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Lifeguard Training/Certification & Instructor Courses
The American Red Cross has modified the Lifeguard Training course to minimize risk of exposure. However, due to the nature of the course, there will be training situations when participants will come in close contact with other participants. Please read our Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Lifeguard Training, which outlines all the health and safety procedures we have implemented for participants and staff. Below are some highlights of the safety precautions that will be observed throughout the training course.
- Face coverings will be worn at all times unless in the water.
- Social distancing will be observed. When social distancing is not possible, face coverings and/or additional personal protective equipment will be worn.
- Training manikins will be used whenever possible to promote social distancing.
- Equipment will be labeled and assigned to participants for use throughout the course. In addition, equipment will be cleaned and disinfected according to manufacturer instructions after each class.
- Overall class size has been reduced and participants will be assigned to smaller groups within the class.
- Hand washing facilities and hand sanitizer will be readily available.
- All participants will be required to pass a health screening prior to the start of each class session
Learn how to save a life and become an American Red Cross certified Lifeguard! After successful completion, the American Red Cross will issue certificates in Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, Administering Emergency Oxygen and Title 22. Bring swimsuit, towel, lifeguard book (receive in class), resuscitation mask (receive in class) and lunch each day. This class consists of approximately 7 hours of online learning, which must be completed after successful completion of prerequisites and before the next class meeting. Students will receive more information after completing the prerequisites.
To Register: Click on "Register" button to be taken to our registration system.
Instructor: Aquatics Staff
Age: Students must be 15 years old by the last day of class
Fee: $270/$250 (Dist. Res.)
Location: PH Aquatic Park, 147 Gregory Lane
Spring 2021 Classes
Attendance is required at all class dates/times; make-ups are not allowed.
8715.501 3/12-4/2 Tu/Th/F 4:00-8:00 pm
8715.502 3/13-3/27 Sa/Su 9:00 am-5:30 pm
8715.503 4/5-4/9 M-F 9:00 am-5:30 pm
8715.504 4/10-4/24 Sa/Su 9:00 am-5:30 pm
8715.505 4/25-5/9 Sa/Su 9:00 am-5:30 pm
You must attend a prerequisites skills evaluation before the first day of class. Prerequisites will be held on:
Friday, 3/5, 4:00 pm
Tuesday, 3/9, 5:00 pm
Friday, 3/26, 4:00 pm
Friday, 4/2, 4:00 pm
Friday, 4/16, 4:00 pm
You will be prompted to select a prerequisite date when you register.
For those who have taken a lifeguard training course and need to renew their certifications. Course includes lecture and video review, skills practice and testing (written and skills). Upon successful completion the American Red Cross will issue certificates in Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED.
This class is NOT appropriate for students who have never taken the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course.
Students must have current American Red Cross Lifeguard certification or certification that is within the extended grace period (120 days ) for expiring lifeguards to take a Lifeguarding Review class. Must bring evidence of most recent certification to the first day of class.
We recommend review students study ahead of the in-person sessions. You can review lifeguard course content and watch video segments by creating an account with the American Red Cross here.
Bring swimsuit, towel, lifeguard book, resuscitation mask and lunch each day. Lifeguard manuals and resuscitation masks are available for an additional fee when registering.
To Register: Click on "Register" button to be taken to our registration system.
Instructor: Aquatics Staff
Age: 16+
Fee: $200/$180 (Dist. Res.)
Location: PH Aquatic Park, 147 Gregory Lane
Spring 2021 Classes
Attendance is required at all class dates/times; make-ups are not allowed.
8717.501 3/6-3/7 Sa/Su 9:00 am-5:00 pm
8717.502 3/28-4/3 Sa/Su 9:00 am-5:00 pm
8717.503 5/15-5/16 Sa/Su 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Students should be prepared to be in and out of the water multiple times each day. Please bring athletic swimwear which will stay in place during water activities, towel(s), sunscreen, sack lunch, water, hat, swim cap and anything else you may need during class.
Lifeguard Training and Lifeguard Training Review Prerequisites
Prerequisite swimming skills will be done at the beginning of the first class.
- Swim 300 yards continuously, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing (freestyle and breaststroke only)
- Tread water for two minutes using only the legs
- Swim 20 yards, retrieve a 10-pound object from 7 to 10 feet of water, swim 20-yards on the back to the starting point with both hands holding the object and exit the water without using a ladder or steps within 1 minute 40 seconds
Certification Requirements for Lifeguard Training and Lifeguard Training Review Courses
To receive American Red Cross certification, participants must:
- Pass all course prerequisites,
- Complete the required online learning (online learning not required for review courses),
- Attend all class sessions in their entirety,
- Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities,
- Demonstrate competency in the final skills scenarios, and
- Correctly answer 80% of the questions on the final written exam.
