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Lifeguard Certification Course

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Course Purpose

The Lifeguarding certification course is designed to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over. This course is designed for participants that wish to Lifeguard at pools or waterparks with skills and knowledge to prepare you for a variety of scenarios in and around the water.

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This program includes detailed training of hands-on skills as well as comprehension on written tests.  This Lifeguarding Training course includes both the Lifeguard training portion in addition to the CPR, AED and First Aid course which meets the requirements for the certification.

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Course Prerequisties

None

Skill Prerequisites

Candidates must: 

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  1. Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course. 

  2. Swim 300 yards, continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both, but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used. 

  3. Tread water for 2 minutes, using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits. 

  4. Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:

    • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. Swim goggles are not allowed 

    • Surface dive, feet-first or headfirst, to a depth of 7 to 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 with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to get a breath

    • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps

Who Needs the Lifeguard Certification Course?

Individuals who want to be a qualified and certified lifeguard.

Lifeguard Learning Objectives 

​Candidates must:

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  • Demonstrate proficiency in all of the prerequisite skills

  • Describe the unique aspects of lifeguarding

  • Demonstrate how to perform the lifeguard rescue skills safely and effectively

Our Instructors

Instructors for this course are currently certified Lifeguard instructors.  

Lifeguard Certification Requirements

​Candidates must:

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  • Attend the entire course and participate in all class sessions

  • Actively participate in all course activities, including assuming various roles during scenarios

  • Demonstrate competency in all required skills

  • Pass the final skills scenarios

  • Successfully pass final written exams with a minimum grade of 80%. If a participant fails to reach the minimum 80% on the final written exam, a retest is allowed using another version of the exam, provided that the participant has passed the practical assessment

Certificate Validity Period

The American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding and CPR, AED and First Aid is valid for 2 years from the date the course is completed 

Required Class Materials

The American Red Cross Lifeguarding Manual (purchased directly from the Red Cross website)

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Cost: $34.99

Lifeguard Course Cost and Length

The Lifeguard course is available in two different training formats:

  • Online* + In-person: 

    • Online: 7 hours and 30 minutes​

    • In-person: 19 hours and 30 minutes

  • Cost*: $238

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OR

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  • In-person training: 25 hours and 20 minutes

    • Offered to groups of 6 or more​

    • Please email or call for best group pricing

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* NOTE:

  • The link to the Online component will be emailed to you and you will be contacted to set up the in-person session once registration has been completed.

  • Cost of class may vary depending on venue location.

  • View important Policy information

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