Course descriptions
Lifeguard Training
The Lifeguarding course provides participants the knowledge and skills to prevent recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies in both shallow water (less than 7 feet) and deeper water (7 feet or more) and to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies injuries and sudden illnesses until EMS personnel take over. Participants who successfully complete this course receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding (including deep water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid valid for 2 years.
This is a blended learning course that requires roughly 6 hours of online work prior to the first day of the course. Information is emailed to participants 3 weeks prior to the start of the course.
A pocket mask will be given at first class meeting. If you would like to read the text prior to the first day of class, click here for instructions on how to download the Lifeguarding participant manual online.
Prerequisites:
- Be 15 years of age by the last day of the course.
- Swim Prerequisite 1:
- Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. 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, breaststroke or a combination of both.
- Swim Prerequisite 2:
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The 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 - 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, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Certification Requirements
To successfully complete this course, you must:
- Complete all online course content prior to the first day of the course.
- Attend and actively participate in all class sessions.
- Demonstrate proficiency in all required skills and activities.
- Demonstrate proficiency in all required final rescue skill scenarios.
- Pass the Lifeguarding final written exam with a minimum grade of 80 percent.
- If certification requirements are not met no refunds will be given
Click here to see course schedule and to register.
Lifeguard Recertification
This course is designed for students who hold a current certification in American Red Cross Lifeguarding. Proof of certification needs to be brought to the first class meeting. This review is a shortened version of the full length class. It is very important that you are comfortable with your rescue and CPR skills to be successful in this course. Participants who successfully complete this course receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding (including deep water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid valid for 2 years.
This is a blended learning course that requires roughly 4 hours of online work prior to the first day of the course. Information is emailed to participants 3 weeks prior to the start of the course.
Prerequisites
In addition to the prerequisites listed above:
Certification Requirements
To successfully complete this course, you must:
Click here to see course schedule and to register.
This course is designed for students who hold a current certification in American Red Cross Lifeguarding. Proof of certification needs to be brought to the first class meeting. This review is a shortened version of the full length class. It is very important that you are comfortable with your rescue and CPR skills to be successful in this course. Participants who successfully complete this course receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding (including deep water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid valid for 2 years.
This is a blended learning course that requires roughly 4 hours of online work prior to the first day of the course. Information is emailed to participants 3 weeks prior to the start of the course.
Prerequisites
In addition to the prerequisites listed above:
- Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certification
Certification Requirements
To successfully complete this course, you must:
- Complete all online course content prior to the first day of the course.
- Attend and actively participate in all class sessions.
- Demonstrate proficiency in all required skills and activities.
- Demonstrate proficiency in all required final rescue skill scenarios.
- Pass the Lifeguarding final written exam with a minimum grade of 80 percent.
- If certification requirements are not met no refunds will be given
Click here to see course schedule and to register.
Lifeguard Instructor
The purpose of the instructor course is to train instructor candidates to teach the Red Cross Lifeguarding, Shallow Water Lifeguarding, Waterfront Skills(basic level required), Waterpark Skills, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers, Administering Emergency Oxygen(basic level required) and Bloodbourne Pathogens Training: Preventing Disease Transmission courses and/or modules. Candidates who successfully complete this course will be issued the following certification: American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor, valid for 2 years.
Prerequisites
This is a blended learning course that requires roughly 3 hours of online work prior to the first day of the course. Information is emailed to participants 2 weeks prior to the start of the course.
Certification Requirements
To become certified as a Lifeguarding instructor, instructor candidates must:
Click here for course schedule and to register.
The purpose of the instructor course is to train instructor candidates to teach the Red Cross Lifeguarding, Shallow Water Lifeguarding, Waterfront Skills(basic level required), Waterpark Skills, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers, Administering Emergency Oxygen(basic level required) and Bloodbourne Pathogens Training: Preventing Disease Transmission courses and/or modules. Candidates who successfully complete this course will be issued the following certification: American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor, valid for 2 years.
Prerequisites
- Be at least 17 years old on or before the last day of the instructor course.
- Possess a current American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED.
- Successfully complete an online component prior to the first day of class. You will receive the necessary information after registration.
