1. Lifeguarding

Purpose:

The primary purpose of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding course is to provide entry-level lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until the emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over.

Prerequisites:

1. Must be 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of this course.
2. Must complete all online training and have proof on online completion at the start date for the class. (Blended learning applicants only)
3. Pass the prerequisite swim test:
   1. Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Participants may swim using the front crawl (freestyle), breaststroke, or a combination of both. Swimming on the back or side is not allowed. This swim in not for time and can be completed using goggles.
   2. Participants must be able to tread water for 2 continuous minutes using only legs.
   3. Complete the timed brick event within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
      1. Starting in water participant must swim 20 yards, face can be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not permitted for this drill.
      2. Surface dive, feet or head first, retrieve a 10-pound brick.
      3. Returning to the surface with the brick participants must swim 20 yards on the back while maintaining both hands on the brick to the starting point. Once back to starting point participants must exit the water.

Certification Requirements:

1. Attend and participate in all class and skills sessions.
2. Demonstrate competency in all required skills and activities.
3. Demonstrate competency in all required final rescue skill scenarios.
4. Pass both the Section 1-CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid as well as the Section 2-Lifeguarding Skills final written exams with a minimum grade of 80 percent. (Blended learning participants will complete the CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuers and First Aid exam during the pre-course online material)

Certification Issued and Validity Period:

Certificates will be emailed within 2 weeks of the course completion and will be valid for 2 years.

Course Material:

The American Red Cross Lifeguard Manual will be provided during class but not issued.