American Red Cross Lifeguard Training

Purpose:
The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification course is to teach participants the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies.  In addition, instructors teach how to care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, and injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over.

Prerequisites:
Must be at least 15 years of age on or before the last day of the course.

Able to pass the following prerequisite swim skills on the first day of class:

1. Swim 150 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing.
   • Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breast stroke or a combination of both.
   • Swimming on the back or side is NOT allowed. Goggles may be used.
2. Tread water for 2 minutes using only legs.
3. Swim another 50 yards for a total of 200 yards.
   • Starting in the water swim 20 yards. Face may be out of the water.  Goggles are not allowed.
   • Surface dive feet or head first to a depth of 7 - 10 feet and retrieve a 10-pound object.
   • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface.  Exit the water without using the ladder or steps.

Course Length:

7 hours online pre-course assignment, 19-21 Hours in-person (pool & classroom)

Thoreau Swim Members: $325 | Community Members: $375

Upcoming Courses:

November 22-24, 2024
Fri. 11/22 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM, Sat. 11/23 & Sun. 11/24 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

December 23, 26 & 27, 2024
Mon. 12/23, Thu. 12/26 & Fri. 12/27 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

December 28-30, 2024
Sat. 12/28, Sun. 12/29 & Mon. 12/30 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Register for Lifeguard Certification

American Red Cross 
Lifeguard Re-certification 

Purpose: The purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguard Recertification is to review the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies for current Lifeguards. The class reviews how to care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, and injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over.

Prerequisites:

Must be currently certified American Red Cross Lifeguard. Able to pass the following prerequisite swim skills on the first day of class:

1. Swim 150 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing.
   • Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both.
   • Swimming on the back or side is NOT allowed. Goggles may be used.
2. Tread water for 2 minutes using only legs.
3. Swim another 50 yards for a total or 200 yards.
   • Starting in the water swim 20 yards. Face may be out of the water.  Goggles are not allowed.
   • Surface dive feet or head first to a depth of 7 - 10 feet and retrieve a 10-pound object.
   • Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface.  Exit the water without using the ladder or steps.
    
   

Course length: 10 hours