Purpose

American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course is to teach the knowledge and skills needed to help prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. This includes land and water rescue skills as well as first aid and CPR/AED.

Preparation

Red Cross lifeguarding students must be at least 15 years old by the last day of class and pass a swimming skills test.

 Swim Test Info

Swimming

Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations:

Prerequisite 1: Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:

  • Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed.)
  • Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs.
  • Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.

Prerequisite 2: Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:

  • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.)
  • Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 – 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
  • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
  • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Once students are enrolled, they’ll receive the latest science-based training from experienced instructors and develop skills they’ll use for a lifetime. Flexible training courses are available in person and via blended learning, which combines online coursework with in-person skills sessions.

Online coursework must be completed before the first day of class:

 Begin the online coursework when you're ready

Lifeguard Course Dates:

March 27-29

April 17-19

May 1-3

June 5-7

June 26-28

Recert Courses

In addition to full courses, lifeguarding review courses (abbreviated recertification courses) are also available for those who hold current lifeguarding certifications or certification expired by no more than 30 days. 

Recert Lifeguard Course Date:

May 15-17

Certification Requirements

All lifeguard participants must complete the required swimming skills prerequisite prior to taking and completing the final skills assessment. The prerequisite skills assessments include a swim-tread-swim sequence.

In addition, participants must successfully complete 3 final skills assessments:

  • Rotate in-conduct surveillance – rotate out (NEW)
  • Timed Single-rescuer CPR Scenario
  • Multiple Rescuer Response Scenario

You will need to take one final written exam consisting of 50 questions and score a minimum of 80%.