American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course

Course Description

This Lifeguarding course equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies in both shallow water (less than 7 feet) and deep water (7 feet or more). It also prepares participants to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until EMS personnel take over.

The course is delivered in a blended learning format. The assigned online portion(s) — accessible via mobile, desktop, or tablet — must be completed prior to each instructor-led session.

Participants who successfully complete this course will receive an American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification, including deep water, with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid, valid for 2 years.

Prerequisites:

1. Minimum age: 15 years.
2. Swim-Tread-Swim Sequence:
   • Jump into the water, submerge, resurface, and swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both.
   • Maintain a position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs.
   • Then swim 50 additional yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both.
3. Timed Event (completed in 1 minute, 40 seconds):
   • Start in the water, swim 20 yards, then perform a surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 to 12 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
   • Return to the surface, swim 20 yards on the back while holding the object with both hands at the surface, and exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Certification Requirements:
Students must successfully complete all prerequisite swims, attend all training sessions, complete all coursework, and pass all final testing requirements to earn certification.

Please Note:
No refunds will be issued for students who fail the prerequisite swim test or are unable to complete the course.