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Lifeguarding training session

American Red Cross Lifeguarding

Course Fact SheetEbook Access Instructions
Register for Lifeguard CertificationRegister for Recertification

Course Purpose

The primary purpose of the courses in 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 and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) professionals take over.

Course Prerequisites

To participate in the Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) course, participants must:

  • Be at least 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the Lifeguarding course.
  • Successfully complete the two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations:

Prerequisite 1:

Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:

  • Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards (3 full, down and back laps in a typical 25 yard pool) 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 (1 full lap) using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both

Prerequisite 2:

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).
  • Submerge 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.

Course Length

Approximately 7 hours online, 25 hours in-person (including breaks)

Course Preparation

To prepare for the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course, please ensure that you are 100% confident with the prerequisites listed above. These will be conducted as soon as the course begins, and you will not be able to continue in the course if you are unsuccessful. In addition, be certain to complete the eLearning in its entirety prior to the first in-person class session. This can take a while, so please do not wait until the last minute to do this! The eLearning is sent in the confirmation email following registration. If you have any questions, please contact us!

Interested in taking a course?

Search for open class on our registration page!