Lifeguard certification is an essential qualification that equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to ensure the safety and well-being of others in aquatic environments 

I often get asked what I prefer to do. Swimming or running? Because I started with triathlon, I started both from zero. In both I had no basis from my childhood (or adult). As a child I was a horse girl and still a bit. I didn't run or swim. So I started at about the same time with both sports. For me personally, swimming and lifeguard gives more benefits. But in this blog we will discuss the pros and cons of both sports.

Lifeguard and Swimming or running, the pros and cons

Let's put the two sports side by side and the advantages and disadvantages of the most important questions that many ask themselves beforehand. 

Swimming: No, depending on swimming pool opening hours

Running: Yes, whenever you want. Put on your shoes and walk.

Swimming

Average. Average entrance is between € 3 and € 7 for an hour of lap swimming. A subscription or membership of a swimming and lifeguard club is of course cheaper.

To run. Low, no fixed costs obligation after purchasing items. Association membership is not required. 

Burning calories:

Swimming: High. Intensive swimming burns a lot of calories. Depending on your stroke and technique, of course. 

To run. Also high, but with swimming and lifeguard you can burn just a little more with the same effort. 

Swimming: Low. The risk of injury is low when swimming. It falls under the low-impact sports.

To run. High. Running is a high-impact sport. A beginner in particular has an increased risk of injury. But it is also prone to injury for advanced users. 

Difficulty level: 

Swimming: High. Learning to swim well (front crawl) is difficult and challenging at a later age. It takes many hours to master technique properly and speed is often delayed. 

To run. Low. The basics in running are relatively easy and something we often master to some extent. The most important thing is to build up slowly and really give your body time. Technique training naturally helps to become even better. 

Biggest benefits

I definitely think the biggest advantage of running is that it is nice in the open air and that you can really fit it into your own schedule. You do not have to take into account the opening hours of a gym or swimming and lifeguard pool. The biggest disadvantage is that running is prone to injury (a lot of shock load). 

With swimming it works the other way around. The opening times of the swimming pool are decisive. You can never just go for a swim. On the other hand, it is wonderful to be underwater with your head for an hour and it is good for your body. 

The risk of injury is much smaller. It is a low-impact sport, but that does not say about the intensity at which you can practice it. Especially the lack of stimuli underwater I find a huge advantage. But that is of course personal.

Lifeguard certification serves as a symbol of dedication, professionalism, and expertise, enabling individuals to uphold the highest standards of safety and save lives in water-related situations.

Difference in cost

You can also start swimming and lifeguard a basic swimsuit. Swimming goggles are also recommended if you are going to swim more fanatically. You don't necessarily need more in the beginning. Although it will soon expand with various swimming materials. 

Running actually has no fixed costs after purchasing the basic equipment. There where you spend money on the pool with every training session. If you want to spend less money, consider becoming a member of a swimming and lifeguard club. However, swimming is a bit more expensive than running. 

Swimming or running to lose weight

When I started running, I definitely lost some weight in the beginning. However, when I started swimming I lost a lot of weight. So when it comes to pure weight loss. I would absolutely recommend swimming. You burn a lot more calories with an hour of fanatical swimming than you do with an hour of running. Since it is also less stressful, swimming is the better choice if you want to lose weight. 

Combine swimming and running

But why choose? The two sports can be combined very well. Swimming and running are a good combination, especially for fitness building. 

As a runner, you can use swimming to recover (or prevent) from an injury and still maintain or build up your fitness. It can serve as recovery after a match or to further improve your form. 

If you take up swimming more fanatically and also take some interval sets and fitness building sets here, you will also see that you become stronger with running. If you swim regularly, your lung capacity will increase, which is an advantage when running.  

Also Read About: Lifeguard class near me

Incidentally, the other way around does not necessarily apply. A good running condition does not necessarily help you much further in the pool. Swimming is a technical sport. You make the most progress from your technique and not from your condition.  

Lifeguard certification is a valuable credential that demonstrates the competency and readiness of individuals to effectively respond to emergencies and safeguard lives in aquatic settings."

Another advantage is that running mainly trains your lower body. And with swimming and lifeguard mainly your upper body (shoulders and torso).  

Swimming, cycling and running

Don't you think it's enough yet? You can also combine swimming, cycling and running.