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How to get an A in lifeguard training

I asked students who got an A grade in lifeguard training during 2008 and 2009 for their advice to future students and got replies from some of them:

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Time: You need to put in the extra time practicing rescues, moves etc., as well as studying so you know how to perform the rescues properly. (e.g. I studied how to do deep water and shallow water backboarding before we did the skills in the water.)

Do all the homework. It will only help you in the tests and pop quizzes. On tests, even if you're guessing, try to do the extra credits. Who knows, you may get some of them right.

In the emergency situations/scenarios, go through all the steps, and that will guide your response. (e.g. check the scene, check for consciousness, call 911, open airway...)

Review the things that Mary emphasizes in class and says will be on a test. (e.g. sample, how to clear your ears, etc.)

Get all the things related to a spinal injury in your brain. (e.g. jaw thrust maneuver, what types of accidents may be indicators of a spinal injury, etc.)

Know that it's more about brain power vs. muscle power to get an A.

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1) Do all the homework! It's simple stuff and it helps you learn the material and get the process down.

2) Don't be late or miss out on a lecture, it takes away from your certifications and also your own time to try to make up for it.

3) Read the steps carefully then practice it, do whatever else then come back to it in 30 minutes to practice again to see if you remembered each detail. Repeat steps till you get it down.

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Do the homework. It forces you to read enough to get by. The only thing I did was make sure I did all the homework on time, and that caused everything else to fall in line.

I don't know if it's good advice for everyone, since I had some past experience with the skills and I tend to pick up physical things rather quickly, so other students may have to do more than just the homework, but doing the homework on time is definitely mandatory

Oh, also maybe you should mention that the homework can look intimidating, but it is all very doable and that it's the effort, not necessarily the precision for a lot of the work that matters. If you just sit down and do the homework, it tends to fly by.

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Mary, I just wanted to say Thank you for the excellent instruction during the semester, it was great opportunity to have researched this field with you again at De Anza College. My first certifications were in 1997, with you. I hope to study with you in a future class.

My advice to any prospective student for gaining these certifications is to be consistent and and persistent with all class work, do not give up. Stay current on the reading asignments and required homework assignments. Do some cardiovascular and strength training on your own. Maintain a good diet through the semester, and success will follow.

One last piece of advice, listen to instructions carefully and follow them precisely.

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1. Show up to class on-time and turn in all HW (even if it's one day late, some points are better than no points)

2. Practice, practice, practice. Get as much extra-practice time as possible to get your skills down. It'll help on your physical skills tests.

3. For the tests, make sure you read the questions and the multiple choice options. Most of the time you will be able to eliminate the wrong answers and narrow down to the correct one.

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    Do the homework assigned, fill in every question even if it's a guess

    Take advantage of the extra credit assignments

    Join the Outdoors Club (this doesn't actually effect you grade but it's good advice, do it! DO IT NOW!!)

    Get to class on time

    Practice the skill, over and over
    Just cause the homework assignment doesn't get turned in doesn't mean you don't have to do it, chances are it's going to be on a quiz

    Use your common sense

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1) BE ON TIME

2) Class time is valuable and many would give a lot to be in your shoes, therefore Don’t miss class time and take it seriously

3) Key points are worked on throughout the class period, so make sure your there to grab them.

4) Get a goodnight rest before, Don’t trip out in class and be awake and alert.

5) Take the class only and only if you want to make a difference, don’t waste your time or any one else’s.

6) Do your Homework ahead of time, so that Mary would have the opportunity to go over them with you. This way it would get stuck in your head better.

7) PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE

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Do the homework and show up on time everyday, it's that easy!

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How to pass a Red Cross written test
 Updated Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 3:16:43 PM by Mary Donahue - donahuemary@fhda.edu
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