Lifeguarding at Disney: The Training Process

I got the opportunity to work as a lifeguard for my Disney Cultural Exchange role. In this post I will explain what the training and test procedures are to become a lifeguard at Disney.

Disney provides all training at the start of your programme, this means that anyone who is applying for the position will have the opportunity as no one needs previous experience. Everyone even those who have been lifeguards in the past must pass Ellis lifeguard training or will be reassigned to another role within the company.

The first test that everyone must do is a standard eye test. Although this is where some people I knew failed, so make sure you bring your glasses along!!!

The second stage is a swim test, depending if you are a shallow water lifeguard or a deep water lifeguard will determine what test you take. I was a shallow water lifeguard so my test was easy all I had to do was: Swim 50 yards (no time limit) and fetch a ten-pound brick from five feet of water (feet first).  Although deep water lifeguards have it trickier they must be able to: Swim 200 yards (no time limit), tread water for two minutes without using hands and fetch a ten-pound brick from eight feet of water (feet first).

The last stage of the test before you become lifeguard certified is the completion of an Ellis three-day training course which you will have to sit a CPR test, a practical lifeguard skills test and a written test. The Ellis trainers are extremely friendly and helpful. The training is intense but most people doing the program are first time lifeguards so everything is taken at a steady pace making sure you understand. After passing all the tests you will then go on to on-the- job training at your work location.