Learn how to save a life and become an American Red Cross certified lifeguard! After successful completion, the American Red Cross will issue certificates in Lifeguarding (including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid. Bring swimsuit, towel, resuscitation mask (receive in class), and lunch each day. Required prerequisites must be successfully completed at first class. This class consists of approximately 6 hours of online learning, which must be completed before the first class meeting.
Students will receive a detailed course information email shortly after registration with important first-day details and instructions for accessing the required online learning and Lifeguarding Manual eBook.
Students should be prepared to be in and out of the water multiple times daily. Please bring athletic swimwear, which will stay in place during water activities, towel(s), sunscreen, sack lunch, water, hat, swim cap, and anything else you may need during class.
Age: Students must be 15 years old by the last day of class
Fee: $60 Resident/$300 Non-Resident
Location: Highlands Recreation Aquatic Center
Lifeguard Training Prerequisites
*Prerequisite swimming skills will be done at the beginning of the first class.*
Complete a swim-tread-swim sequence without stopping to rest:
Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl (freestyle), breaststroke, or a combination of both (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 using the front crawl (freestyle), breaststroke, or a combination of both.
While swimming, you must swim continuously, keeping your face in the water and demonstrating good breath control. While treading, you may only use your legs, your hands must be under your armpits or out of the water, and your head must remain above the surface of the water.
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 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 (swimming the distance underwater is not permitted).
Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.
Certification Requirements for Lifeguard Training Courses
To receive American Red Cross certification, participants must:
Pass all course prerequisites.
Complete the required online learning in advance of the in-person sessions.
Attend all class sessions in their entirety and participate in all class activities.
Actively participate in all course activities, including assuming various roles during skill practices, skill drills, activities, and scenarios.
Demonstrate proficiency in all skills
Pass the final written exam with a minimum grade of 80%.
Pass the three (3) final skill assessments.
Failure to meet the course prerequisites, complete any required online learning, attend all classes in their entirety, participate in course activities, demonstrate proficiency in all skills, failure of the written exam or failure of any of the final skill assessments will result in forfeiture of class fees and certification will not be granted.
Students who successfully complete the course and meet certification requirements will receive their certificate within 10 business days from the last class. Certificates will be sent to each student’s email directly from the Red Cross (no-reply@redcross.org). Please be sure to verify your email and name for your certification with the course instructors.
*Physical Contact*: The Highlands Recreation District is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all. Students should be aware that they will come into physical contact with each other during class activities. Every effort must be made to avoid physical contact that may be perceived as offensive and/or unwelcome. If you have any questions, please speak to a course instructor.
Age Range: 15-99