Lifeguard certification programs play a vital role in ensuring that lifeguards are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to perform their duties effectively. These certifications prepare individuals to handle critical responsibilities, such as saving lives and ensuring the safety of people enjoying aquatic environments. Lifeguards must be physically fit, mentally prepared, and well-trained to excel in their roles.
Numerous organizations offer lifeguard certification programs, each with its unique approach to preparing individuals for the demands of the profession. However, not all certification providers teach the same curriculum or adhere to identical standards. This raises the question: How do lifeguard certification programs differ, and which program aligns best with your needs and career goals?
In this article, we will compare the certification programs of two of the largest national lifeguard certification providers: the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) and the American Red Cross. We’ll examine their programs based on essential factors such as recognition, training content, cost, and reputation. While both organizations offer comprehensive training, key differences in their approaches may influence your decision based on individual needs and employer preferences.
This comparison aims to provide a clear understanding of what each organization offers, helping you make an informed choice about which certification program is the best fit for your lifeguarding career.
Establishment and Recognition
American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton and since then it has gained a reputation of being a highly recognized organization that provides services in different humanitarian works. They are known for their services in providing assistance and relief in natural disasters, educating people in different areas of life and in medical emergencies.
American Red Cross also provides training for water safety personnel including lifeguards by providing them lifeguard certifications. The lifeguard certification is just one of the things they are doing to help humanity among other services to humanity. The people caught up in emergency caused by a natural disaster, the American Red Cross is the first ones who are seen on the scene.
They provide services on humanitarian basis in the form of assistance in providing shelters, food and medical support for those affected by the national disasters such as floods, hurricanes, wildfires and other emergencies. In this regard the lifeguard certification provided by the Red Cross is recognized worldwide. Many aquatic facilities with swimming pools, beaches, waterparks and lakes trust water safety personnel trained from the Red Cross.
Lifeguard certification from Red Cross is recognized and trusted due to their reputation and high standards and is the preferred choice of employers at the aquatic facilities.
American Lifeguard Association (ALA):
The ALA lifeguard certification program is one of the most reputable programs recognized as meeting national standards in water safety. Established in 1990, the ALA has been dedicated to equipping individuals with a trusted certification that ensures water safety. Its lifeguard certification is highly regarded and recognized worldwide, with over a quarter of a million individuals trained under the program, effectively serving and performing their duties globally
It has established a high standard in water safety professionalism and has been frequently featured on national TV and in print media. Its certification programs have been affirmed by the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) as equivalent to those offered by the American Red Cross. Additionally, ALA has been listed on the CDC Healthy Swimming website over the years.
The ALA is known for its advocacy for higher pay and better working conditions for those in the lifeguarding profession. It also plays an important role in the development of testing protocols and oversees the administration of health and safety programs at aquatic facilities, including swimming pools, water parks, and beaches.
ALA is also working to increase public awareness to keep the beaches clean and fulfill their environmental responsibilities. The cleaner and safer aquatic settings make it easy for lifeguards to concentrate on saving people from potential water safety hazards. They emphasize on beach and pool ethics to be maintained strictly to make it a norm for the future generations which makes the swimming area more disciplined.
ALA is consistently involved in ensuring that employers adhere to the CDC Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) requirements, which aim to maintain higher standards of training and safety in aquatic environments. These efforts highlight the organization’s commitment to water safety, environmental stewardship, and excellence in lifeguard training.
Establishment and Recognition
American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross is one of the most enduring humanitarian organizations in the country and has set a standard for providing quick responses to all types of national emergencies. Since its founding in 1881, it has become a household name, recognized as the first to respond in emergencies across the nation.
The Red Cross provides a wide range of emergency services, including medical attention, food, and shelter for people in desperate need. Their employees are trained professionally to offer much-needed emotional support in addition to addressing the physical needs of those affected by disasters. Additionally, they run numerous lifesaving programs that operate on a continuous basis, rather than solely during emergencies.
