Are you thinking about becoming a lifeguard in Ireland and doing a lifeguard course with us? First off there is a major shortage of lifeguards in Ireland but also internationally.
Training differs depending on Qualification you want
Depending on where exactly you’ll be a lifeguard, the training is different, it really depends on – is a inside or outside?
If its on a beach then you will need to learn about tide, swell, weather as well as being very fit and have the ability to us the elements to your advantage. If its in a pool then you will learn about site specific training working with the public, spinal recovery techniques and much more. Both courses have a huge element on Life-support & first aid specific for each area
You can gain all of your training with Atlantic coast lifeguards – Our courses will prepare you for any and all water rescues/scenarios & leave you with not only your lifeguard certificate but also certificates in CPR, AED and First Aid. On the pool Lifeguard course you will gain the additional PXB qualification (PXB is the revolutionary pool extraction board) On beach Lifeguard course will be train up expertly on the surf rescue board.Atlantic coast lifeguards have an open water lifeguard qualification – but these are generally site specific for aqua parks .
The courses vary but about 46 hours is needed to complete the beach lifeguard course and they cost €410 and then it is 40 hrs to complete the pool lifeguard at the same price. In order to pass, its 100% attendance on the course and successfully pass an external assessment. ages
The €€€€€
The auld pay can vary depending on the type of lifeguarding your doing and what area of the country you live in but the following is a rough estimate of it.
There is much more work available in pool lifeguarding in Ireland then on the beaches – Pool lifeguarding is 12 months of the year. You can earn anywhere from €8.25 – €12 per hour.
If you want to work as a Beach lifeguard you can get full-time positions with the RNLI lifeguards in Northern Ireland and are paid very well up to €14 per hr and give you loads of additional training over the summer. They have weekend work from Easter – Oct and full time in the summer season.
The main body of work comes from our local authorities (county councils) – each council employs their own staff and again they pay really well. Depending on the council it can be up to €700 weekly. They also staff train weekly and is a really rewarding working environment – although the season is short, weekends in June then full time in July and August. To find out how to apply you need to go to each individual council as they have interviews and induction around Easter. They start looking around January each year.
Day to day work is awesome – get paid to train when its quiet and the day goes quickly when its busy as you have to be on your game
Your day is filled with watching the pool or the beach and the surrounding area. Simple as that. It seems boring but there can be loads happening and your always watching out for what might happen so can be interesting!
Your responsible for hazards that may arise in the pool or on the beach and keeping everyone who is dry safe as well. You will communicate and educate everyone you meet with the aim of letting nothing happen. A day with no rescues means you have done your job!
The biggest challenge a lifeguard is making rescues, we do aim to prevent but accidents happen – so are you prepared mentally and physically for the job? we help with that on our courses we train you so you know exactly what to do and what your limitations are. If its past your limitations then you need to call thE coast guard or local RNLI
Staff training
You will be asked to do an interview at etc start of your job search but also a swim test. this is generally a replica of your lifeguard exam so make sure to keep up the training.
Your qualification lasts for 2 years so you’ll have to retake the exam, your employer will help you out with this and organise another assessment. You will have to prove your competency every month so fitness and water time is key! The training also tends to be site specific or beach septic to help aid you in your job.
The Pros of lifeguard work – not just keeping fit and looking good in red shorts
For one, if you’re a beach lifeguard you get to work outdoors, in a casual atmosphere. You literally get to wear your shorts and t-shirt all day, get a tan whilst keeping people safe!
Never are two days the same. As a lifeguard, you’re always meeting new people who come to the pool or beach and getting to interact with them. You’ll never be bored because there is always something to do. If you like being busy then this is the job to do – personal I love being active and could never sit behind a desk