Purpose:

The primary purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to:

• Prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies.
• Provide professional-level care for breathing emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) professionals take over. 

Prerequisites:

• Must be 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of this course.
• Must complete all online training and have proof of online completion by the start date of the class. (Blended learning applicants only)
• Pass the prerequisite swim test: Swim-Tread-Swim Sequence:
  • 150 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Participants may swim using the front crawl (freestyle), breaststroke, or a combination. Swimming on the back or side is not allowed. This swim is not for time and can be completed using goggles.
  • Maintain position at the water's surface for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs. 
  • Swim 50 yards using the front crawl (freestyle), breaststroke, or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not allowed. 
  • Complete the timed brick event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
  • Starting in the water, the participant must swim 20 yards. The face can be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not permitted for this drill.
  • Surface dive, feet or head first, to retrieve a 10-pound object. 
  • Returning to the surface with the object, participants swim 20 yards on the back while maintaining both hands on the brick to the starting point. The face must be at or near the surface for the duration of the swim back. Once back at the starting point, participants must exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Certification Requirements:

• Complete all online course content before the in-person skills sessions (blended learning courses only). Attend the entire course and participate in all class sessions. Actively participate in all course activities, including assuming various roles during skill practices, drills, activities, and scenarios. Demonstrate proficiency in all skills. Pass the final written exam with a minimum grade of 80 percent.  Pass the final skill assessments. 

Certification Issued and Validity Period:

Certifications will be emailed within 2 weeks of the course completion and valid for 2 years.

Course Materials:

The American Red Cross Lifeguarding Manual will be available via eBook access code upon enrollment in the Lifeguarding course. If needed, a physical book copy will be loaned out during the class.