Their lifeguard certification programs equip individuals with the necessary training and skills to assist distressed individuals in various aquatic settings. These programs have gained such a strong reputation that certified lifeguards are internationally recognized and accepted for professional careers in water safety worldwide.
American Lifeguard Association (ALA):
Founded in 1990, the American Lifeguard Association (ALA) takes a modern and progressive approach to aquatic safety. Having trained over 250,000 lifeguards worldwide, the ALA has established itself as a leader in providing comprehensive and accessible lifeguard education. Both the U.S. Department of Labor and the General Services Administration (GSA) have recognized ALA’s certification programs as equivalent to those offered by the American Red Cross. Additionally, the ALA has been listed on the CDC Healthy Swimming website over the years.
Beyond training, the ALA emphasizes environmental stewardship by integrating initiatives to protect beaches and waterways into its broader mission. By mandating adherence to the CDC Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), the ALA ensures that its certifications uphold the highest standards of accountability and safety. This holistic approach not only equips lifeguards with essential skills but also fosters a culture of responsibility for maintaining safe and sustainable aquatic environments.
Training Programs
American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross has a variety of lifeguard training programs that are made according to the different types of aquatic settings. The aquatic setting can include shallow water, deep water of controlled water areas such as swimming pools. Apart from these lifeguard training programs that are designed for specific conditions, ALA has program that equip people to serve in all kinds of water settings for standards lifeguarding.
The Red Cross training classes include in-person training which is based in their own facilities all major cities of U.S. Some classes provide blended learning which combine online and in-person training. With all these basic lifeguard courses, Red Cross also provides training in specialty courses for waterfront and waterpark lifeguarding.
American Lifeguard Association (ALA):
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) has some flexibility in its schedule of training in terms of timing and training location. ALA is emphasizes on employers to comply with the standards of CDC Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC).
These standards include conducting documented pre-service evaluations and providing ongoing in-service training. This approach is ideal for individuals with busy schedules or those who prefer to learn at their own pace. ALA also offers in-person training and recertification courses.
The ALA certification program typically requires approximately 27.5 hours of training, covering both practical and theoretical components. The curriculum includes CPR, AED, first aid, and aquatic rescue techniques, similar to those offered by the Red Cross. Additionally, ALA places significant emphasis on ensuring that employers strictly adhere to MAHC requirements and provide continuous in-service training to uphold high standards of lifeguard readiness.
Course Content and Duration
When it comes to the content and duration of the courses, both of these highly reputed organizations offer comprehensive training programs that equip lifeguards with the necessary skills to respond to aquatic emergencies. The courses include the special skills to handle medical emergencies as well other water hazards effectively. With these practical skills, both of the organizations cover theoretical topics that are focused on proving the best knowledge for understanding the situation of the person in need as well as the area being watched over.
The primary distinction is that the American Lifeguard Association requires employers to comply with the CDC Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) standards for certification validation, whereas the American Red Cross does not mandate this adherence.
Red Cross: Red Cross lifeguard training includes:
- Lifeguarding skills
- CPR for Professional Rescuers
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training
- First Aid
- Water rescue techniques
- Emergency oxygen administration
The training involves both classroom and in-water sessions, where participants practice rescues, CPR, and other emergency procedures. The course duration is approximately 27.5 hours, and the certification is valid for two years. The Red Cross also offers ongoing training and recertification courses to ensure that lifeguards remain current with the latest lifesaving techniques and standards.
ALA: ALA’s lifeguard training program includes:
- Lifeguarding skills
- CPR for Professional Rescuers
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training
- First Aid
- Water rescue techniques
- Emergency oxygen administration
The training program from ALA requires around 27.5 hours of training which consists of both formats of training, the online and practical. Online courses ALA have an edge where you can complete your course according to your own convenience and pace in any facility you find more suitable for your training and timing.
The certification is valid for a certain time which is 2 years and after that you get a chance to get a lifeguard recertification from ALA. The recertification keeps you updated with latest lifeguarding techniques and using new gadgets to help you in performing your duty more effectively.
