Lifeguards work all over the world keeping people safe in and around water. Being a professional lifeguard can be a challenging job and requires a high level of professionalism and training.

Following on from our blog post on the qualities required to be a first aider, here’s our top 5 characteristics of a professional lifeguard. 

Reliable

A good lifeguard should be reliable! They are trusted with ensuring people are safe. You wouldn’t want an unreliable lifeguard looking after your safety. 

Good communicator

Lifeguarding requires excellent communication skills. Sometimes lifeguards have to negotiate tricky situations if customers/patrons are unruly. In addition they must be able to act in an emergency and communicate with fellow lifeguards and emergency services to communicate a rescue or medical treatment.

Highly skilled

It goes without saying that a lifeguard needs to be good at what they do! Lifeguards learn a variety of practical skills including water rescue and spinal injury management. They need to continually refresh and update their skills to ensure they remain proficient. 

Leadership

Lifeguards may be required to take charge of an emergency situation such as co-ordinating the rescue of a swimmer in difficulty. This will require leadership and team working skills. A lifeguard rarely works on their own, so being able to step into a leadership or team role is vital.

Professional

Finally, a professional lifeguard should be…..professional! So what exactly does this mean? We think being professional encompasses treating the job with respect. Turning up on time, with the correct uniform and right mental attitude is all part of being professional. 

First aid is an essential skill for all lifeguards. Want to learn more about first aid? Why not sign up to one of our free online first aid courses!