Hey, Just out of interest... Do you guys know if UK people can apply to be a lifeguard at one of the Disney water parks (I'm sure I read a UK poster saying they were going), and if so is it for a year? And what is the official qualification you need? Thanks!
hi beth, yeah u can be a lifeguard in the water parks as part of the 3month college programme...i know gemma ie cinderella on here is going to do that! i guess u wud need some sort of skills or qualification to do it! wish i cud but im not in betwwen uni years
I wouldn't see how you could do it on the IP as the visa states you have to be actively representing your coutry (ie, in UK costume) which is why we can't do overtime anywhere else.
Hmm I have only seen american lifeguards ( yummy by the way ) when I was down in Florida. But it's possible that it's for colleges outside the States now and on a special visa ( not the Q-1 or J-1 ), as it is only for a short period of time. As far as I know you need to have a lifeguard certificate and experience in the field. Julia.
By the way, if anyone if anyone wanted to know, to be a lifeguard you first need to be assessed when you get to disney! 'A swim test will be administered during your arrival week testing your ability to complete a 200-yard (183 m) swim in a reasonable amount of time, tread water for two minutes using your legs only, and swim 15 yards (13.7 m) underwater to recover a 10 - pound (4.5kg) brick.' then i think you need to do a 3 lifeguard course at disney. ???
Hi ALL, Yeh its me going to be a lifeguard in Disney, but they only offer it on the 3 month program i'm afraid. and no you don't need to have any previous experience as I have none, just be a good swimmer and as long as you pass the test once you are out there you get Disney training and wohooo your a lifeguard!! ;D Only 11 weeks on Monday until I fly - I am sooo excited!! Gem x
LOL That's weird I mean how are they gonna know if you gonna pass the test if you don't have experience? I mean do they just invite everyone for the training? Anyways, congrats Gem!
My friend did college program he had a j1 visa i think. I think if ur in college its less limited - maybe cos they think you're more likely to return home! I know Bunac let people go work in america for most low paid jobs for the summer - so longs they are between college years. xxx
i read on another college program board, that if anyone doesn't complete the swim test then they try to find another position for you. I also read that the lifeguards can be put in any where like all the resorts, and alot of them seem to work in other places too... not sure if that is only for people on the american college program ???
Hey you can most definately get into Disney as a life Guard I just got in 4 summer 2005 and when I went 2 the interview Julie said you dont even need any qualifications really just need to be a strong swimmer (need to do certain length of swimming under water 2 and Disney train u up 4 the rest.
K i dont mean to be slightly rude/mean about this(i really dont mean to be but i might sound a bit well you know the word )...but that really seems sketchy that all you would need is good swimming skills....i think i wont be going swimming at disney, for fear I might have to save someone because of inexperienced lifeguards......like if you were to go work at any pool in canada you have to have quals like, NLS, LSS, O2, AED, CPR C, Emergency first responder....and tons more....and for beaches in the states like Myrtle Beach you need the same...i dont see how disney can certify someone in a week for these quals.....kinnda sketchy...but i wish you allthe luck...lifeguarding if tons of fun
I think its goes on how they rate you and your ability after the swim test - ie strong swimmers and people with qualifications are put in charge of the wave pool and hotel pools and high risk areas, and the weaker and less experienced people man the shallow pools and top of the slides. Think thats how it works anyway, i'm sure that disney wouldn't risk getting sued by not having good enough lifeguards!!
Hi guys, No offence intended but I have been a lifeguard in the UK for over 4 years now and you can easily be trained up to a high level in a week. Here in the UK that is how most lifeguards get trained, and intensive, all day every day for a week course, its tough but at the end you are as qualified as you can possibly be. If anyone was really shocking at the end of the course they wouldn't pass them as they are a danger to themselves and to others. I have worked with some pretty bad lifeguards and it makes your life a bit difficult as you have to watch their backs as well as your own but its a team effort and eventually they start to come around. If a lifeguard is about you do not have to worry about their level of training as it is pretty generic around the world and it will be more than adequate. Laterz Annie ;D
