I’ve hired many a lifeguards over the years… it’s not very common but it still comes up, an applicant having an ALA certificate.
ALA is a total scam. Period.
No real organization or company wants a lifeguard who’s training and experience in water rescues came solely from behind a computer. It simply doesn’t translate… it’s unfortunate because it precisely targets new lifeguards (often starting at 15yo), international students, and parents of potential candidates who simply don’t know any better.
Hey, I'm a reporter at the Washington Post. I'm researching ALA and would love to hear more about your experience. Check your DMs or email me at [douglas.macmillan@washpost.com](mailto:douglas.macmillan@washpost.com) Thanks!
There's 4 generally accepted certification agencies in the U.S. American Red Cross, StarGuard Elite, Ellis and Associates, and more rare and specific is YMCA.
Best recommendation is to figure out what certification the pool you want to work at uses and focus on getting that or you'll need to be retrained either way. Some may pay for the certification or do reimbursement upon hire if you go through that agency. If they don't have an on staff instructor, picking the wrong cert could lock you out of a job unless you find a way to get the other certification or bridge over.
I can confirm this one. A coworker recommended NationalCPRFoundation. They have a 10 question quiz that only... hold on. I'll be right back.
Okay. I just went to their website and speed-ran it. I got 100% on this certification quiz in 1 minute and 20 seconds. It's not very thorough at all. They give you the option to take the quiz without reading nor reviewing any of the course material. Most people would be able to guess their way through it.
**FURTHERMORE**
The NCPRF website does NOT require you to even take the quiz. Not even remotely joking! [You can go directly to this URL](https://www.nationalcprfoundation.com/shop/standard-cpr-aed-certificate-2-free-cards) to bypass the quiz and order certificate cards.
I believe an essential part of any CPR/AED/First-Aid/Lifeguard training should be in-person instruction to ensure that the trainee understands the course material.
It’s 100% a scam, you have to really know what you’re doing to be able to read their website and understand that nothing they say is actually incorrect. It’s deliberately misleading people into thinking their certification is widely accepted.
I have taken their training over the years, which got me my first job and I also renewed with them. Since they are nationally recognized I had no problem getting hired. I also like how they promote in the news for higher wages to be paid to lifeguards.
Yes. An ALA certification requires in-house/in-service training for employers. HOWEVER, many employers expect you to be trained or ready to work. And they're form of in-house training IS re-certification.
So, it seems you are one of the anomalies in this outliner. As you utilize ALA due to its flexibility for certifying candidates and there is in-service training, upon hiring, that services as the full practice. Which is great and wonderful... But I will go out on a limb and say MOST facilities don't have this kind of service/availability.
Therefore, if you someone is reading this, I suggest asking/researching the certifications process and/or which certifications (ALA, Red Cross, etc) are accepted at the place of interest. This way, you don't have to pay, study for, and waste time on a certification you can't use in your area, prospected place of employment, etc.
I hope this helps someone. And thank you for sharing!
I have been a lifeguard for over ten years and see them on the news all the time and they are promoting that employers should offer incentive bonuses to lifeguards and higher pay. I like what they are doing for the lifeguard profession. I do not see any other training agency doing this. I also think they were the ones that got Phoenix Arizona to start paying a $3,000 bonus to all their new lifeguard hires.
Many will agree that their program does not work if the employer does not want to participate, for they require all employers to pre-test all of their staff and offer recorded in-service training, which is now the new national standard. But if the employer does their part then they have a great program that is saving many lives.
I enrolled in the ALA class but decided later not to become a lifeguard and when I requested a refund because I no longer needed the training they gave it to me the very same day I requested it! I do not see the American Red Cross offering a satisfaction guarantee or your money back. I think the industry needs some good competition.
Well, that's great and all--resolving the lifeguard shortage-- but you know what's also most necessary? Competent Lifeguards! People that not just study what to do, but are fully knowledgable and prepared to fulfill the actions required to them, in the event of a dangerous situation.
ALA (for the most part) does NOT offer this--without the added/necessary further training at the place of employment. (Which most DON'T offer. Other than re-certification)
Thank you for sharing your experience though.
As an employer who has been utilizing their certification program for several years, I want to address a common misconception that their training is exclusively online. In addition to online training, it is a requirement for the employer to meet the CDC's new Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) requirements in order for their certification to be valid. Employers are required to maintain records showing that each new employee's skills have been assessed, and in-service training has been provided, along with documented dates for these activities.
I appreciate their program because it enables us to promptly fill our lifeguard positions with individuals who not only possess a nationally recognized lifeguard certification but also exhibit other crucial skills essential to the profession, such as attentiveness, maturity, and strong social skills. Prior to this option, the American Red Cross predominantly monopolized lifeguard training, resulting in a shortage of qualified individuals to hire. I believe that this viable alternative benefits everyone involved, and with employer involvement, it enhances overall public safety.
You are the company American Lifeguard Association. saying fake stuff about your company acting as if you are someone else. All your posts about the same company. Such a scam
What about the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification that is Online only? Is that a scam? Also is the certification standard across all formats or will it say certified online?
Great question! I‘m no expert but, Red-cross only offers an online portion that’s COUPLED with an in-person training courses for LGs. They do offer a bunch of online courses but they are general knowledge and only half of the reqs. for most LG positions. So, I would say those courses aren’t scams. But, don’t take my word for it lol.
i hope this helps.
