American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification

 In response to the COVID-19 Outbreak, we are currently offering the American Red Cross  Blended Learning program that allows the classroom portion to be completed at home. If you have access to a computer or tablet, and internet service, then we encourage you to register for the class. Please keep in mind that you are still required to pass the prerequisite skills test in order to complete the training, and the skills test (see below for requirements) will be held on the first day of in-person training at the pool before continuing the class.  We are following CDC recommended guidelines and will update any changes as we learn more. Please feel free to email us if you have any other questions.

Our instructors are trained by the American Red Cross instructors for Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR, AED, and Disease prevention. By taking the Lifeguard Training Course, you will learn about the duties and responsibilities of a lifeguard and how to carry them out in a professional manner. You will also learn a number of lifeguarding techniques such as: surveillance, how to use rescue equipment for a distressed swimmer, active drowning victim, passive drowning victim and how to care for someone who may have a head, neck, or back injury in deep and shallow water. We have Sessions throughout Spring and Early Summer. (You will just attend 1 session).

 The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services personnel take over. To enroll in the Lifeguarding course, you must be at least 15 years old before the last scheduled class session.  

To participate in the course, you must be able to pass prerequisite skills evaluation that includes the following:

1. Swim 300 yards continuously, using any stroke or front crawl. This is not a timed event. You must be able to swim 12 laps continously in any form besides swimming on your back.

2. Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. You should place your hands under your armpits.

3. Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds.

• Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Your 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 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
• Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on your back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object while keeping your face at or near the surface so you are able to get a breath. You should not swim the distance under water. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

The course is roughly 26 hrs over 3 or 4 days. The online portion takes roughly 7 hrs to complete, and the in-person portion is about 2 1/2 days. The prerequisite skills evaluation will occur on the first day of the course. Please bring a swimsuit and towel for the skills evaluation and for every class. To successfully complete the course, you must attend the entire course, participate in all skill sessions/drills, activities and scenarios, demonstrate competency in all required skills and scenarios, and pass the final written exams with a minimum grade of 80 percent. 

 The practice sessions will require some strenuous physical activity. You are encouraged to check with your health care professional before participating in the practice sessions. If a medical condition or disability exists that might prevent participation in the activities, or there are questions about fully participating in the Lifeguarding course, please contact me to discuss this before the course begins. 

 If you successfully complete our lifeguard certification class and demonstrate the abilities and maturity of a proper lifeguard, then you will have a position with us this summer! Be sure to submit your application early to ensure prime home pool placement!