- Successfully complete the prerequisite skill assessment scenario the first day of the course. The scenario evaluates the following skills:
- Entry and swimming approach
- Passive Submerged Rescue
- Rapid Extrication (with assisting rescuer)
- Rapid Assessment
- Single Rescuer CPR (3 minutes)
This is a blended learning course that requires roughly 3 hours of online work prior to the first day of the course. Information is emailed to participants 2 weeks prior to the start of the course.
Certification Requirements
To become certified as a Lifeguarding instructor, instructor candidates must:
- Successfully complete online component and pre-course scenario.
- Attend and actively participate in all course sessions.
- Successfully complete teaching assignments, including the 2 practice-teaching assignments and small group teaching activities.
- Demonstrate instructor-level skill competency in all skills. This means being able to demonstrate all of the skills steps as they are written, in the correct order, and in accordance with the proficiency criteria to meet the objectives of the skill.
- Successfully pass the final written exam with a minimum grade of 80 percent.
Click here for course schedule and to register.
Lifeguard Instructor/Instructor Trainer Recert
The Lifeguard Instructor/Instructor Trainer Review course is an abbreviated recertification course for currently certified instructors and instructor trainers. The purpose of the course is to allow participants to review the course content ans practice skills in a formal class setting and complete the final written exam. This course is required to maintain your instructor/instructor trainer certification.
This is a blended learning course that requires roughly 4-5 hours of online work prior to the course. Information is emailed to participants 3 weeks prior to the start of the course.
There will be an opportunity for participants to get their basic level lifeguarding certification. This requires you to complete the lifeguarding prerequisites in addition to the other skills. This requires additional payment for the certification fee.
Certification Requirements
To successfully complete the Lifeguard Instructor/Instructor Trainer Review Course, participants must:
Click here for course schedule and to register.
The Lifeguard Instructor/Instructor Trainer Review course is an abbreviated recertification course for currently certified instructors and instructor trainers. The purpose of the course is to allow participants to review the course content ans practice skills in a formal class setting and complete the final written exam. This course is required to maintain your instructor/instructor trainer certification.
This is a blended learning course that requires roughly 4-5 hours of online work prior to the course. Information is emailed to participants 3 weeks prior to the start of the course.
There will be an opportunity for participants to get their basic level lifeguarding certification. This requires you to complete the lifeguarding prerequisites in addition to the other skills. This requires additional payment for the certification fee.
Certification Requirements
To successfully complete the Lifeguard Instructor/Instructor Trainer Review Course, participants must:
- Complete the basic-level Lifeguarding Blended Learning course online session.
- Complete the Lifeguarding Instructor Recertification course online session.
- Attend the entire course and participate in the in-person session.
- Complete the skill practice and polish session, demonstrating skills to the standard.
- Conduct one teaching assignment as part of the skill practice and polish session.
- Pass the Lifeguarding Instructor Recertification Course written exam with a minimum score of 80 percent.
Click here for course schedule and to register.
Lifeguard Instructor Crossover/Re-Entry
The purpose of this course is to recognize the previous training of American Red Cross Instructors and to allow these individuals to participate in an abbreviated re-entry course to become American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructors. This course is for former Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructors whose certifications expired no more than 2 years before the beginning of this re-entry course. Please contact the Training Support Center at 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). Candidates who successfully complete this course will be issued the following certification: American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor, valid for 2 years.
Prerequisites
Note: Potential instructor candidates may achieve a Red Cross basic-level Lifeguarding certification by successfully completing one of the following Red Cross courses:
Certification Requirements
Instructor candidates must successfully:
Click here for course schedule and to register.
The purpose of this course is to recognize the previous training of American Red Cross Instructors and to allow these individuals to participate in an abbreviated re-entry course to become American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructors. This course is for former Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructors whose certifications expired no more than 2 years before the beginning of this re-entry course. Please contact the Training Support Center at 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). Candidates who successfully complete this course will be issued the following certification: American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor, valid for 2 years.
Prerequisites
- Be at least 19 years of age on or before the final scheduled session of the instructor course.
- Possess the following Lifeguarding certification:
- A current basic-level certification in American Red Cross Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid. Note: see the note below for how candidates may earn a Red Cross Lifeguarding certification to meet this prerequisite.
- Possess one of the following instructor-level certifications:
- Documentation of previous American Red Cross Lifeguarding instructor certification (expired no more than 2 years). Note: Instructor Trainers do not have access to a participant's instructor status. If you participate in the course and are successful BUT aren't qualified, YOU WILL NOT BE CERTIFIED. This is why it is imperative that you contact the TSC and verify your status with the Red Cross. Hint: request and record the case number the TSC creates regarding your call so that you have it for future reference.