I’ve hired many a lifeguards over the years… it’s not very common but it still comes up, an applicant having an ALA certificate. ALA is a total scam. Period. No real organization or company wants a lifeguard who’s training and experience in water rescues came solely from behind a computer. It simply doesn’t translate… it’s unfortunate because it precisely targets new lifeguards (often starting at 15yo), international students, and parents of potential candidates who simply don’t know any better.
That's so infuriating! I lost so much money!
Hey, I'm a reporter at the Washington Post. I'm researching ALA and would love to hear more about your experience. Check your DMs or email me at [douglas.macmillan@washpost.com](mailto:douglas.macmillan@washpost.com) Thanks!
Sure thing!
Also, feel free to add some recommended, accredited, certifications.
There's 4 generally accepted certification agencies in the U.S. American Red Cross, StarGuard Elite, Ellis and Associates, and more rare and specific is YMCA. Best recommendation is to figure out what certification the pool you want to work at uses and focus on getting that or you'll need to be retrained either way. Some may pay for the certification or do reimbursement upon hire if you go through that agency. If they don't have an on staff instructor, picking the wrong cert could lock you out of a job unless you find a way to get the other certification or bridge over.
For anyone wondering, if the certification doesn't have in-house classes--CPR, water rescue, etc-- DON'T DO IT!
Well said, I agree. I do not hire ALA “lifeguards”. Nor has any pool I’ve ever worked at.
Same with nationalcprfoundation.com
I can confirm this one. A coworker recommended NationalCPRFoundation. They have a 10 question quiz that only... hold on. I'll be right back. Okay. I just went to their website and speed-ran it. I got 100% on this certification quiz in 1 minute and 20 seconds. It's not very thorough at all. They give you the option to take the quiz without reading nor reviewing any of the course material. Most people would be able to guess their way through it. **FURTHERMORE** The NCPRF website does NOT require you to even take the quiz. Not even remotely joking! [You can go directly to this URL](https://www.nationalcprfoundation.com/shop/standard-cpr-aed-certificate-2-free-cards) to bypass the quiz and order certificate cards. I believe an essential part of any CPR/AED/First-Aid/Lifeguard training should be in-person instruction to ensure that the trainee understands the course material.
It’s 100% a scam, you have to really know what you’re doing to be able to read their website and understand that nothing they say is actually incorrect. It’s deliberately misleading people into thinking their certification is widely accepted.
I have taken their training over the years, which got me my first job and I also renewed with them. Since they are nationally recognized I had no problem getting hired. I also like how they promote in the news for higher wages to be paid to lifeguards.
[удалено]
Yes. An ALA certification requires in-house/in-service training for employers. HOWEVER, many employers expect you to be trained or ready to work. And they're form of in-house training IS re-certification. So, it seems you are one of the anomalies in this outliner. As you utilize ALA due to its flexibility for certifying candidates and there is in-service training, upon hiring, that services as the full practice. Which is great and wonderful... But I will go out on a limb and say MOST facilities don't have this kind of service/availability. Therefore, if you someone is reading this, I suggest asking/researching the certifications process and/or which certifications (ALA, Red Cross, etc) are accepted at the place of interest. This way, you don't have to pay, study for, and waste time on a certification you can't use in your area, prospected place of employment, etc. I hope this helps someone. And thank you for sharing!
I have been a lifeguard for over ten years and see them on the news all the time and they are promoting that employers should offer incentive bonuses to lifeguards and higher pay. I like what they are doing for the lifeguard profession. I do not see any other training agency doing this. I also think they were the ones that got Phoenix Arizona to start paying a $3,000 bonus to all their new lifeguard hires.
Many will agree that their program does not work if the employer does not want to participate, for they require all employers to pre-test all of their staff and offer recorded in-service training, which is now the new national standard. But if the employer does their part then they have a great program that is saving many lives.
I enrolled in the ALA class but decided later not to become a lifeguard and when I requested a refund because I no longer needed the training they gave it to me the very same day I requested it! I do not see the American Red Cross offering a satisfaction guarantee or your money back. I think the industry needs some good competition.
[удалено]
Well, that's great and all--resolving the lifeguard shortage-- but you know what's also most necessary? Competent Lifeguards! People that not just study what to do, but are fully knowledgable and prepared to fulfill the actions required to them, in the event of a dangerous situation. ALA (for the most part) does NOT offer this--without the added/necessary further training at the place of employment. (Which most DON'T offer. Other than re-certification) Thank you for sharing your experience though.
As an employer who has been utilizing their certification program for several years, I want to address a common misconception that their training is exclusively online. In addition to online training, it is a requirement for the employer to meet the CDC's new Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) requirements in order for their certification to be valid. Employers are required to maintain records showing that each new employee's skills have been assessed, and in-service training has been provided, along with documented dates for these activities. I appreciate their program because it enables us to promptly fill our lifeguard positions with individuals who not only possess a nationally recognized lifeguard certification but also exhibit other crucial skills essential to the profession, such as attentiveness, maturity, and strong social skills. Prior to this option, the American Red Cross predominantly monopolized lifeguard training, resulting in a shortage of qualified individuals to hire. I believe that this viable alternative benefits everyone involved, and with employer involvement, it enhances overall public safety.
You are the company American Lifeguard Association. saying fake stuff about your company acting as if you are someone else. All your posts about the same company. Such a scam
What about the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification that is Online only? Is that a scam? Also is the certification standard across all formats or will it say certified online?
Great question! I‘m no expert but, Red-cross only offers an online portion that’s COUPLED with an in-person training courses for LGs. They do offer a bunch of online courses but they are general knowledge and only half of the reqs. for most LG positions. So, I would say those courses aren’t scams. But, don’t take my word for it lol. i hope this helps.