first aid professionals:
- firefighters ;
- medical team ;
- security as gendarmerie and police.
To teach
The lifeguard still prepares for training or competitions in several disciplines. Depending on the option he chose during his training, he can teach:
- athletic or synchronized swimming;
- water polo;
- the dive ;
- swimming with fins…
He trains children, teenagers and/or adults, in less athletic group or individual lessons…
Frame
The lifeguard also manages all kinds of recreational services related to its environment (lakes, swimming pools, beaches, etc.). In particular, he leads group activities, according to his specialty, such as courses:
- aquagym;
- Diving ;
- baby swimmers;
- first aid…
Lifeguard working conditions
At the service of town halls
The lifeguard is very often employed by:
- a municipality;
- an intermunicipal syndicate;
- or a school.
He is also seasonal and in this case only works in the summer, or during school holidays for example. More rarely he exercises in a fitness center or a private club.
Availablity
The lifeguard is subject to the opening hours of the swimming pool in which he works. His presence may be required:
- early in the morning ;
- late at night ;
- at the end of the week ;
- at lunch time…
Working hours are extended during the children’s holidays.
At sea, the lifeguard is even more busy, sometimes until nightfall.
Acclimatization
It can work indoors for:
- swimming pools;
- holiday centers;
- clubs…
Inside, he may face noise and confinement
Or he can work outside (beaches, pools, lakes…). The conditions often seem ideal in summer, but the lifeguard must pay particular attention:
- in the heat ;
- to glare;
- in the rays of the sun;
- in the wind;
- and the rain.
How much does a lifeguard earn
The lifeguard of a municipal swimming pool is often paid minimum wage at the start of his career. A salary that he can supplement by giving private lessons.
Training to become a lifeguard
The BNSSA
The lifeguard must follow the same training as the lifeguard: the national water safety and rescue certificate (BNSSA) and the national first aid certificate (BNPS).
The BNSSA only allows surveillance and rescue activities to be carried out, but not swimming instruction.
The BPJEPS
To become a lifeguard, you must then pass the national professional certificate for youth, popular education and sport (BPJEPS), which replaced the BEESAN. He is mandatory to monitor bathing places (swimming pools, bodies of water, sea). The baccalaureate level is required to appear in writing.
Finally, the lifeguard must pass the certificate of aptitude for the exercise of the profession (CAEPMNS) every 5 years, a sort of revision of the BNSSA
Qualifications needed to become a lifeguard
Jock
In addition to being a very good swimmer, he has training and good physical skills. He must also be always alert, endowed with good eyesight and good hearing.
Reagent
Monitoring a pond requires being both attentive and conscientious. The lifeguard is constantly focused and able to intervene quickly.
Pedagogue
The lifeguard must also possess the qualities necessary for any teacher:
- patience ;
- clarity of expression;
- sense of touch…
He must know how to lead his lessons while respecting the rules of safety and hygiene specific to the aquatic environment. He is comfortable with both children and adults.
Our tips:
Permanent jobs with municipalities are quite rare because few new swimming pools are built. On the other hand, requests for seasonal lifeguards are pouring in.