Lifeguard Class in Montana – Complete Certification and Training Guide
Becoming a certified lifeguard in Montana is an excellent opportunity for students, young adults, and anyone seeking seasonal or year-round work at pools, waterparks, and resorts. Even though Montana does not have an ocean coastline, the state is filled with lakes, rivers, and aquatic centers that require trained professionals to keep swimmers safe. A lifeguard class in Montana provides the skills and certification you need to start working in this rewarding field.
Why Take a Lifeguard Class in Montana
The demand for lifeguards is strong in Montana due to the state’s mix of indoor aquatic centers, hotel pools, fitness clubs, and popular recreation areas like Flathead Lake and Yellowstone. Completing a lifeguard certification program gives you the ability to respond quickly to emergencies, perform rescues, and provide first aid when every second counts. Beyond the job itself, lifeguarding builds leadership, decision-making, and responsibility skills that are highly valued in future careers.
Requirements for Lifeguard Certification in Montana
To enroll in a lifeguard class in Montana, participants must meet certain prerequisites. You must be at least 15 years old, swim 300 yards continuously using front crawl and breaststroke, retrieve a 10-pound brick from 7–10 feet of water within 1 minute and 40 seconds, and tread water for two minutes without using your arms. In addition to passing the water skills, you must complete certifications in Lifeguard Training, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, and First Aid. These ensure you are prepared for both water-related and medical emergencies.
What You Will Learn in a Montana Lifeguard Class
A lifeguard class in Montana combines classroom learning with hands-on water practice. You will learn how to recognize and respond to drowning victims, perform active and passive victim rescues, use rescue tubes and backboards, and stabilize spinal injuries. The course also teaches CPR for adults, children, and infants, AED usage, and emergency first aid for common pool injuries. Because Montana’s climate can bring extreme heat in the summer and cold conditions in other months, classes also cover responses to heat exhaustion, hypothermia, and other environment-specific medical issues.
Where to Take Lifeguard Classes in Montana
Lifeguard classes are available in cities and towns across Montana. Billings Parks & Recreation and Missoula Aquatic Club regularly host certification courses. In Bozeman, classes are often offered through the Swim Center, while Great Falls YMCA provides training for both teens and adults. Resorts and hotels near Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park frequently hire lifeguards and sometimes coordinate training for their seasonal staff. If you live near Flathead Lake or Whitefish, you’ll also find training opportunities linked to the demand for waterfront safety.
Cost of Lifeguard Training in Montana
The average cost of a lifeguard class in Montana ranges from $350 to $395. This typically includes Lifeguard Training, CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications. Some providers also require students to purchase their own CPR mask or rescue tube, which can add $10–$70 in equipment costs. While the initial investment may seem high, most lifeguards earn back their training expenses within the first few weeks of work.
Job Opportunities for Lifeguards in Montana
Once certified, lifeguards in Montana have access to a wide range of employment opportunities. Common employers include municipal pools in Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, and Helena, YMCA facilities, university recreation centers, hotel and resort pools, and waterparks such as Reef Indoor Water Park in Billings. Seasonal work is especially popular at lake resorts near Flathead Lake and Whitefish. Wages typically range from $14 to $18 per hour, with supervisory positions paying $20 or more. Some ocean lifeguard jobs on the East or West Coast even recruit from Montana for summer employment, giving certified guards the option to travel.
Why Choose American Aquatics and Safety Training in Montana
American Aquatics and Safety Training (AAST) offers lifeguard classes in Montana that meet national standards and are accepted by employers throughout the state. AAST provides hands-on instruction led by certified trainers, flexible scheduling for high school and college students, and discounted rates for recertification. Unlike some online-only courses, AAST classes emphasize practical skills and real-life rescue scenarios, ensuring you are fully prepared to handle emergencies.
How to Register for a Lifeguard Class in Montana
The process is simple. First, choose a class location that is convenient for you, such as Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, or Great Falls. Register online with your preferred provider, making sure you meet the prerequisites. Attend all scheduled sessions, complete the in-water and written exams, and receive your certification card valid for two years. Many employers in Montana require proof of certification before hiring, so early registration helps secure your spot in popular summer jobs.
Career Paths After Lifeguard Training
Lifeguarding is not only a great seasonal job but also a stepping stone to careers in emergency medicine, firefighting, coaching, and outdoor recreation management. Many EMTs, paramedics, and first responders began their careers as lifeguards. The leadership and crisis management skills you gain can also be applied to teaching, sports, or recreation programs.
Conclusion
Enrolling in a lifeguard class in Montana opens the door to exciting work opportunities while giving you life-saving skills you will carry forever. With jobs available at pools, resorts, waterparks, and recreation areas, lifeguard certification is an investment that pays off quickly. Whether you are a student looking for a summer job, a young adult seeking leadership experience, or someone interested in recreation and safety, becoming a certified lifeguard in Montana is a rewarding choice.
If you are ready to start your training, explore upcoming lifeguard classes in Montana today. American Aquatics and Safety Training provides nationally recognized certifications accepted across the state. Don’t wait until positions fill up—register now and take the first step toward becoming a professional lifeguard.