Lifeguard Class in Montana

 

Lifeguard Class in Montana: Complete Guide to Certification, Training, and Jobs

Montana may be best known for its breathtaking mountains, crystal clear rivers, and world famous national parks, but it is also home to countless community pools, lakeside beaches, and aquatic centers. With so many places for residents and tourists to swim, there is an ongoing demand for trained and certified lifeguards.

If you are interested in working as a lifeguard in the Big Sky State, your first step is completing a lifeguard class in Montana. This guide explains everything you need to know including training requirements, course skills, job opportunities, costs, and tips for success.

Why Take a Lifeguard Class in Montana?

Montana has more than 3,000 lakes and reservoirs, countless rivers like the Yellowstone and Clark Fork, and hundreds of public and private pools. Whether you are guarding a municipal pool in Billings, a resort in Whitefish, or a summer camp on Flathead Lake, certified lifeguards play a vital role in keeping swimmers safe.

Reasons to enroll in a lifeguard class in Montana include:

• Meeting employer requirements for pool, beach, and waterfront jobs

• Gaining life saving skills like CPR, AED, and First Aid

• Building confidence in swimming and rescue abilities

• Opening up seasonal and year round job opportunities

• Developing leadership skills that stand out on any resume

Lifeguard Certification Requirements in Montana

Before you can work as a lifeguard, you must meet the prerequisites and complete certification through an approved course. Here are the most common requirements across Montana:

• Minimum Age: Most courses require you to be at least 15 years old on the final day of class. Some waterfront or waterpark lifeguard jobs require candidates to be 16 or older.

• Swimming Ability: Students must demonstrate strong swimming skills. This usually includes a timed swim of 300 yards using front crawl and breaststroke, treading water for two minutes without using hands, and retrieving a ten pound brick from a depth of seven to ten feet.

• CPR and First Aid: Certification in CPR for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid is included as part of most lifeguard training programs in Montana.

• Completion of Written and Skills Tests: Students must pass both written exams and practical skill scenarios to earn certification.

Types of Lifeguard Classes in Montana

Not all lifeguard jobs are the same. Depending on where you plan to work, you may need a specific type of training.

Pool Lifeguard Certification

Covers rescues, surveillance, and emergency care for indoor and outdoor pools. This is the most common certification offered in Montana communities like Helena, Missoula, and Great Falls.

Waterfront Lifeguard Certification

Includes all pool lifeguard skills plus training for lakes, rivers, and other open water environments. Camps near Flathead Lake and Glacier National Park often require this level of certification.

Waterpark Lifeguard Certification

Focuses on rescues involving slides, wave pools, and attractions. Resorts in tourist areas such as Big Sky or Whitefish sometimes require this training.

Shallow Water Lifeguard Certification

For facilities where water does not exceed five feet in depth. Some small hotel or therapy pools in Montana accept this certification.

What You Will Learn in a Lifeguard Class in Montana

A lifeguard class in Montana teaches far more than swimming. You will develop the ability to prevent emergencies, recognize signs of distress, and respond quickly in life threatening situations. Training modules typically include:

• Surveillance Skills: How to scan crowded pools and beaches to spot early signs of trouble.

• Water Rescues: Active victim rescues, passive victim rescues, submerged rescues, and spinal injury management.

• First Aid: Care for cuts, scrapes, broken bones, burns, and allergic reactions.

• CPR and AED: Hands on training with adult, child, and infant CPR plus use of automated external defibrillators.

• Team Response: Working with other guards, facility staff, and EMS during emergencies.

• Professionalism and Leadership: Communication, customer service, and enforcing safety rules respectfully.

How Long Does a Lifeguard Class Take?

Most lifeguard classes in Montana last between 25 and 32 hours. Some are offered over a single intensive weekend, while others are spread out over one or two weeks.

Blended learning options are increasingly popular. With these, students complete online coursework before attending in person sessions for water and skills training. This flexible format is convenient for high school and college students balancing busy schedules.

