The Impact of a Lifeguard Course on Your Career

A lifeguard course is a rigorous training program designed to prepare individuals for the responsibilities of the job, which includes identifying and responding to emergencies, enforcing safety rules, and performing rescue techniques effectively.

Swimming outside, everyone does it sometimes on a beautiful summer day. Swimming laps a few times a week has many positive effects on your health. For me, swimming and lifeguard is my medicine, my moment, the way to let go of everything and feel more energetic.

New sporting challenge

As a child I always liked to swim, but even now in my spare time I still like it. I actually only went swimming outside on nice, sunny days. The last time I was in the sauna and then stood in the cold bath for a while, I thought: 'Once you're in, it's really nice'. I was talking to my sister in the meantime, until she said: "Shall we go out again?" 

Fine of course, although I did think about doing this more often. Enjoy swimming and lifeguard in the lake or in the sea. From then on I went swimming almost every day. Friesland, the province where I was born, has many places where you can do this. It is very quiet when it is not sunny, because who goes to the beach then? So me! They think I'm crazy, but I love it.

Benefits of swimming and lifeguard

 It sounds like an addiction, just like you're having a nice run and you're as happy as you've been. Sports, healthy food and also swimming and lifeguard in cold water ensure that the levels of your happy hormones, including serotonin, dopamine and endorphins, rise. I do it because it feels good and it gives me energy. 

If you have negative or stressful thoughts, you can let them go for a while. In addition, it is also an awareness of how beautiful nature is. The great thing is that this activity has so many pluses, without having to go to the gym. 

There are several benefits. In addition to being active, the sense of community is also mentioned. In addition, it is also known as green and blue therapy (the mental health benefits of spending time outdoors). Cold water seems to have other benefits as well.

Don't stress

According to the recent Swim England report (2017), swimming and lifeguard has unique benefits. Cold water produces a form of stress response that is meaningful even at 20 degrees. The fresh water activates the cold sensors in our body, which increases our heart rate and makes us feel alive. 

However, this response increases at lower temperatures in response to stressful situations: increased heart rate, blood pressure, hyperventilation and the release of stress hormones. Meanwhile, we often need to be able to react to different situations. 

We want to avoid reacting too much to relatively minor threats that modern society keeps us busy with. Think of trains that do not run on time, the Wi-Fi that does not work properly, a high workload, traffic jams, etc. All very recognizable I think. The process of cold water leads to a reduced response to stress. In addition, the side effects are that the heart rate doesn't increase that much, and we can still control our breathing when we're in the water.

Health benefits of swimming

A typical lifeguard course includes both classroom instruction and practical training in various rescue techniques, CPR, first aid, and other essential skills to ensure that lifeguards are equipped to handle any situation that may arise in aquatic environments.

Evidence has also been found that swimming and lifeguard in cold water can provide many health benefits. Several studies have been done on this. One of the studies (Indiana University Center for the Science of Swimming) showed that the sea swimmers had far fewer colds and inflammations in comparison. 

In addition, high levels of inflammation are often associated with many conditions such as depression, while low levels are associated with longer life.

Surprise yourself and take a dip

Do you think after reading this, this seems like something to me? I would say: do it, push your limits or try something new. I'm sure you'll want to do it more often . Swimming and lifeguard is a pleasant activity, accessible to all ages and does not have to be very intensive, such as with crossfit. 

A nice side effect is that it improves your blood circulation, has a stimulating effect, is good for your hair and skin, improves your physical performance and provides more mental strength. Start by getting used to the cold water when showering. For example, shower slightly less hot than normal, and / or always rinse with cold water.