Cost
Red Cross:
The cost of Red Cross lifeguard certification programs varies depending on the location and specific course. Generally, Red Cross courses are more expensive compared to other certification programs. However, if you look at the extensiveness of the training and the quality of the materials used during the training your cost is justified. In addition the reputation and acceptance of the certification is also a factor in overlooking the cost.
American Lifeguard Association (ALA):
The American Lifeguard Association (ALA) provides more affordable training options, including flexible payment plans and tuition assistance, with standardized pricing nationwide that remains consistent regardless of location. ALA also offers a lowest-price policy and a money-back satisfaction guarantee, making its programs more appealing and accessible to a wider audience.
With support from national grants, such as those from the Swimming Pool and Spa Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, ALA’s training fees are typically lower than those of other certification programs. Keeping costs affordable aligns with ALA’s mission to promote water safety and address the national lifeguard shortage. ALA’s national approach includes encouraging cities, park authorities, and local YMCAs to reimburse the cost of training for their employees, further reducing the financial burden on participants.
Reputation and Reviews
Red Cross: The American Red Cross has an outstanding global reputation for saving lives in emergencies and offers training programs that are universally accepted without hesitation. Its international recognition and expertise in all areas of lifesaving and emergency response have established the Red Cross as a leader in the lifesaving profession.
With all this high repute and recognition the lifeguard certification provided by the Red Cross has much more acceptance and value if you are considering a career in water safety profession. The employers have no issues with lifeguards trained from this organization, on the contrary they sometimes prefer and ask you to get certified from Red Cross.
ALA: The American Lifeguard Association, though not as globally recognized as the Red Cross, offers lifeguard programs at a lower cost compared to those of the Red Cross. ALA’s programs are also more convenient, providing greater flexibility in terms of time and location, as highlighted by reviews from participants and employers.
Additional Recognition and Standards
The ALA and the Red Cross both have some common recognitions and standards that are the recognition from the U.S. Department of Labor as meeting national standards in training and certification. This acknowledgment underscores the credibility and reliability of their programs.
American Lifeguard Association: Since the early 1990s, the American Lifeguard Association has helped ensured its training programs meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, the U.S. Department of Labor, as the federal Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), has determined that the ALA meets the national standards for lifeguard training and certification. The ALA is among a select few national training entities recognized by the United States Government as meeting these federal requirements. Consequently, the American Lifeguard Association fulfills the national requirements for lifeguard training and certification in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.
Final Thoughts
Both of these reputable organizations, the ALA and the Red Cross, provide an invaluable service by equipping lifeguards with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure water safety. Lifeguards certified by these organizations are well-prepared to handle emergencies in aquatic environments.
In terms of training and skill learning, both are working neck to neck making it hard to prefer one of the other. The making of choice can be influenced by the other factors than what is taught during their courses. These factors include cost of the courses, convenience of having flexible scheduling of time and place and personal employer preferences.
Both organizations provide training in essential lifeguard skills such as CPR, AED use, first aid, and water rescue techniques, equipping participants to respond to emergencies with confidence and competence. Choosing either of these two reputable organizations will not negatively impact your performance as a lifeguard. Both offer certifications that are widely recognized worldwide.
Whether you choose the American Red Cross or the American Lifeguard Association, you’ll receive comprehensive training that meets national standards and prepares you for real-world situations. The American Red Cross has a legacy of lifesaving services since its establishment. With its professionalism over the years, it offers an enriching learning experience. Its certification is often regarded as the gold standard, making it highly desirable for those seeking employment in premier aquatic facilities nationwide.
The American Lifeguard Association provides a more flexible and cost-effective approach to lifeguard certification. ALA has an edge with its online courses, which offer time and location flexibility, making it ideal for working individuals who cannot attend a lifeguard class with fixed timings. Additionally, ALA’s advocacy for better working conditions and its commitment to environmental stewardship set it apart as an organization focused not only on training but also on making a broader impact in the lifeguarding profession.
By choosing either certification, individuals gain more than a credential—they acquire the confidence, skills, and responsibility needed to help save lives and ensure safer aquatic environments. Both pathways provide a strong foundation for a fulfilling career in lifeguarding.