Lifeguard Training/Certification & Instructor Courses

The primary purpose of a recertification course is to give participants who are currently certified in American Red Cross Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) the opportunity to review the course knowledge and skills within a formal course setting to maintain their American Red Cross Lifeguarding (including Deep Water) certification.

To participate in the Lifeguarding Recertification course, participants must:

• Hold a current certification, or expired by no more than 30 days, in American Red Cross Lifeguarding that includes training in deep water 7 feet or deeper. Must provide proof of most recent certification to instructor on first day of class. 
  • No refunds will be granted to students who are unable to provide evidence they meet this Red Cross requirement, and they will not be permitted to stay for class.
• Successfully complete the Lifeguarding (including Deep Water) prerequisite swimming skills evaluations.

Upon successful completion, the American Red Cross will issue the certificate Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid that is valid for 2 years.

Bring swimsuit, towel, resuscitation mask, and lunch each day. Resuscitation masks are available for an additional fee when registering. Attendance is required at all class meetings. No make-ups allowed.

This class is NOT appropriate for students who have never taken the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course.

See registration receipt for link to online learning (optional for Recertification courses) and access to Lifeguarding Manual eBook.

Note: The Red Cross recently updated the Lifeguarding Course and students are STRONGLY encouraged to complete the online learning to review changes in the content before their in-person sessions.  See registration receipt for link to online learning. 

To Register: Click on "Register" button to be taken to our registration system.
Registration Deadline: In general, registration closes at noon the business date before the first class meeting.  Check the class details in our registration system to confirm when registration closes.
Instructor: Aquatics Staff
Age: 16 years and older
Fee: $220/$200 (Dist. Res.)
Location: PH Aquatic Park, 147 Gregory Lane

Winter/Spring 2026
8717.104 | 2/28-3/1 | Sa/Su | 9:00 am-4:00 pm
8717.105 | 3/28-3/29 | Sa/Su | 9:00 am-4:00 pm
8717.106 | 4/25-4/26 | Sa/Su | 9:00 am-4:00 pm

Attendance is required at all class dates/times; make-ups are not allowed.

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, lunch/snacks, water, hat, swim cap and anything else you may need during class.

Lifeguard Training and Lifeguarding Recertification Prerequisites

1. Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:
   Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl (freestyle), breaststroke or a combination of both (Swim goggles are allowed),
   Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs,
   Swim 50 yards using the front crawl (freestyle), breaststroke or a combination of both.
   While swimming, you must swim continuously, keeping your face in the water and demonstrating good breath control. While treading, you may only use your legs, your hands must be under your armpits and your head must remain above the surface of the water.
2. 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 to a depth of 7 - 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, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping your face at or near the surface (swimming the distance underwater is not permitted),
   Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Certification Requirements for Lifeguard Training and Lifeguarding Recertification Courses

To receive American Red Cross certification, participants must:

• Pass all course prerequisites,
• Complete the required online learning in advance of the in-person sessions (online learning is not required for recertification courses, but is STRONGLY recommended due to recent changes in course content)
• Attend all class sessions in their entirety and participate in all class sessions,
• Actively participate in all course activities, including assuming various roles during skill practices, skill drills, activities and scenarios,
• Demonstrate proficiency in all skills,
• Pass the final written exam with a minimum grade of 80%, and
• Pass the three (3) final skill assessments.

Failure to meet the course prerequisites, complete any required online learning, attend all classes in their entirety, participate in course activities, demonstrate proficiency in all skills, failure of the written exam or failure of any of the final skill assessments will result in forfeiture of class fees and certification will not be granted.

*Physical Contact

The District is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all. Students should be aware that they will come into physical contact with each other during class activities. Every effort must be made to avoid physical contact that may be perceived as offensive and/or unwelcome. If you have any questions, please speak to a course instructor.