American Lifeguard Association Explains the Training and Responsibility Behind Lifeguarding

• Asia Tabb
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  Asia Tabb is the Host and Producer for WITF’s The Spark.
  
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A group of lifeguards are standing in a line with their packs towards the camera. "Lifeguard" is printed on their swimsuits.

aired; July 28, 2026

When most people picture a lifeguard, they often imagine someone relaxing in a chair by the pool or beach. But according to Wyatt Werneth, spokesperson for the American Lifeguard Association, the job is far more demanding and carries life-or-death responsibility.

On The Spark, Werneth discussed the realities of lifeguarding, from rigorous physical training to the split-second decisions that can save lives. He said the profession has evolved into one that is increasingly recognized as a first responder role, despite many people still viewing it as simply a summer job.

“I think the modern-day vision of lifeguarding is just kind of stale,” Werneth said. “That’s caused us a lot of problems because we do have a national lifeguard shortage where people aren’t gravitating to lifeguarding as they did when I was coming into it… It’s far more than that. We’re just now getting recognized in some parts of the country as first responders, professionals.”

Whether working at a neighborhood pool, a water park or an ocean beach, lifeguards must be strong swimmers, physically fit and mentally prepared for emergencies. Ocean lifeguards, in particular, complete extensive training that includes endurance swimming, running, rescue techniques, CPR and victim recognition.

“The ocean side is probably the most grueling,” Werneth said. “Candidates have to swim 500 meters in under 10 minutes, run a mile in about seven minutes, complete physical fitness tests, and then training can be upwards of 100 hours… We have to learn victim recognition, when to go after someone, and the superpower lifeguards have—which is prevention. We can stop people from getting into trouble before they get into trouble.”

The job also requires staying calm under pressure, especially during emergencies.

“You have to let your training take over,” Werneth said. “We always say, ‘The more you bleed in training, the less you bleed in war.’ If you’re focused in training, you’re focused when you have an incident.”

While lifeguards are trained to respond to emergencies, Werneth stressed they should never replace active supervision by parents or caregivers.

“Don’t rely on the lifeguards that are there. They’ve got a lot going on,” he said. “It starts at home. Assign a water watcher, know before you go, learn CPR and make sure everyone in your group knows how to swim. Providing water watchers makes the lifeguard’s job a lot easier and helps ensure your family stays safe.”

Listen to the podcast to hear the full conversation.