The purpose of the Lifeguarding program is to train lifeguards to act with speed and confidence in emergency situations both in and out of the water. Topics include water rescue skills, surveillance and recognition, first aid, breathing and cardiac emergencies, CPR, AED, and more.
Participants within these programs must be 15 years of age on or before the last day of the course, pass the in-water pre requisites, be able to take the written exam with a passing score, and pass the skills test.
Different types of lifeguard courses offered:
Lifeguarding
For facilities with pool depths greater than 7 feet. The lifeguarding core course includes First Aid/CPR/AED. Waterfront and Waterpark skills modules may be added onto the course upon request.
In-person length: 29 hours
Blended Learning Length: 20 hours (7 hours online)
Pre-requisites:
Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both.
Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs.
Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Swim 20 yards, dive to a depth of 7-10 feet, retrieve a 10-poud object, return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface.
*certificate is valid for 2 years
Shallow Water Lifeguarding
For facilities with pool depths less than or equal to 5 feet. The Shallow Water lifeguarding course includes First Aid/CPR/AED.
In-person length: 27 hours
Pre-requisites:
Swim 100 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both.
Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs.
Complete a timed event within 50 seconds. Swim 20 yards, dive to a depth of 4-5 feet, retrieve a 10-poud object, return to the surface and walk or swim 20 yards on the back to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface.
*certificate is valid for 2 years
Lifeguarding with Waterpark Skills
For facilities with waterpark features such as lazy rivers, wave pools, etc.
Participants must have a current Red Cross Lifeguarding or Shallow Water Lifeguarding certification to participate.
In-person length: 4 hours
Pre-requisites:
Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both.
Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs.
Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Swim 20 yards, dive to a depth of 7-10 feet, retrieve a 10-poud object, return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface.
*certificate is valid for 2 years
Waterfront Lifeguarding
For facilities with open-water areas such as public parks, resorts, summer camps, and campgrounds.
Participants must have a current Red Cross Lifeguarding certification to participate.
In-person length: 6 hours
Pre-requisites:
Swim 550 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both.
Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs.
Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds. Swim 20 yards, dive to a depth of 7-10 feet, retrieve a 10-poud object, return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface.
Swim 5 yards, submerge and retrieve 3 dive rings placed 5 yards apart in 4 to 7 feet of water, resurface and continue 5 more yards
*certificate is valid for 2 years
Aquatic Attraction Lifeguarding
For facilities with aquatic attractions and pool depths less than or equal to 3 feet. The Aquatic Attraction lifeguarding course includes First Aid/CPR/AED.
In-person length: 26 hours
Pre-requisites:
Complete the water competency sequence without stopping
Step into the water and submerge
Tread or float for one minute
Rotate one full turn and orient towards the exit
Swim on the front or back 25 yards
Exit without using the ladder or steps
Complete a timed event within 50 seconds. Swim 20 yards, dive to a depth of 4-5 feet, retrieve a 10-poud object, return to the surface and walk or swim 20 yards on the back to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface.
*certificate is valid for 2 years
Lifeguarding Review Courses
For participants looking to re-certify in the skills/certifications they currently hold.
In-person length: 10 hours
Pre-requisites:
Proof of prior certification
Pre-requisites are re-demonstrated for the corresponding Lifeguarding certification
Candidates must successfully demonstrate competency in all required skills and scenarios
*certificate is valid for 2 years