- Documentation of current external credentials (certificate) showing that the individual successfully completed a formalized lifeguarding instructor course with one of the following organizations:
- Boy Scouts of America (BSA)—either Aquatics instructor or BSA Lifeguard Instructor
- Ellis & Associates International Lifeguard Training Program™--Lifeguard Instructor
- Lifesaving Society of Canada—Lifesaving Instructor
- Royal Lifesaving Society of the United Kingdom—Lifesaving Instructor
- StarGuard ELITE – StarGuard ELITE Instructor
- United States Lifesaving Association—Open Water Lifeguard Instructor
- YMCA—Lifeguard Instructor
- Obtain instructor and participant course materials before starting the course.
- Successfully complete the online content for the Lifeguarding Blended Learning course.
- Successfully complete the online session of the Lifeguarding Instructor Crossover/Re-entry course prior to the pre-course session
Note: Potential instructor candidates may achieve a Red Cross basic-level Lifeguarding certification by successfully completing one of the following Red Cross courses:
- Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) course
- Lifeguarding Crossover course (if currently certified in Lifeguarding with one of the above equivalent organizations)
- Lifeguarding Instructor Basic-level Lifeguarding course (only taught in conjunction with this Lifeguarding Instructor Crossover/Re-entry course).
Certification Requirements
Instructor candidates must successfully:
- Be qualified for the LGI Re-Entry course.
- Successfully complete the Lifeguarding Instructor Crossover/Re-entry course online session.
- Successfully complete the Lifeguarding Instructor Basic Level Lifeguarding Certification course (if applicable).
- Attend the entire course and participate in all class sessions.
- Attend and actively participate in all course sessions.
- Successfully complete one practice teaching assignment.
- Demonstrate instructor-level skill competency in all skills. This means being able to demonstrate all of the skills steps as they are written, in the correct order, and in accordance with the proficiency criteria to meet the objectives of the skill.
- Successfully pass the final written exam with a minimum grade of 80 percent.
Click here for course schedule and to register.
Water Safety Instructor Crossover/Re-Entry
The purpose of this course is to recognize the previous training of American Red Cross Instructors and to allow these individuals to participate in an abbreviated re-entry course to become American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors. This course is for former Water Safety Instructors whose certifications expired no more than 2 years before the beginning of this re-entry course. Please contact the Training Support Center at 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). Upon completion, each candidate will receive an American Red Cross certificate for Water Safety instructor that is valid for 2 years.
PLEASE NOTE: To keep your certification, you must teach at an American Red Cross Learn to Swim facility.
Prerequisites
Prerequisite Skills
Certification Requirements
Instructor candidates must successfully:
Click here for the course schedule and to register.
The purpose of this course is to recognize the previous training of American Red Cross Instructors and to allow these individuals to participate in an abbreviated re-entry course to become American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors. This course is for former Water Safety Instructors whose certifications expired no more than 2 years before the beginning of this re-entry course. Please contact the Training Support Center at 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). Upon completion, each candidate will receive an American Red Cross certificate for Water Safety instructor that is valid for 2 years.
PLEASE NOTE: To keep your certification, you must teach at an American Red Cross Learn to Swim facility.
Prerequisites
- Complete the prerequisite skills listed below on the first day of the course.
- Not be expired more than 2 years with your WSI certification. Participants must verify their qualifying status by contacting the Training Support Center (TSC) at 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) and send it to us prior to the start of the course.
- Instructor Trainers do not have access to a participant's instructor status. If you participate in the course and are successful BUT aren't qualified, YOU WILL NOT BE CERTIFIED. This is why it is imperative that you contact the TSC and verify your status with the Red Cross. Hint: request and record the case number the TSC creates regarding your call so that you have it for future reference.
- Successfully complete the WSI prerequisite online course. Certification of completion must be sent to the Instructor Trainers prior to the class start date.
- Purchase or download (and print) the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Manual and participant text.
Prerequisite Skills
- Show proficiency and complete 25 yards of the following strokes: Front crawl, Back crawl, Breaststroke, Elementary backstroke, Sidestroke, and Butterfly (15 yards).
- Maintain position on back for 1 minute in deep water (floating or sculling).
- Tread water for 1 minute.
Certification Requirements
Instructor candidates must successfully:
- Be qualified for the WSI Re-Entry course.