Failure to meet the course prerequisites, complete any required online learning, attend all classes in their entirety, demonstrate competency in skills, or failure of the written test will result in forfeiture of class fees and certification will not be granted.
- Lifeguard Instructor Course
- Water Safety Instructor Course
- Lifeguard Instructor/Instructor Trainer Review
This course trains instructor candidates to teach the basic-level American Red Cross Lifeguarding courses. Students must have a current American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certificate, successfully complete the Online Introduction to the Lifeguarding Instructor Course in the American Red Cross Learning Center before the first class (details will be given after registering) and successfully pass the prerequisite skills on the first day. Additional fee must be paid directly to the American Red Cross for the Online Introduction (must be completed before first class, you will receive information after registering). Attendance is required at all classes.
Instructor: Korey Riley
Age: Students must be 17 years old by the last day of class
Fee: $270/$250 (Dist. Res.)
No Lifeguard Instructor classes currently scheduled. Check our registration system for the latest class information and to register.
The American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) course provides training needed to teach courses in the ARC Swimming and Water Safety Program. After successful completion, you will be able to teach a variety of swimming and water safety classes. Additional fee must be paid directly to the American Red Cross for the Online Session (details will be given after registration, must be completed before first class). This is a blended learning class, and online learning must be completed between each class session, in addition to assigned homework. Bring suit, towel and WSI books (receive in class) to every class.
Online learning and homework are required for successful completion of the course.
Participants must pass prerequisite swimming skills test the first day of class:
- Swim 25 yards each of crawlstroke, backstroke, breaststroke, elementary backstroke and side stroke.
- Swim 15 yards of butterfly
- Tread water for 1 minute
- Float or scull on back in deep water for 1 minute.
Instructor: Korey Riley
Age: Students must be 16 years old by the last day of class
Fee: $270/$250 (Dist. Res.)
No Water Safety Instructor classes currently scheduled. Check our registration system for the latest class information and to register.
August 10, 2020 Update from the American Red Cross
Lifeguarding Instructor/Instructor Trainer Extension
During these difficult times, we know that traveling or participating in a Lifeguarding Instructor/Instructor Trainer Review class may not be possible. To better serve our Lifeguarding Instructor and Lifeguarding Instructor Trainers, the Red Cross will be extending all current Lifeguarding Instructor and Lifeguarding Instructor Trainer certifications. No action is needed to take advantage of the extension. These certifications will be extended until August 31, 2021.
If you have questions about the LGI/IT Extension, please contact the American Red Cross via the Learning Center or support@redcrosstraining.org.
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To maintain certification as an Instructor/Instructor Trainer, Lifeguarding Instructors/Instructor Trainers must:
- Successfully complete an in-person Lifeguarding Instructor/Instructor Trainer Review course prior to instructor certification expiration date or within 30 days of expiration.
- Teach or co-teach at least one of the core courses of record during your 2-year certification period.
- Complete all applicable course updates prior to the update deadline.
Participation in the Lifeguarding Instructor/Instructor Trainer Review course meets basic-level skill competency requirements. Instructors/Instructor Trainers who wish to achieve a basic-level lifeguarding certification to work as a Lifeguard will have the option to “test out” at the conclusion of the Lifeguarding Instructor Review course. This “test out” session includes:
- Lifeguarding precourse skills evaluation
- Lifeguarding course final skills scenarios
- Two final written exams (CPRO/First Aid and Lifeguarding Skills)
Instructors/ITs who choose to attend the “test out” session and successfully complete all basic-level course requirements will earn an American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certification, valid for 2 years.
Age: 18+
Fee: $145/$125 (Dist. Res.), $45 for optional base level certification
Location: PH Aquatic Park, 147 Gregory Lane
Notes: Bring your instructor materials, suit, towel, resuscitation mask, fanny pack and lunch/snack.
No Lifeguard Instructor/Instructor Review classes currently scheduled. Classes may be scheduled when we have enough interested students. Please email Aquatics Program Manager Korey Riley to be added to an interest list for the LGI/LGIT Review course. Please be sure to include when your Instructor/Instructor Trainer certification expires and if you will need the base lifeguard training certification.