Cost of Lifeguard Classes in Montana

The price of a lifeguard class in Montana depends on location, provider, and course type. On average, expect to pay:

• Pool lifeguard certification: $200 to $350

• Waterfront lifeguard certification: $250 to $400

• Recertification courses: $100 to $200

Additional costs may include CPR masks, uniforms, and personal rescue equipment. Some employers reimburse training expenses or cover certification fees for new hires.

Where to Find Lifeguard Classes in Montana

Opportunities for certification are available throughout the state. Common providers include:

• Local Aquatic Centers and YMCAs: Cities like Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman host regular courses at community pools.

• Universities and Colleges: Schools with recreation centers, such as Montana State University, sometimes offer classes for students and the public.

• Private Training Organizations: Independent providers may travel to camps, resorts, and facilities to run lifeguard classes in Montana.

• American Aquatics and Safety Training: Provides nationally recognized lifeguard, CPR, First Aid, and water safety certifications. With expert instructors and flexible courses, AAST prepares individuals and organizations to meet the highest safety standards for pools, beaches, and aquatic facilities.

• Camps and Resorts: Many summer camps near Flathead Lake, Seeley Lake, and Yellowstone hire staff and provide training onsite before the season begins.

Job Opportunities After Completing a Lifeguard Class in Montana

Once certified, you will qualify for jobs at pools, lakes, camps, and resorts across the state. Employers include:

• Municipal Pools: Great Falls Park and Recreation, Helena Parks, and Billings Aquatic Centers.

• Camps: Camp Paxson, Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp, and many others around Montana’s lakes.

• Resorts: Whitefish Lake resorts, Big Sky waterparks, and Yellowstone lodges.

• Universities: On campus recreation centers that need lifeguards year round.

Starting wages for lifeguards in Montana typically range from $14 to $18 per hour. Waterfront and waterpark positions sometimes pay more due to higher responsibility.

Benefits of Working as a Lifeguard

Completing a lifeguard class in Montana and working in the field provides benefits beyond a paycheck:

• Learning life saving skills useful in and out of the water

• Building responsibility and leadership experience

• Working outdoors in beautiful Montana settings

• Networking with recreation staff and outdoor professionals

• Gaining a flexible seasonal job ideal for students

Tips for Succeeding in Your Lifeguard Class

To make the most of your training, keep these tips in mind:

• Practice Swimming Beforehand: Being comfortable with the prerequisite swim tests will reduce stress.

• Stay Physically Fit: Endurance, strength, and flexibility all help with rescues.

• Study First Aid and CPR Early: Familiarity with the material makes class easier.

• Be Punctual and Prepared: Bring a swimsuit, towel, notepad, and required equipment each day.

• Ask Questions: Instructors are there to help you succeed.

Recertification and Continuing Education

Lifeguard certifications in Montana are valid for two years. To stay current, you must complete a recertification class before your certification expires. This process is shorter and less expensive than the initial course and allows you to refresh your skills and learn about updated protocols.

Advanced certifications like Water Safety Instructor (WSI) or CPR Instructor are also available for those who want to take on greater leadership roles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lifeguard Classes in Montana

Do I need to live in Montana to take a lifeguard class there?
No. Anyone can register, including seasonal workers and out of state students.

Can I get certified online only?
No. While online modules cover theory, hands on training and water skills must be completed in person.

Is there a height or weight requirement?
No. Lifeguards of all body types can succeed as long as they meet swim and rescue requirements.

Can teens under 18 work as lifeguards in Montana?
Yes. Most facilities hire lifeguards at 15 or 16 as long as they are certified.

Conclusion

Montana’s natural beauty and abundant aquatic facilities make it a prime location for lifeguard jobs. By enrolling in a lifeguard class in Montana, you gain the training and certification needed to keep swimmers safe and open doors to rewarding work experiences. Whether you choose to guard at a community pool in Missoula, a lakeside camp near Flathead, or a resort in Big Sky, the skills you learn will stay with you for life.

Taking this step not only provides valuable employment opportunities but also equips you with the confidence to act in emergencies, both in and out of the water. If you are ready to combine responsibility, fitness, and leadership in one meaningful role, now is the time to sign up for a lifeguard class in Montana.