Lifeguard Certification

Schedule for Lifeguard classes for 2026 season coming up early December

Blended Learning Lifeguarding and Shallow Water Lifeguarding

• Delivered using a blended learning approach that combines flexible online modules with in-person training sessions. The online modules are approximately 6.5 hours, and the in-person training consists of 21.5 hours of instructional time.

• All participants must complete all eLearning modules prior to attending the first in-person session. A link to register on the American Red Cross will be provided after registration.  

• All participants must pass the Swimming Skills Evaluation at the beginning of the first in-person session to be eligible to participate in the remainder of the course. Failure to meet course prerequisites (Swimming Skills Evaluation) is not a valid reason for a tuition refund.

• All participants must attend all days and sessions and actively participate in all activities to be eligible for certification.

• To receive a certification valid for two (2) years, all participants must pass the final skills assessments and the final written exam with a minimum score of 80%.

• Shallow Water Lifeguards may only work at aquatic facilities with a maximum depth of 5 feet. Please check with your staffing coordinator to confirm whether this certification is appropriate for your assignment.

• Participants should carefully review the prerequisite Swimming Skills Evaluation activities listed below.

Recertification (Blended Learning )

• All participants must hold a valid American Red Cross Lifeguarding or Shallow Water Lifeguarding certification, or one that has been expired for no more than 30 days, to qualify for recertification.

• Courses are delivered using an adaptive blended learning format that combines online modules with in-person training sessions. In general, the online modules are approximately 6.5 hours, and the in-person training consists of 10.5 hours of instructional time. A link to register on the American Red Cross will be provided after registration.  

• All participants are required to pass the appropriate Swimming Skills Evaluation, demonstrate competency in land and water skills, and successfully pass both the final skills assessments and written exam to extend their certification for an additional two (2) years.

Lifeguarding Course Prerequisites:

Participants must successfully complete the following prerequisites prior to course participation.

Swim–Tread–Swim Sequence

• Swim 150 yards continuously using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both.
  Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Goggles may be worn.

• Tread water for 2 minutes using legs only.

• Swim an additional 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both.
  Goggles may be worn.

Timed Event

The following sequence must be completed in 1 minute, 40 seconds or less:

• Starting in the water, swim 20 yards.
  Face may be in or out of the water. Goggles are not permitted.

• Perform a surface dive (head-first or feet-first) 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 the starting point while holding the object with both hands, keeping the face at or near the surface.

• Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Shallow Water Lifeguarding Course Prerequisites:

Participants must successfully complete the following prerequisites prior to course participation.

Swim–Tread–Swim Sequence

• Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both.
  Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Goggles may be worn.

• Tread water for 2 minutes using legs only.

• Swim an additional 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both.
  Goggles may be worn.

Timed Event

The following sequence must be completed in 50 seconds or less:

• Starting in the water, swim 20 yards.
  Face may be in or out of the water. Goggles are not permitted.

• Perform a surface dive (head-first or feet-first) to a depth of 4–7 feet  to retrieve a 10-pound object.

• Return to the surface and walk or swim 20 yards back to the starting point while holding the object with both hands at the surface of the water.

• Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Blended Learning Lifeguard Certification and Recertification classes consisting of online portion and in-person skills training.

Find out how you can receive free lifeguard training during the hiring process.

To apply for a position with our company please fill out an application HERE