Lifeguard Training Facts
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How old do I have to be to get Lifeguard certified? 15 years and older on the last class date.
To become a lifeguard, do I have to have to be a perfect swimmer? No. You must however be able to swim 300 yards (12 lengths of a 25 yard pool) without stopping using front crawl or breaststroke, tread water for 2 minutes using legs only, and retrieve a 10-lb weight from 7 feet deep and swim 20 yards with the weight, using legs only and exit the water without using a ladder or steps within 1 minute 40 seconds.
In general the most difficult part of the swim test is the brick and we STRONGLY suggest that you practice with a 10-lb hand weight before you take training. Lifeguard Brick Test Video
What if I can not pass the swim test? If you are unable to pass any of the tests you may not continue with the class, however you can transfer to a future class if available.
What if I already have CPR and/or First Aid certification do I need to attend that part of the class? Yes. The Red Cross does not separate the certifications.
Can I attend one day of training in one session and another day of training in a different session? No. For the continuity of training you may not break up sessions.
Do I have to complete the online course before training? Yes. The online course is required.
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Online Course
At least one (1) day prior to the class dates participants must complete an online course which prepares you for the class. Participants must complete lessons 1- 9 (all online lessons) and complete the online exam thru the American Red Cross Learning Center. The Red Cross fee for the online training is $28 which is in addition to the training fees charged by Safe Swim. Enter Coupon Code: SAFESWIM0614 (case sensitive) for a 20% discount.
We recommend that participants complete the online course during the week before the in-class dates so the online lessons are reinforced with the in-class skill sessions. Please allow 4 to 6 hours to complete the online course.
Class Forms
Once you have register online, you must download the Class Forms and bring these forms with you to training.
Lifeguard Manual
You can download a free digital version of the Red Cross Lifeguard Manual text to study for training. Please Note: You are not required to purchase or print the manual.
What to Bring to Class
- Lifeguard Training Class Forms
- Online course completion report
- Adult and Infant CPR pocket masks or $25 to purchase a set at class (both masks are now required per Red Cross guidelines)
- Bathing suit, towel and dry clothes
- A pen or pencil and paper for notes
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Approximately 1 to 3 business days after you have successfully completed all the course requirements your certification will be available for print through the American Red Cross Learning Center.
Steps to Print your Certification
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VISITORS – Only registered participants are allowed on the pool deck or in the class rooms during training. All visitors including parents must wait in the parking lot.
REFUNDS – No refunds will be issued once course fees have been submitted. In the event that a participant is unable to pass the prerequisites or final exams the participant may transfer to a class at a later date (if available). If a participant is absent from any scheduled class days or times, the participant will not be offered a transfer or refund of any kind.
TRANSFERS – The class transfer fee is $40 and registered participants are required to notify Safe Swim at least 48 hours prior to the first class date that you are currently registered for in order to be eligible to transfer.
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Looking for a Lifeguard Job? Check out our current employment opportunities.
Interviews are available during training, please see a Safe Swim representative during training for more details.
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