What it Takes to Become an Ocean Lifeguard in Florida

Most of us have watched TV shows depicting the glamorous life's of lifeguards. All the good looking guys and girls that are always on the beach and the dramatic rescues that occur mostly for the Hollywood cameras. The truth is that being a lifeguard is mostly a thankless boring job. Watching after people that sometimes have little or no knowledge of the ocean can be truly exhausting. Trying to convince an over weight 50 year old that is half intoxicated that he cannot swim in 10 ft surf and actually survive is a challenging experience. You may not be able to convince him that he is out of shape and will surely get into trouble. Next you will have to save the 250 pound man in 10 ft surf. Certainly this would not make many people happy if they were lifeguards. Being a lifeguard can be tough. Did I mention that the Ocean is full of sharks also! Man of War and Barracudas can also be quite aggressive. The beaches in Florida are hot, so hot you cant walk on the sand some days! Many of the lifeguards in Florida are sitting in 100 degree weather 40 hrs a week with only an umbrella. By the end of the season you are totally cooked.

Before you decide to become a lifeguard I recommend that you are in pretty good shape. Even if you are going to work at a pool. In Florida you are required to run a mile under a certain time,then swim a mile and after that you must tread water for an hour. Yes all in the same day. You will be required to become First Aid and CPR certified and take a lifeguard course. It is not hard but its a good idea to have a good teacher as I did. I was confidant that I could handle any situation in the ocean that might come up. My instructor was a good judge of people and has 25 years experience as a Lifeguard. He could tell if you were going to be able to handle the job of being a lifeguard in Florida.

Some days the ocean is like a lake and others days it rears up like a stallion and you cant tell what might happen. Being in shape and remaining alert to all the oceans different moods is very helpful. Being watchful of the currents and the tidal fluctuations is a good idea also. If you have a love for the ocean and you think you can handle yourself according with people. Then maybe you would enjoy the job.Yes you have to be polite and use courtesy on the beach when dealing with all beach goers. From Surfers and Skim Boarders, Florida has them all. So if you are thinking of becoming a Lifeguard make sure you have the right type of personality and stamina!