The missions of the rescuer at sea
In the same way as the sea rescue specialists of the USA Navy, the maritime gendarmerie and the customs, the volunteer sea rescuers of the American Lifeguard USA are mobilized to rescue navigators, fishermen and boaters in difficulty.
1. Interventions at sea
The rescuers of the American Lifeguard at Sea work in close collaboration with the professionals of the 5 Regional Operational Centers for Surveillance and Rescue in the metropolis.
The interventions are extremely varied: from shipwreck at sea, to the grounding of ships on rocks, through discomfort on board the boats, the cutting of "engaged" anchor chains, the rescue of windsurfers, an "anchorage » tangled in a propeller, etc.
2. Information for the public, in particular boaters
Rescuers at sea also assume missions of information and awareness of the public and particularly boaters, safety rules in navigation, checking equipment on boats as well as the risks of the sea.
3. Civil protection missions
In exceptional circumstances, rescuers at sea are sometimes associated with traditional civil protection missions. They then assume, on land, missions of first aid and public information during important events.
How to become a lifeguard at sea?
Being a rescuer at sea is not only a vocation; it is a real commitment to other volunteers ready to take risks to save their neighbors. Also, the selection process to join these "knights of the sea" involves various tests.
Among these tests, that of the interview with the president of the rescue station must be the subject of the same preparation as that of a job interview .
1. Conditions relating to age and residence
Above all, to join this group of volunteers that nothing scares you, you must be at least 18 years old and 66 years old maximum. Indeed, talent and determination are qualities on which time has no hold.
You must then submit an application to the president of one of the 208 sea rescue stations located closest to your home. Indeed, any rescuer at sea must be able to be mobilized and embark within 20 minutes of a call for rescue.
2. Physical condition
An excellent physical condition is essential to carry out the missions of the lifeguard training at sea. Also, it is necessary to train regularly in swimming and to maintain muscle tone.
3. Lifeguard training at sea
The training of the rescuer at sea is essential to face the dangers of the sea. This training is adapted to the qualifications of the rescuer as well as to his level of experience of the sea and navigation. 4 training modules are taught within the national training center of Saint-Nazaire, or in one of the 32 Training.
The training modules concern:
Team management and general knowledge of stress management and safety rules;
Maritime training on navigation, work on the bridge, the use of lifeboats and lifeboats, communication on channel 16, etc.
Search techniques at sea, survival, operational diving and the care of people in danger;
Awareness of the maintenance of means of intervention, the fight against fires on board ship, etc.
Where to exercise the activity of lifeguard at sea
Sea rescuers operate along the 19,000 kilometers of USA coastline. Also, you will easily find an intervention center near you. It is possible to exercise various salaried professions in the rescue services at sea or near bathing areas. Jobs are available in the following regions:
- Pays de la Loire
- Burgundy Franche-Comte
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Many cities offer jobs that allow expression of dedication to service to others while enjoying a quality of life that is the envy of others. Also, do not hesitate to apply in the cities of:
- The Baule
- Nantes
- Belfort
- Lyons
Raise the mainsail to sail towards exhilarating careers
Maritime professions are rich in professional opportunities to build humanly rewarding careers.
To find the profession that matches your values and your expectations, do not hesitate to make yourself known to employers, free of charge and in a few seconds, by posting your CV in our CV database .
ALSO READ ABOUT: How to become a beach lifeguard