Lifeguard Registration

Lifeguard Certification Course

Course Overview

The American Red Cross Lifeguarding program prepares participants with the skills needed to:

• Prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies
• Provide professional-level care for breathing emergencies, cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses
• Support a victim until emergency medical services (EMS) arrive

Blended Learning Requirement

This course includes both online learning and in-person training.

• The online portion must be completed before the first class.
• You will receive an email from the American Red Cross Learning Center with access instructions.

Prerequisites (Required on First day of class)

Swim-Tread-Swim Sequence — must be completed without stopping:

• Jump into the water and fully submerge
• Swim 150 yards (front crawl, breaststroke, or both — goggles allowed)
• Tread water for 2 minutes using only your legs
• Swim 50 additional yards

Timed Skill (1 minute, 40 seconds):

• Start in the water and swim 20 yards (no goggles)
• Submerge to 7–10 feet and retrieve a 10 lb object
• Return to the surface
• Swim 20 yards on your back, holding the object (face at or near the surface)
• Exit the pool without using a ladder or steps

Certification Requirements

To receive certification from the American Red Cross, participants must:

• Be at least 15 years old by the final day of the course
• Successfully complete all prerequisites
• Finish all required online learning before class begins
• Attend 100% of in-person sessions
• Actively participate in all activities and scenarios
• Demonstrate proficiency in all required skills
• Pass the final written exam (minimum 80%)
• Pass all three final skill assessments

Important Policy

Failure to meet any of the following will result in loss of certification eligibility and forfeiture of course fees:

• Not completing prerequisites
• Missing online coursework
• Absences or incomplete attendance
• Not demonstrating required skills
• Failing the written exam or skill assessments