Aquatics Training

The 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 care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over.

The Review Course is designed to review the lifeguarding skills and core knowledge points required to re-certify lifeguards holding a current Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certification. Please note that if the Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certificate is expired, participants must take the full Lifeguarding course (proof of a valid certification is required on the 1st day of class).

This American Red Cross Shallow Water Lifeguard class provides entry-level shallow water lifeguard participants with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies in shallow water up to 5 feet deep and to provide care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services personnel take over.

The purpose of the Waterfront Skills module is to teach lifeguards the skills and knowledge needed to prevent and respond to emergencies in open-water areas found at public parks, beaches, resorts, summer camps, and campgrounds.

Trains lifeguarding instructor candidates to teach American Red Cross Lifeguarding, Lifeguarding Blended Learning, Shallow Water Lifeguarding, Aquatic Attraction Lifeguarding, Waterpark Skills, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Bloodborne Pathogens Training. Note: To teach Waterfront Skills, Lifeguarding instructors must possess a basic-level Waterfront Skills certificate Prerequisites: Minimum age: 17 years, Possess a current Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, An equivalent certificate from another organization, Complete the Online Session for the Lifeguarding Instructor course and complete the precourse session.

This in-person Instructor review course is the required course for all Lifeguarding Instructors to re-certify. During this course, Lifeguarding Instructors and Instructor Trainers will participate in an in-water practice and polish skills session in addition to a classroom-based review of Red Cross administrative policies and procedures. Lifeguarding Instructors may also choose to attend a brief “test out” session following this course to gain a basic-level Lifeguarding certification.

The Water Safety Instructor certification course trains WSI candidates, 16 and older, to teach courses and presentations in the American Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program by developing their understanding of how to use the course materials, how to conduct training sessions and how to evaluate participants’ progress.