Aquatics Training

The American Red Cross Lifeguarding Program is designed to equip participants with the essential skills to prevent and respond effectively to emergencies in aquatic environments. This comprehensive training covers critical areas such as water rescue techniques, surveillance methods, emergency procedures, first aid, CPR, and the proper use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Training Approach

The program combines classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and scenario-based training. This includes simulations that mimic real-world emergency scenarios to help participants build practical emergency response skills.

Enrollment Requirements

To enroll in the American Red Cross Lifeguarding Program, participants must meet the following criteria:

• Age Requirement: Be at least 15 years old by the final class date.
• Swimming Prerequisites: Swim 200 yards continuously, using forward strokes with rhythmic breathing
• Complete a timed event where you swim 20 yards, dive to retrieve a 10-pound brick from 10 feet deep, resurface, and swim 20 yards back on your back using only your legs within 1 minute and 40 seconds.
• Tread water for two minutes while your arms are under or above your head, out the water. 
• Course Engagement: Read and understand course materials, participate in written tests, and demonstrate required skills.

The comprehensive Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) course trains participants to teach water safety, swimming, and lifeguarding skills in community pools, camps, and recreational facilities.

Participants will learn to:

• Teach swimming and water safety to all skill levels.
• Understand the Red Cross swimming curriculum, including stroke mechanics and safety principles.
• Demonstrate swimming techniques, assess student skills, and provide feedback.
• Manage risks and respond to emergencies in aquatic environments.
• Lead mock classes and refine teaching methods with instructor feedback.

To enroll, participants must:

• Be at least 16 years old by the last class.
• Pass a swim test that includes 25-yard swims and various strokes.
• Hold a current First Aid/CPR/AED certification from the Red Cross or another recognized organization.

Upon completion, participants will receive a two-year certification to teach Red Cross swimming and water safety courses. This course is ideal for those who are pursuing a career in aquatics, who want to teach swimming skills, or who want to enhance their qualifications in community safety programs. For registration details, please contact us!

The Red Cross Lifeguarding Review Course helps certified lifeguards renew their credentials by refreshing skills and updating water safety and emergency response techniques.

Lifeguarding Review Course participants will:

• Refresh lifeguarding skills, including surveillance, rescues, CPR, and the use of an AED.
• Practice hands-on exercises in realistic scenarios to improve decision-making.
• Learn updated protocols, safety standards, and best practices.
• Prepare for written and practical certification renewal exams.

To enroll, participants must:

• Hold a valid Red Cross Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR, and AED certification that will expire within 30 days.
• Attend all sessions and pass required assessments.

Upon completion, participants will receive a two-year renewal for Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR, and AED. This course helps lifeguards stay certified and sharpen lifesaving skills. Reach out for registration information!

The Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor course prepares candidates to teach lifeguarding and safety courses. Skills taught in this course include shallow water lifeguarding, aquatic attraction lifeguarding, waterpark lifeguarding, CPR/AED for professional rescuers, and bloodborne-pathogen training.

To enroll, participants must:

• Be at least 17 years old by the last class.
• Hold a current Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certification or equivalent.
• Complete the online session and pre-course requirements.

This in-person instructor review course is required for recertification for all lifeguarding instructors. Participants will refine in-water skills and review Red Cross policies and procedures. Instructors may also opt for a brief “test out” session to earn a basic-level lifeguarding certification.

If you’re hosting a pool party, make safety a priority by hiring a certified lifeguard. Our trained professionals provide attentive supervision and quick emergency response so everyone can enjoy the water. Perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or any private event by the pool.

Instead of hiring a swim instructor at a crowded public pool, consider bringing one to you. Our certified instructors offer private lessons at your home pool, on your schedule.

Our lessons are available for all ages and skill levels, with one-on-one or small group options available.

The Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding course certifies participants who want to be lifeguards for lakes, rivers, and natural freshwater environments. Participants learn surveillance, emergency management, and swimmer safety in waterfront settings.