Expected characteristics from a waterfront counselor?

[gabor85_hungary]

Hi dear waterfront specialists: )

I'm thinking of applying for a waterfront position, but I'm not sure I have the necessary qualities, because till now I have been only general counselor with only a little duties on waterfront. And of course I don't have any exam or certificate.

So my question is that what kind of people can become good waterfront counselors?

Thanks for your contribution: )

I have no experience in lifeguarding or anything like this but
-I did racing canoe on a river for more than one year
-I ran at a lake-cross-swimming which was about 5000 meters and an other time at a gulf-cross-swimming that was 3500 meters long
-I took part at a one week long canoe tour on a river
-I can hold back my breath for more than 2 minutes
-I'm quite fit, I run 2-3 times a week 30 minutes

[Melk]

At my camp if you want to become a lifeguard you can get trained during staff training. As for your other question, some of my best teachers for classes and such were people who had never taught a swim class. During training we go over how to use the boats and we do a quick lesson in teaching swim lessons. In my opinion as long as you know how to swim you can teach someone how to swim. Also if you are excited to be down at your camps waterfront, the campers will be too.

[speedx5xracer]

At my camp you need to have either your life guard cert, or be available to do the training during aquatic school. We prefer people to have WSI or an boating certification as well but they are not always required. Thats the technical stuff... the personal stuff my guards must be attentive, caring (little kids) and above all know when to screw around. were a fun loving group at my camp.

[gabor85_hungary]

What is this "aquatic school"? This is new for me although I saw it in some other waterfront related posts.

[runrachrunn]

Safety minded - always # 1 priority in my book.

Also, knowing how to keep the walkie-talkie dry is key. We dropped 3 in the lake this summer, lol.

[speedx5xracer]

aquatic school is a program my camp runs w/ the red cross to train people in WF skills as well as rock climbing skills.... a majority of the participants are from sleepaway camps in the area but there are a number of people from day camps and just the local towns who take classes...