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Another summer is here which means it’s time for seasoned lifeguards to focus on maintaining their certifications through refresher exams. For those who have made safety their profession working at beaches, pools, and waterparks across the area, staying current through recertification ensures patrons and employers that guards’ skills remain as proficient as ever. The American Lifeguard Association is a leading proponent of continuous training to enhance oversight of aquatic facilities. Here are some top tips to best prepare guards for their upcoming recertification evaluation:

Brush Up on Materials

Begin by doing a thorough review of instructor manuals and course videos focusing on key protocols. Have certification cards handy to reference standards and treatment procedures as a handy guide. The written exam will cover the latest updates in safety techniques, first aid and surveillance standards tested at recertification.

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Condition Your Body

Fitness is paramount, so guardians should continue regular workouts keeping core rescuer abilities sharp. Minimize 500m belt practice but emphasize sprinting, head-carry simulations and buoyant functional exercises like treading water with arm only. Maintaining elite physical readiness is essential should true emergencies arise under pressure.

Emphasize Scanning Skills

Your strongest skill as a lifeguard recertification near me is preventative surveillance. Practice “invisible” open-eye techniques while timing cycle speed headcounts at a public pool during off-hours. Evaluate hypothetical risks and response plans to stay strategic in assessing zones and minimizing reoccurrences. Recognition remains the number one priority.

Rehearse Protocols

By running through full emergency protocols repeatedly, guards’ reaction speed and competence increases tenfold. Enlist assistance practicing spine boarding placements, breathing/CPR dummies, spinal stabilization and AED deployment to demonstrate mastery under evaluators’ watchful eyes. Repetition equals preparedness.

Video Skill Evaluation

Use a phone to record yourself performing skills stations for self-analysis identifying strengths plus areas demanding more drills before recertifying. Watch execution of rescues, first aid procedures and your scanning disposition for a third-person perspective on ways to sharpen form, efficiency and professional demeanor under pressure.

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Stay Connected

Networking assists development long-term. Attend any continuing education classes, beach readiness workshops, or skills update sessions offered by ALA lifeguard recertification trainers. Staying plugged into the professional community fosters best practices that translates to enhanced protection when your number is called.

By putting in focused study using these effective methods, veteran lifeguards can prove to testing staff and the pools they serve that safety standards remain their number one priority season after season. The ALA strives to keep certification the gold standard through continual evaluation and improvement. Be wary but well prepared come exam day!