- Demonstrate proficiency in all required skills.
- Attend and actively participate in all course sessions, including one practice teaching assignment.
- Complete the instructor course exam with a score of at least 80 percent.
Click here for the course schedule and to register.
Safety Training for Swim Coaches Water Skill Assessment
The purpose of the American Red Cross Safety Training for Swim Coaches course is to teach those involved in competitive swimming, including coaches, officials, athletic trainers and aquatic exercise trainers, how to help maintain a safe and comfortable environment for swimmers, prevent accidents and emergencies, and respond to swimmers with illnesses or injuries in water or on land. This program is offered in a blended learning format. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a Safety Training for Swim Coaches certification that is valid for 2 years.
Prerequisites:
Click here for the course schedule and to register.
The purpose of the American Red Cross Safety Training for Swim Coaches course is to teach those involved in competitive swimming, including coaches, officials, athletic trainers and aquatic exercise trainers, how to help maintain a safe and comfortable environment for swimmers, prevent accidents and emergencies, and respond to swimmers with illnesses or injuries in water or on land. This program is offered in a blended learning format. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a Safety Training for Swim Coaches certification that is valid for 2 years.
Prerequisites:
- Must be 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the course
- Must be comfortable in chest-deep water
- Complete the online line blended learning component prior to the first day of the course.
Click here for the course schedule and to register.
Waterfront Training Module
The purpose of the Waterfront Training module is to teach lifeguards the skills and knowledge needed to prevent and respond to emergencies in non-surf, open-water areas found at public parks, resorts, summer camps and campgrounds. You must hold a current American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification to take this module. This module teaches lifeguards to use a rescue board, perform shallow and deep water searches, beaches entries and other skills unique to waterfront facilities. Upon successful completion of the module, you will receive a Waterfront Training certification that is valid for 2 years. This certification is only valid when accompanied by an American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification.
Prerequisites:
Certification Requirements
To successfully complete this course, you must:
Click here for course schedule and to register.
The purpose of the Waterfront Training module is to teach lifeguards the skills and knowledge needed to prevent and respond to emergencies in non-surf, open-water areas found at public parks, resorts, summer camps and campgrounds. You must hold a current American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification to take this module. This module teaches lifeguards to use a rescue board, perform shallow and deep water searches, beaches entries and other skills unique to waterfront facilities. Upon successful completion of the module, you will receive a Waterfront Training certification that is valid for 2 years. This certification is only valid when accompanied by an American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification.
Prerequisites:
- Be 15 years of age by the last day of the course.
- Swim Prerequisite 1:
- Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 350 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed).
- Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs.
- Swim 200 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.
- Swim Prerequisite 2:
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. (The 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 - 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, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face out at or near the surface.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
- Swim Prerequisite 3:
- Swim 5 yards, submerge and retrieve three dive rings placed 5 yards apart in 4 to 7 feet of water.
- Resurface and continue to swim another 5 yards to complete the skill sequence.
Certification Requirements
To successfully complete this course, you must:
- Attend and participate in all class sessions.
- Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities.
- Pass the Waterfront Lifeguarding Skills final written exam with minimum grade of 80 percent.
- If certification requirements are not met no refunds will be given.
Click here for course schedule and to register.
CPR/AED for Lifeguards, Professional Rescuers and Healthcare Providers Review
The purpose of the American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers program is to train professional-level rescuers to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in adults, children and infants until more advanced medical personnel take over. Students MUST bring a valid Red Cross CPR/AED for Lifeguards or Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and Health Care Provider certificate to show instructor.
This is a blended learning course that requires roughly 4 hours of online work prior to the first day of the course. Information is emailed to participants 2 weeks prior to the start of the course.
Certification Requirements
To successfully complete this course, you must:
The purpose of the American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers program is to train professional-level rescuers to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in adults, children and infants until more advanced medical personnel take over. Students MUST bring a valid Red Cross CPR/AED for Lifeguards or Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and Health Care Provider certificate to show instructor.
This is a blended learning course that requires roughly 4 hours of online work prior to the first day of the course. Information is emailed to participants 2 weeks prior to the start of the course.
Certification Requirements
To successfully complete this course, you must:
- Attend and participate in all class sessions.
- Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities.
- Pass the final written exam with minimum grade of 80 percent.
- If certification requirements are not met no refunds will be given.