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.

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