Lifeguard Certification

2024 Training Classes

  • Lifeguarding Certification

  • Lifeguarding Re-certification

  • Water Safety Instructor Certification


Lifeguard & Water Safety Preparation

American Red Cross life guarding and water safety students must be at least 15 years old by the last day of class. Before registering to take a life guard course, students must pass a swimming skills test. Once students have passed the prerequisite test and are enrolled, they’ll receive the latest science-based and hands-on training from experienced instructors, and develop skills they’ll use for a lifetime. In addition to full courses, abbreviated re-certification courses are also available for those who hold current life guarding certifications.

Lifeguard Training Prerequisite

  • Students must be at least 15 years old by the last day of class

  • Students must pass a swimming skills test prior to taking life guarding courses

This is the full prerequisite training course description:

Must complete the prerequisite prior to registering for a Life Guarding Course.

  1. Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.

  2. Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs.

  3. Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds.

    • 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 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.

    • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to get a breath. Candidates should not swim the distance under water.

    • Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.


Lifeguard Certification Classes

Five day course in June

June 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th

8:30am - 5pm

Click here to signup

Pre-Registration cost for Pool Lifeguard Class: $350. Waterfront Lifeguard Class: $400.

Day of registration cost for Pool Lifeguard class: $375. Waterfront Lifeguard Class: $425.

Fee includes: 30+ hours of instruction, membership to the CRC for the duration of the class, lifeguard manual, CPR Face shield, and a Lifeguard, CPR-PR and First Aid certification.


Lifeguard Re-Certification Classes

One day courses

April 27th from 8:30am - 5pm

May 11th from 8:30am - 5pm

June 22nd from 8:30am - 5pm

Call (845) 586-6250 to sign up


Water Safety Instructor Training (Become a Swim Instructor)

Three day course in June

Friday June 2nd: 4 - 7pm

Saturday June 3rd: 8 - 5 pm

Sunday June 4th 8 - 5 pm

Call (845) 586-6250 to sign up


To sign-up or to arrange special private group Red Cross Classes: 

Call (845) 586-6250 or email: info@catskillrecreationcenter.org